Contemporary Art covers art movements and practices from the 1960s to the present. You'll explore conceptual art, performance art, installation art, and digital media. The course examines how artists respond to social, political, and technological changes. You'll analyze works by diverse artists, understanding their cultural contexts and artistic intentions.

Is Contemporary Art hard?

Contemporary Art can be challenging because it often deals with abstract concepts and unconventional art forms. You might struggle to understand some artworks at first, especially if you're used to more traditional art. But don't worry, it's not all confusing. Once you get the hang of analyzing contemporary pieces, it becomes pretty interesting and even fun.

Tips for taking Contemporary Art in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Visit local galleries and museums to see contemporary art in person
Follow contemporary artists on social media to stay updated on their work
Practice describing and analyzing artworks, even if they seem weird at first
Watch documentaries like "The Price of Everything" or "Exit Through the Gift Shop" for insights into the contemporary art world
Keep an open mind - some art might seem strange, but try to understand the artist's intention
Participate in class discussions - sharing your thoughts helps you process the material better

Common pre-requisites for Contemporary Art

Introduction to Art History: This course covers major art movements from prehistoric times to the modern era. It gives you a solid foundation in art analysis and historical context.
Modern Art: Focusing on art from the late 19th to mid-20th century, this class introduces you to the precursors of contemporary art. You'll learn about movements like Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.

Classes similar to Contemporary Art

Performance Art: Explores the history and practice of live art performances. You'll study artists who use their bodies, time, and space as artistic mediums.
New Media Art: Focuses on art created with digital technologies. You'll learn about video art, interactive installations, and internet-based artworks.
Postmodern Art and Theory: Examines the philosophical and cultural shifts that influenced art in the late 20th century. You'll dive into concepts like appropriation, pastiche, and deconstruction.
Global Contemporary Art: Looks at contemporary art from a worldwide perspective. You'll study artists from various cultures and how globalization affects artistic practices.

Studio Art: Focuses on developing practical skills in various art mediums. Students learn techniques in painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art while exploring contemporary concepts.
Art History: Involves studying the development of visual arts throughout history. Students analyze artworks, research historical contexts, and learn about different cultures through their artistic expressions.
Visual and Critical Studies: Combines art theory with cultural studies. Students learn to critically analyze visual culture, including fine art, popular media, and everyday visual experiences.
Curatorial Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and galleries. Students learn about exhibition design, art preservation, and the business side of the art world.

What can you do with a degree in Contemporary Art?

Art Curator: Selects and organizes artworks for exhibitions in museums or galleries. Curators research artists, write exhibition catalogs, and sometimes manage collections.
Art Critic: Writes reviews and analyses of contemporary artworks and exhibitions. Critics often work for newspapers, magazines, or online publications, shaping public opinion about art.
Gallery Manager: Runs the day-to-day operations of an art gallery. They handle artist relations, organize exhibitions, and often deal with art sales and client management.
Arts Administrator: Works behind the scenes in arts organizations, managing budgets, fundraising, and coordinating events. They help keep arts institutions running smoothly.