Reading and learning about arts would probably provide various definitions of the term “Art styles.” However, it can be challenging to define when it comes to the contemporary world.
How’s that?
Since art entails a wide array of ideas or concepts, themes, subject matters, and technological mediums put together by different artists of diverse cultures, it may be hard to know some artists’ minds or intended message.
But, simply put, art is an expression of human creativity, imagination, and skills that help people connect, relate or develop some emotional connections with reality. Therefore, the contemporary art style is a window of creativity, where artists help audiences understand and connect with the concepts through either painting, photography, sculpture, performance, and audio or video clips.
Here are some contemporary art styles and their characteristics:
Abstract Art
Abstract art is also known as non-objective art or concrete art. It originates from the elements of the natural world presented in shapes, geometric patterns, colors, or gestural marks. However, they are detached from the regular or truest formats.
For instance, objects are represented by various shapes and marks with colors to symbolize certain emotions. This form of art seeks to replicate the object’s existence in real life by simplifying and rearranging the artist’s interpretation of reality. Abstract art is all about patterns, textures, colors, lines, and compositions based on various landscapes and figures, plus an artist’s interpretation.
Figurative Art
This is a realistic representation of real-world concerns or issues through human or animal figures. And this makes it a complete contrast of abstract art- which does not use recognizable motifs. This art style can be used together with other forms like abstract, cubist, or minimalist art in bringing concepts and ideas to reality.
Minimalist Art
This type of art uses various geometric shapes like rectangle, oval, or square to depict reality without imitation. In other words, it’s an American art where a personal or direct human expression is kept to a minimum.
The driving force behind this type of art is the belief that art is what people see when they look at a picture or drawing. It further dictates that people do not have to relate what they see with anything but the art itself- that the art should be at the forefront without having to prioritize personal expression.
Still life Art
Still life art is art depicted in inanimate objects. They are primarily artificial or natural things like fruits, food, flowers, games, and other inanimate items. In contemporary art, this type of art represents or depicts the celebration of material fulfillment or pleasures to remind the audience of the brevity of human existence or life.
Typography
Typography art style uses exiting, or any new typeface arranged text to convey the intended message. They are alphabetical letters designed to express specific techniques, brand identity, or feelings. It’s the most common contemporary art design for the print or web design field.
Surrealist Art
Surrealist art uses proactive imagery focusing on exploring peoples’ subconscious or irrational notions. Here artists experiment with using various languages or objects to pass their internalized thoughts.
Geometric Art
As the name suggests, geometric artists use different geometric shapes, angles, or lines to bring out ideas or concepts.
Pop Art
In contemporary American art, pop has become the most common artistic development, especially in commercial cultures, consumerism, and mass media. It’s a type of art where artists incorporate different brand names, logos or images of celebrities to help convey their messages.
Another typical art style is sculpture art that uses carving, casting, and modeling techniques to convey information to the public.
In conclusion
Human creativity is without limits when it comes to presenting imaginations, thoughts, or conveying a message. They could develop various quality, eye-catching, emotional, and connecting arts that represent the real world.
