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art now Contemporary art is disconnected from the past art does not seem to have a coherent or unified
and its context, and is influenced by the ideology of
fragmentation of the postmodern era, where
progress and the consumerist system. identity, but rather reflects the multiplicity and
different perspectives, values, and beliefs coexist
and clash. Contemporary art also incorporates
Contemporary art is a broad term that various media and techniques, such as
encompasses the artistic expressions of the photography, video, installation, performance, and
present time, from the late 20th century to the 21st digital art, that challenge the traditional boundaries
century. Contemporary art is often characterized by and definitions of art.
its diversity, experimentation, and engagement with
social and political issues. However, some critics Another argument for the disconnection of
argue that contemporary art is disconnected from contemporary art from the past and its context is
the past and its context, and is influenced by the that contemporary art is influenced by the ideology
ideology of progress and the consumerist system. of progress and the consumerist system, which
In this essay, I will examine this claim and provide value novelty, innovation, and marketability over
some counterarguments. quality, meaning, and originality. According to this
view, contemporary art is driven by the demand
One of the main arguments for the disconnection for constant change and novelty, which results in
of contemporary art from the past and its context superficial and ephemeral works that lack depth
is that contemporary art does not follow any clear and substance. Moreover, contemporary art is seen
historical or stylistic continuity, but rather breaks as a commodity that is produced and consumed
with the traditions and conventions of previous by the global art market, which determines the
art movements. For example, modern art, which value and popularity of artists and artworks
emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century, based on economic and political factors, rather
was defined by its rejection of the academic and than aesthetic or ethical criteria. Furthermore,
realistic styles of the past, and its exploration of contemporary art is accused of being elitist and
new forms of expression, such as abstraction, inaccessible, as it requires specialized knowledge
cubism, surrealism, and expressionism. Modern and interpretation to be understood, and is often
art was also influenced by the social and cultural exhibited in exclusive and expensive venues, such
changes brought by industrialization, urbanization, as galleries, museums, and biennials.
and the world wars. However, contemporary
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