Page 4 - The 60.Venice Biennial & MoMA issue of WOA Contemporary Art magazine

Contemporary art is a broad term that encompasses the
artistic expressions of the present time, from the late
20th century to the 21st century. It is often characterized
by its diversity, experimentation, and engagement with
social and political issues. However, some critics argue
that contemporary art is disconnected from the past and
its context, and is influenced by the ideology of progress
NAVIGATING THE TENSIONS and the consumerist system.
CONTEMPORARY ART’S One of the main arguments for the disconnection of
ENGAGEMENT WITH contemporary art from the past and its context is that
PROGRESS, CONSUMERISM, contemporary art does not follow any clear historical or
AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT stylistic continuity, but rather breaks with the traditions
and conventions of previous art movements. This is
evident in the exhibitions held at institutions like the
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and La Biennale di
Venezia, which often showcase works that use new
media and techniques, such as digital art and installation
art, and engage with social and political issues.

A CRITIQUE OF CONTEMPORARY ART:
In contrast to modern art, which was largely a reaction
to the societal changes of its time, contemporary art
seems to be more of a reflection of the individual artist’s
perspective. It is less about reacting to the world and
more about interpreting it through a personal lens. This
shift in focus has led to a greater diversity of styles,
themes, and techniques in contemporary art, but it has
also made it more difficult to define and categorize.

The influence of the ideology of progress and the
consumerist system on contemporary art cannot be
overstated. The emphasis on novelty, innovation, and
marketability often overshadows the intrinsic value of
Mataaho Collective. Takapau, 2022 Installation (polyester hi-vis tiedowns,
stainless steel buckles and j-hooks). Site specific reconfiguration Museum of the artwork, reducing it to a commodity to be bought and
New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa sold. This is particularly evident in the global art market,
60. Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte - La Biennale di Venezia, Stranieri Ovunque
– Foreigners Everywhere; 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, where the value of an artwork is often determined more
Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere by its potential for profit than by its artistic merit.
Photo by Photo by Andrea Avezzù, Jacopo Salvi, Marco Zorzanello. Matteo de Mayda
Courtesy: La Biennale di Venezia. The elitism and inaccessibility of contemporary art is another
point of contention. The complexity and abstract nature of
many contemporary artworks can make them difficult to
understand without specialized knowledge or interpretation.
This, combined with the fact that contemporary art is often
exhibited in exclusive and expensive venues, can make it
seem out of reach for the average person.
This is particularly evident in the exhibitions at MoMA
and La Biennale di Venezia, which are often accessible
only to a select audience. These exhibitions showcase
some of the most innovative and thought-provoking
contemporary art, but their exclusivity can create a
barrier between the art and the public.

4 WORLD of ART