Page 7 - Top 10 Contemporary Artists | VoL 7
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Following Duchamp, conceptual artists in the 1960s and artist and audience but also highlights the transient and
1970s further explored these ideas. Artists like Joseph participatory nature of art. The meaning of “Cut Piece”
Kosuth and Sol LeWitt emphasized that the idea or is not fixed; it evolves with each performance and each
concept behind a work of art was more important than participant’s actions, making the artwork a living, dynamic
its physical form. Kosuth’s work “One and Three Chairs,” experience.
which juxtaposes a chair, a photograph of the chair, and a
dictionary definition of a chair, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, Marina Abramović’s performances, such as
It questions the nature of representation and the role of “The Artist is Present,” emphasize the experiential and
language in shaping our understanding of art. relational aspects of art. In this piece, Abramović sat
silently across from individual visitors, creating a powerful,
This critique extends to the commercial aspects of the art shared moment of connection. The artwork existed not in
world. The commodification of art, where artworks are the physical space but in the emotional and psychological
bought and sold as high-value objects, often overshadows exchange between Abramović and each participant. This
the creative process and the artist’s original intent. By interaction underscores the idea that art is an ephemeral
focusing on art as creation, we shift the emphasis back experience, shaped by the presence and perception of
to the artist’s vision and the conceptual underpinnings the viewer.
of their work. This perspective challenges the market-
driven approach that often prioritizes monetary value In this sense, art “exists” not as a tangible object but as
over artistic significance. an ephemeral experience or a moment of connection.
This view aligns with the broader trends in contemporary
Viewing art as creation rather than a standalone entity art that prioritize process over product and engagement
invites a deeper examination of the systems that define over objectification. It suggests that the true essence of
and validate art. It encourages us to appreciate the artist’s art lies in its ability to evoke emotions, provoke thought,
role in imbuing objects with meaning and to question and foster connections among people.
the institutional and commercial forces that shape our
perceptions of art. This approach not only honors the Furthermore, this perspective on art as a fluid and
creative process but also fosters a more inclusive and subjective experience resonates with the postmodernist
dynamic understanding of what art can be. rejection of absolute truths and singular narratives.
Postmodernism celebrates diversity and multiplicity,
Moreover, the concept of art as creation can be seen as a recognizing that each individual’s interpretation of an
reflection on the subjective nature of art. Contemporary artwork is valid and valuable. This approach democratizes
art often embraces the idea that art is not a fixed entity art, making it accessible and meaningful to a broader
but a fluid concept shaped by individual perception audience.
and cultural context. This perspective challenges the Viewing art as a creation that is inherently subjective
traditional view of art as a static object with inherent and fluid challenges us to rethink our understanding of
meaning, suggesting instead that art’s significance is art. It emphasizes the importance of the viewer’s role in
continually redefined through the interactions between co-creating the meaning of an artwork and highlights the
the artwork, the artist, and the audience. transient, experiential nature of art. By embracing this
perspective, we can appreciate the richness and diversity
The works of artists like Yoko Ono and Marina Abramović of contemporary art and its capacity to connect us in
exemplify this approach. Yoko Ono’s “Cut Piece,” for profound and unexpected ways.
instance, invites the audience to participate directly
in the creation of the artwork by cutting pieces of her Additionally, the claim that art as creation might be
clothing. This performance not only blurs the line between a commentary on the postmodern condition, where
