Page 6 - TOP 10 CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS | Vol 8

the artist’s role in bringing an artwork to life. This process-
oriented view aligns with contemporary movements that
prioritize experimentation, improvisation, and collaboration. It
acknowledges that art is not static but a dynamic and evolving
ART AND CREATION practice, reflecting the artist’s ongoing engagement with their
medium and subject matter.
The concept of art as an independent entity has long been

central to art criticism. Yet, embracing the notion that Contemporary art embraces the notion that an artwork’s
art is fundamentally the creation of its artist introduces a meaning is not fixed but is shaped by viewers’ interpretations
provocative dialogue that challenges established norms. and cultural contexts. This approach challenges traditional
This viewpoint shifts focus from the artwork itself to the hierarchies between artist and viewer, positioning art as
creative process and the individual behind it, fundamentally a collaborative endeavor where the audience co-creates

transforming our understanding of what art truly is the artwork’s significance. Installations, performances, and
Traditionally, art has been viewed as a tangible object or interactive works transform passive observation into active
visual representation, existing independently of its creator. participation, creating opportunities for meaningful encounters
Recognizing art as the product of the artist, however, presents between the artwork and the audience. By emphasizing
it as a dynamic, ever-evolving practice. This shift moves away the experiential dimension of art, we recognize its value not
from considering art as a static entity and acknowledges it as a only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its ability to provoke

continuous creative journey. thought, evoke emotion, and foster connection. The assertion
Art criticism has a rich history, evolving through various that art is a creation encourages exploration of the social and
paradigms and theories. Early art criticism often focused on cultural contexts in which art is produced and received. It
aesthetic qualities and technical skills, evaluating works based prompts consideration of how identity, politics, and technology

on established canons of beauty and craftsmanship. As art influence artistic practice and shape our understanding of art.
movements diversified, so did the criteria for evaluation. The This broader perspective allows us to appreciate how art can
emergence of modernism in the late 19th and early 20th address pressing issues, challenge dominant narratives, and
centuries brought a shift towards the exploration of originality, contribute to social change.
innovation, and the breaking of traditional boundaries. With
the advent of postmodernism, art criticism expanded to Art has always been a reflection of its time, often serving as

include a broader range of perspectives. The focus shifted a commentary on contemporary society. From ancient cave
from the artwork itself to the context in which it was created paintings to modern digital art, artists have used their work
and received. This included examining the cultural, social, and to express ideas, convey messages, and provoke thought.
political influences that shape artistic practice. The notion The ability of art to transcend language and cultural barriers
that art could be separated from its creator began to be makes it a powerful tool for communication and social

questioned, leading to a more holistic understanding of the commentary. Postmodernist thought, which rejects grand
artistic process. narratives and embraces diversity, resonates with the concept
that art cannot be confined to a singular definition. Art exists
Institutional critique is a movement that questions the power in a state of perpetual flux, open to reinterpretation and
dynamics within the art world. It challenges the authority recontextualization. This viewpoint encourages seeing art as
of museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions in a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by diverse experiences

determining what is considered ”art.” By affirming that and perspectives. In the postmodern era, the boundaries
art is what artists make of it, we honor the artist’s role in between high and low art have been blurred. The distinction
bestowing meaning and value on an object, moving beyond between fine art and popular culture has become increasingly
mere institutional validation. The creative process itself ambiguous, allowing for a more inclusive and democratic
becomes a focal point of this perspective. It shifts attention approach to artistic expression. This has led to a greater

from the finished product to the act of creation, highlighting appreciation of diverse artistic practices, including those