BellaOnline Forums Education Art Appreciation Is contemporary art headed in the right direction?

Since I am of the opinion that art is a reflection of the cultural development of a society, I would have to answer that art is going in the direction that it needs to go. Being a lover of beauty, intrinsic as well as physical, I am pleased to see a plethora of art today that epitomizes the sensitivity to and appreciation of the beauty in our culture. Likewise, I am disturbed by society's interest in art that distorts the human form in obnoxious ways or presents revolting or disgusting subject matter that is intentionally created to repulse. But since I think art exists primarily not to give pleasure to observers but to express the artist him/herself, therein lies its value. I think the so-called "less beautiful" forms of art are required to bring us to the place where we are headed: a culture that is at peace with one another and with ourselves. It makes growth, individual as well as a societal, possible.

Mine is only one of an infinite number of responses to this question. Please share yours as well!

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Contemporary art! Personally, I do not like contemporary art now and never did. I guess I like traditionals and something that shows emotion, but is not some weird rendition of something just because the artist wants to do something different as a way to express him/herself. I see much of contemporary art as, to put it bluntly, dull. Today's art I believe is other's struggle to create something new that no one has seen before. I think today's art needs to look back to that of traditional and build from there; From the color of the impressionists to the true detail of the traditionals. I loved going to the Louvre in Paris. On the other hand, I do like one artist of today, Kanuko Kraft (sp?). This artist blends, different things with traditional; with detail; with color. As for the rest of today's art. I don't like it!
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I have to agree with your preference for vivid colors and fine details. I have noticed that many artists seem to "progress" to a more muted color palette but I have always liked lots of color and intricate details fascinate me. I am familiar with Kinuko Craft. I have two of her prints in my family room!

Thanks for sharing.
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