Laura Molloy discusses 21st century art and its criticism.
Art is far from dead - despite technology developments and the increasing use of AI, art and creativity are still excelling in the 21st century. According to Jean Robertson, a professor of art history at Herron School of Art and Design, “21st-century art is a burgeoning field of practice, research, and publication, making it an incredibly dynamic field of study”. It has seen a “surge of bio art in response to scientific research in the life sciences, and the critical theory known as relational aesthetics that developed in response to an increase in art that invites viewers’ participation and interaction”.
21st century art can take on many different forms. While handcrafting, sculpture, and painting still remain popular, digital art is also on the rise. There are a few key characteristics of 21st century art and the impact of globalisation is often one of them. Specifically, this refers to “the accelerating interconnectivity of human activity and information across time and space”.
According to the Blackwood Gallery, “the 21st century has brought a new way of painting to the forefront. Abstract art, pop art and other styles that have dominated the past have been pushed aside in favor of an increased focus on realism”. Blackwood also notes how “many contemporary artists have been incorporating elements of still life into their work”. Realist work may echo the conventions of the Renaissance, but its style is modern”.
Contemporary art exhibitions are also more likely to include work from emerging artists, and artists from different cultural and socio economic backgrounds.
One of the benefits of the 21st century art movement is the increased inclusivity of artists from diverse backgrounds. For example, “women are an integral part of the contemporary art movement, and they are often able to express themes and ideas that are more commonly depicted in male-driven art”. Contemporary art exhibitions are also more likely to include work from emerging artists, and artists from different cultural and socio economic backgrounds. Therefore, 21st century art has helped to make creative spaces more accessible.
However, 21st century art has come under significant criticism, particularly when it comes to forms of digital art. The incorporation of AI technology is heavily frowned upon in artistic spaces and communities.
Writer Ana F. Martín states that, “abstract art, in all its complexity and complications, allows us to stop, to think, to connect, to feel, and to understand a part of ourselves and our society. But we don’t want to think and be challenged. And that’s a problem that goes beyond art into how we confront the world.” It has been said that technology is reducing people’s ability to engage with critical thinking, which is reflected in the reluctance to engage with contemporary art.
Historically, there has always been a strong culture of elitism in artistic spaces. This has made it significantly more challenging, and in some instances impossible for those not from the conventionally expected backgrounds to have their work acknowledged, regardless of its exceptional quality, creativity and skill. This culture has also created a set of expectations of what art is and conventions it should follow. When artists break away from them, as many do in the 21st century, both the individual and their work face criticism.
Historically, there has always been a strong culture of elitism in artistic spaces.
21st century art is sometimes viewed as a less skilled movement. This view is often rooted in subjectivity over facts. The majority of art being produced this century has not been created with the use of AI technology, or in many cases, any technology at all. 21st century art is often more conceptual than traditional, making it less appealing to traditional critics. Although, this conceptual framework usually creates pieces that raise questions over the meaning of art, and its purpose as a whole.
Digital, innovative, and multimedia art is still art. Art is supposed to demonstrate creativity, originality, and to evoke something in its audience. Modern and 21st century art is still capable of doing this, even if it does not meet the expectations of previous generations.
The increase in accessibility of art the 21st century has created should never be viewed as a disadvantage. Artistic challenges still come with barriers; contacts, finance, and ethnicity will always impact one’s ability to have their work recognised, but the 21st century has paved the way for only further improvement.