Art: contemporary or pretentious?

Is modern art a pretentious cash grab, or does it contain genuine evocative beauty?

Modern art, occasionally depicted as overly extravagant, deviating from the traditional boundaries of older styles by critics, is an expression of the newer generation’s creativity. We find complexity in the simplicity of art, specifically art that we consider abstract, with methods like taping bananas to walls or splattering paint on canvases sharply contrasting the meticulous ways of artists from older periods. 

Today, the beauty of art is not exclusively from tedious techniques and artistic prowess, but also from the more abstract concepts like the artist’s emotions and intent. For example, an artist can use different colors to depict their mood and less positive attributes to convey a negative perspective towards something, displaying their intention and adding depth that the modern art audience cherishes. While many might consider modern art a ploy for profit because it takes less time to create than the detailed landscapes and portraits of old times, in reality, modern art is a societal shift to creativity and efficiency. Also, old styles of art with immense attention to detail still prosper in today’s society, being valued similarly to modern art; this resemblance in sentimental and economic value demonstrates that modern art is neither a cash grab nor a money laundering tactic, but rather strategically profitable and fairly valued in society. 

Critics dismiss modern art for its pretentious nature; however, during periods like the Medieval Ages and The Renaissance, art was similarly praised by the bourgeoisie and upper classes, rendering art pretentious throughout history. While both older and modern art reflect the artistic customs of the time, contemporary art uniquely expresses sympathies for issues that plague modern society, adding emotional depth and value. Modern art, similarly to older art, can be an emblem representing a part of society––a monument of an era. For example, The Colosseum preserves the memory of gladiators just as Yankee Stadium represents America's most renowned baseball franchise. Visitors to both buildings are not only fascinated by the artistic angle but also the aesthetic value of these landmarks

Modern art has ironically been condemned for its boundless opportunities for creation. Critics believe art needs to be defined with limits; however, the beauty of art comes from the infinite possibility, as its purpose is to instill emotions in the onlooker, not to follow strict guidelines. Throughout time, artists have found beauty and inspiration in nature. This admiration for wildlife is similar to the modern artist’s perception of their craft, as both have room for exploration and discovery. Ultimately, modern art is not only beloved for its monetary value but also for its intrinsic evocative worth, as it is one of the most articulate forms of expression.

Nik Rizvi