In this article, we want to talk about Modern vs Contemporary Art . Join us . 

As you start learning about art movements and styles, it’s common to confuse modern and contemporary art. The words ‘contemporary’ and ‘modern’ are often used interchangeably to describe something on-trend or new. 

‘Modern’ is typically used to describe the present or recent times instead of the remote past, so it’s a fair assumption that modern art was created recently. In reality, that’s not the case. Modern art refers to art produced during a specific period in the past, and many famous examples of modern art are almost 200 years old. 

When we talk about art that is of the now, we are talking about contemporary art. ‘Contemporary’ is the correct term to describe art that is of the present times, typically created by living working artists.

This article will outline the key differences in style and themes between modern and contemporary art and how you can identify them.

What Is the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Art?

Modern and contemporary art are of two different time periods. Modern art refers to art created from the 1880s up to the 1970s. While modern art is more recent than the Renaissance or classical art periods, it is by no means current.

Contemporary art describes current works of art. Usually, those still living and creating artworks or those who have only very recently died or retired.

Modern art is primarily drawing or painting . However, the rapid rise in technology has drastically increased the mediums available to contemporary artists since the modernist period ended. 

Today’s contemporary artists are more experimental with their mediums. Contemporary art could be on almost any medium you can think of – video art, object design, tech-enabled artworks, graphic arts, etc.