Art has evolved just as much throughout the past as human beings. From cave paintings to artificial intelligence, society has changed its opinion on art and how it has changed. However, the greatest growth appears in the differences between modern and older art.
The evolution of artistry is increasingly shown in the works of Pablo Picasso and Damien Hirst. Picasso paints depictions of people using intricate shapes and colors. Hirst recently published an art novel in 2013 titled “The Complete Spot Paintings”, showcasing the 1,000 spot paintings he has painted sin
ce 1986. The simplicity of art has increased throughout the time between Picasso and Hirst, but that does not mean one is better than the other.
Northwest High School teacher Julie Evers has been an art teacher for 30 years now. With her knowledge, Evers believes that after the camera was invented, art gained an “attitude” and decided to mess with it more, creating multiple perspectives in one painting. However, Evers’ interpretation of modern art focuses on the value of one’s mindset.
“Modern art today is pretty much open to interpretation, but it has become more and more abstract. It’s very subjective….it’s wide open, it’s whatever you want it to be,” said Evers.
Senior Glena Kelley is currently the Art Club president at NW. As an art lover, her thoughts on modern art are along the lines of a “love-hate” relationship
“I think modern art is good and bad. It depends, I think I prefer older versions because of how unique they are, now they are unique but they are also kind of the same, they all feel similar,” said Kelley, “Modern forms are also creative but they’re also more simple, which is nice, but I also like more intricate detail-oriented pieces.”
Junior Rachel Royer-Thompson does not like modern art at all. She believes that modern art lacks creativity and effort, instead of the former complexity and emotion held in older art.
“It’s [Modern art] just so simple, there’s no complexity to it,” said Royer-Thompson.
Ultimately, art viewers have differing opinions regarding the effort involved in modern art. Jonah Robinson’s Campus Times article, “Modern Art often lacks effort and creativity”, highlights the reality of simplistic modern art, expressing that contemporary artists do put hard work and meaning into their creations, However, to the viewer, it seems as if no exertion was involved.
‘“The problem is that the invested viewer wants to be able to see where the time, effort, technique, and creativity are in that piece of art, so it can have an effect on the viewer that is more than just, “Jeez, I guess anything can be art nowadays.” Because, via the viewer basing it off other paintings the viewer has seen before, the effort put into a familiar painting is easier to see, appreciate, or, at the very least, respect.”’ said Robinson.
Opinions vary regarding the topic of art. Whilst some despise the modern variation, others appreciate the dedication involved in making it. Regardless of whether the artist is painting something complex or something simple, the human race will forever cherish artwork.
