All visual arts dating from around 1980 fall under contemporary art. Dynamic, eclectic and diverse are words that fit in with this. Although things are no longer denounced on the basis of a shared body of thought - there is no longer any uniformly supported ideology or ism - contemporary artists certainly make statements with their work.
For example, with her apparently superficial paintings, contemporary artist db Waterman clearly wants to convey a message. The collective role of visionary, idealist or activist has disappeared into the background.
In a nutshell, art is more popular nowadays than ever. Large corporations invest in valuable corporate collections, the number of private collectors is growing rapidly and art fairs play a vital role on the world stage.
The market is growing explosively. Galleries, fairs and studios are more often the setting for social/networking events and partly because of this, art is associated with a certain lifestyle. In short, contemporary art is booming!
What is contemporary painting? In any case, we can state that in contemporary art, no unambiguous art movement can be found. At least, not similar as those in modern art (roughly from 1880 to 1970) and all periods before that.
Of course, worldwide trends, influences and developments can still be recognised, but the collective role of visionary, idealist or activist has disappeared into the background.
This does not mean that art in a popular context is less meaningful. On the contrary, it makes most contemporary painters and sculptors more accessible to the general public. Enthusiasts want to feel connected or identify with the individual, authentic creation of the artist.
db Waterman's art is a fascinating example of contemporary collage art. By incorporating found photography, acrylics, and other media, she creates works that are both visually engaging and thought-provoking. Recurring themes in db Waterman's art include social issues and the environment, prompting viewers to consider the world around them.
