The world of contemporary art is a lively mosaic of colors, shapes and stories that is constantly on the move and explores borders. In this dynamic landscape, every viewer finds something that resonates, challenges or inspired.
Artistic journey of discovery on various continents
Interested art lovers today have many more ways to approach art from different perspectives. Sculptures, canvases and Co. can be found not only in the gallery next door, but also online and even from all continents on earth.
Contemporary African art
In the Soul of Africa Gallery , for example, in the southern German bavarian mentropolis of Munich, as a gateway to the multi -layered and dynamic art landscapes of Africa , where lively colors, profound motifs and innovative techniques captivate the viewer. African artists often interweave traditional elements with modern concepts, which makes their works particularly fascinating.
In the course of the 20th century, African art often only regarded as an exotic decoration object in curiosity shops. Fortunately, this has changed over time.
In the 21st century, modern and contemporary African art has found its way into renowned art exhibitions and museums worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London, the MoMA in New York and Documenta . This makes it clear that African art has now taken an appropriate place in the international art world.
photo of juries huggins @Jurienh, via unsplash
The contemporary art scene in Africa is characterized by a lively variety of creative talents that navigate between tradition and modernity. Her works reflect on local roots and global influences that produce a fascinating mosaic of the artistic forms of expression.
With over 1.2 billion inhabitants in 59 countries and a rich cultural diversity, a standardization of this art landscape is almost impossible. From artistic collections to gallery sales and social statements - contemporary African artists use their art as a mouthpiece for social and political concerns.
The scene is characterized by its diversity, innovative strength and conceptual depth and addresses important socio -economic realities of the continent. Identity, environmental protection, corruption and xenophobia are just a few of the multi-layered topics that are taken up in various art movements such as concept art , minimalism , environmental and landscape art , hyperrealism , pop art and street art .
In recent decades, international recognition has continuously increased. The independent curator André Magnin, active since 1980, has played a significant role in researching and presenting this art outside the western mainstream.
Legendary exhibition "Les Magiciens de la Terre" in Paris
His efforts began in 1986 with the pioneering exhibition "Magiciens de la Terre" .
From May 18 to August 14, 1989, the exhibition “Magiciens de la Terre” in the Center Pompidou and in the Grande Halle de la Villette inspired both the audience and the critics from museums and art scene. At a time when contemporary art was mainly limited to Europe and North America, the curator Jean-Hubert Martin invited artists from all continents that were discovered during long-term field missions.
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
These artists represent practices that are deeply rooted in the cultures of their ancestors, resistant to postcolonialism, in the fight against totalitarianism and, above all, open to increasing globalization. They met curious people, including some western artists who were well integrated into established networks, but were looking for intercultural dialogue.
Together they created works full of unique energy and impressive effect that produced these “invisible” new artists. The pioneering initiative “Magicians of the Earth” was considered groundbreaking.
In a time of the beginning of the globalization process, the exhibition sparked controversy that struck and were fertile, inspired inspiration and caused disappointments. It shaped many future exhibitions and marked an important turning point in art history. (Source: Extract from the exhibition website of the Center Pompidou).
Through a variety of group and solo exhibitions in renowned institutions worldwide, he has made African artists accessible to a broad international audience. With “Africa Hoy” he presented his collection for the first time at a successful hiking exhibition.
Jean Pigozzo , an American entrepreneur and art lover, now holds one of the largest collections of contemporary African art curated by Magnin.
A selection of African art as well as African culture and nature inspired art from our online gallery:
The role of the auction house Sotheby's
In the past 15 years, the market for modern African art has significantly gained importance, which is also in auctions at Sotheby's against mirrors t.
At a groundbreaking auction in May 2017 at Sotheby’s, it was the first time to successfully auction contemporary and modern art from Africa. With 10 impressive works by 60 African artists, bidders set a clear signal on the global art market.
Particularly noteworthy are the record -breaking sales prices, including a fascinating sculpture of crown caps, bottle lids and copper wire by the Ghanaian artist El Anatsui , which changed hands for around 800,000 euros. Another surprise was the sculpture “Crash Willy” by the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibar , which was far above expectations with a price of 244,000 euros. Such auctions like this at Sotheby's play a crucial role in directing public interest to talented African artists.
Sotheby's recently presented us with an auction for modern and contemporary African art on March 21, 2024 in her New Bond St Galleries in London. From groundbreaking works of pioneering masters to exciting works of emerging talents, this auction shows the lively stories and diverse forms of expression of the creativity of artists from Africa. The highlights were masterpieces by Alexis Preller, Irma Stern, Nicholas Hlobo, Amoako Boafo, Ben Enwonwu, Ouattara Watts, Bodys isek Kingelez, Mohamed Melehi and Sydney Kumalo .
The unique voice of contemporary artists from Africa is now an integral part of the global art landscape and inspires art lovers worldwide with their strength and meaningfulness. African contemporary art has arrived in the global art scene.
Modern art in Europe
The jump to Europe reveals another facet of the art scene. Here, where impressionism caused its roots, artists are now experimenting with digital media and interactive installations that directly incorporate the viewer into the work of art.
In the course of the 19th century, the industrial revolution not only produced technological progress on the old continent, but also significantly influenced the art world in Europe.
New artistic styles emerged that the diversity and creativity of the era against mirrors : from idealized romance to light -creating impressionism to sensual Art Nouveau. These currents shaped an entire era and culminated in the intensive exchange between art and contemporary events.
The 20th century in Europe was characterized by political upheavals, social changes and cultural diversity. This turbulent time mirrors is also opposed to art, which increasingly loosened from traditional norms and has taken new ground. Expressionism, cubism, surrealism and abstraction were an expression of these epochal changes that turned the art scene upside down.
The innovative works of outstanding artists such as van Gogh , Picasso and Dalí embody the complexity and complexity of our modern world. With their ingenuity and artistic vision, they have not only expanded the limits of art, but also gained profound insights into the nature of humanity and their relationship with the world. The legacy of these artists still inspires new approaches and perspectives on our society and time.
Rick Steves , America's most respected expert in European trips, writes European travel guides and moderates travel shows on public television and radio. In the following video he leads us through the artistic modernity of Europe:
The following sounding names are among the most famous European artists of our time
- Banksy (Great Britain)
- Isa Genzken (Germany)
- Sean Scully (Ireland)
- Neo Rauch (Germany)
- Pierre Huyghe (France)
- Chris Ofili (Great Britain)
- Tracey Emin (Great Britain)
- Andy Goldsworthy (Great Britain)
- Antony Gormley (Great Britain)
- Rudolf Stingel (Italy)
- Sterling Ruby (Germany)
- Albert Oehlen (Germany)
- Thomas Schütte (Germany)
- Thomas Ruff (Germany)
- Hito Steyerl (Germany)
- Martin Kippenberger (Germany)
- Olafur Eliasson (Denmark)
- Luc Tuymans (Belgium)
- Marlene Dumas (Netherlands)
- Anselm Kiefer (Germany)
- Wolfgang Tillmans (Germany)
- Gerhard Richter (Germany)
- Damien Hirst (Great Britain)
- Peter Doig (Great Britain)
- ADREAS GURSKY (Germany)
With this list, the inclined reader quickly notice that the majority of the representatives from the two nations come from Great Britain and Germany.
Asian art
In Asia , with its deep roots in thousands of -old traditions, classic techniques mix with contemporary topics, which leads to a unique merger. Art here often reflects a profound examination of the balance between nature and technology.
To look at the contemporary art scene in central, East and Southeast Asia since the 1980s gives us a fascinating insight into a diverse and lively creative landscape. Despite the global bridges, which are beaten by biennals, trade fairs and museums, Asia remains a region that keeps up with traditional practices and innovative innovations.
The turbulent economic developments in recent decades have left profound traces in the artists' works and manifest themselves in an impressive variety of styles. Be it in the political pop of the 1990s in China, in Takashi Murakamis with a very commercial art or in the monumental installations of the Indian artist Subodh Gupta , which impressively transforms everyday objects.
Direct political statements and performance art emerged as important trends of the past two decades. An outstanding example of this is undoubtedly the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei , who finds recognition internationally for his committed political work.
Sun Xun is undoubtedly one of the most talented and ambitious young artists in China. His artistic expression includes a wide range of drawings to traditional ink paintings to woodcuts, which he transforms into impressive black and white animations using innovative technologies.
The artist, born in Fuxin in 1980, often devotes himself to a critical examination of Chinese history in his works. In 2006 he founded his renowned animation studio called PI, which continuously produces high -quality works. Within almost a decade, Sun Xun has successfully realized over 30 solo exhibitions, including prominent exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery in London and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
In addition, his films were impressed at over 150 international film festivals, including outstanding events such as the 8th Seoul International Film Festival and the 25th Torino Film Festival.
Overall, the contemporary art scene in Asia shows itself as dynamic, innovative and deeply rooted in its culture.
South American art scene strong in the upswing
The art scene in North and South America is characterized by their diversity and their social comment. Artists use their platform to address political and social issues, which makes their works extremely relevant and moving.
This year Adriano Pedrosa (born 1965 in Brazil) is the first Latin American curator of the Kunstbiennale of Venice for the important 60th edition. After the successful work of Cecilia Alemani, Pedrosa takes over the management and promises a fascinating connection of Latin American energy and global artistic excellence.
This historical appointment makes pedrosa not only a pioneering Latin American curator of the international art exhibition of the Biennale di Venezia, but also the first director from the southern hemisphere. The exhibition will take place from April 20 to November 24, 2024 (with an extravagance before the opening from April 17th to 19th) and promises an incomparable, exciting journey of discovery of contemporary art under the lively Banner Latin American creativity .
In Latin America , artists gain awareness worldwide, while a growing community of Latin American art collectors is being created that support artists both in the region and abroad.
Mexico City is considered the leading power of this movement and has established itself as the center of contemporary Latin American art. The annual Zonamaco art fair in the city has become an important meeting point where artists from all over Latin America can exhibit and come into contact with collectors and renowned dealers from art metropolises such as London, New York, Paris and Los Angeles.
Due to the favorable location, the pleasant climate, the excellent gastronomy and a wealth of talented artists have effortlessly attracted the attention of the global art world. It has developed into an international center that promotes dialogue and strengthens the lively and diverse landscape of contemporary Latin American art.
The Latin America art scene impresses with its lively diversity and creative power. Famous artists of the 20th century like Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera have shaped the art world. They moved significant representatives of the Paris surrealist movement like André Breton to Mexico.
In addition, artists such as Fernando Botero from Colombia, Wilfredo Lam from Cuba and Tarsila do Amaral from Brazil. The authenticity and profoundness of their works are valued worldwide and offer a fascinating perspective on their influence on western art currents.
In order to successfully navigate in the steadily growing market for contemporary art in 2024, according to The Nomad Salon , it is of great importance to discover emerging Latin American artists on the way to international recognition. Two such artists who could immediately come to mind of art connoisseurs of this market are Jose Campos (born 1986, El Salvador), also known as Studio Lenca, and Wynnie Mynerva (born 1992, Peru).
Nowadays, paintings over 100 cm of these two aspiring stars in the South American art sky exceed the 10,000 mark and are reserved for respected collectors. Nevertheless, both artists are still at an early stage of their career and offer a promising view of their future development and the increasing value of their works.
Similar to this duo, many Latin American artists show remarkable talent, although their art is still affordable (under 10,000). These price points offer demanding collectors a unique opportunity to deal with these aspiring talents before increasing their works and their value.
Another outstanding Mexican artist is Patricia Ortiz . You should also remember the following names as an art collector:
- Hiram Constantino
- Horacio Quiroz
- Rocío Sáenz
- Rocio Navarro
- Ana Blumenkron
- Andrea Villalón
- Tania Baca Alvarado
- Adriana Jaros
- Stefania Tejada
- Alexa Torre
Various styles on all continents - art can be that diverse
From abstraction to realism
The landscape of contemporary art is rich and diverse, it ranges from the impulsive freedom of abstract expressionism to the breathtaking accuracy of hyperrealism .
In abstract expressionism, emotions and thoughts find their expression in powerful brush strokes and lively color explosions, as in the works of Jackson Pollock , where the color is dripped or thrown directly onto the canvas to create a chaotic but captivating picture.
The clarity of hyperrealism
In direct contrast to this is hyperrealism , which blurs the boundaries between art and reality. Artists like Chuck Close create works that are so detailed and lifelike that they appear almost photo -realistic. This art form challenges the viewers to take a closer look at reality and to appreciate the technology and patience that flow into every work.
Pop art and the mass media
In addition to these two extremes, numerous other styles bloom that show the diverse possibilities of artistic forms of expression. From the calm beauty of minimalist works of art that focus on simplicity and purity of the form, to the pop type that celebrates and criticizes the popular culture of the mass media, as Andy Warhol did.
Ultimately, everything remains a matter of taste
The development of a personal art taste is a journey that is as individual as the viewer himself. Marcel Duchamp , a pioneer of concept art, aptly noticed:
It is the viewer who does the work of art. "
This underlines the role of personal feeling in the appreciation of art. Everyone brings their own experiences, preferences and emotions that shape the view of works of art.
The exploration of different art styles and epochs helps to discover and understand preferences what resonates. Vincent van Gogh once said:
What would life be, wouldn't we have the courage to risk something? "
These words also apply to art. Experimenting with various genres and the risk of exploring unusual pieces can lead to surprising discoveries.
The assumption that art must be expensive is a widespread error. In truth, there are numerous ways to find affordable art, be it in local galleries, on handicraft markets or via online platforms that offer prints of original works.
As Gerhard Richter put it:
Art is the highest asset, art is irreplaceable, art is everywhere. "
Sources:
- Sotheby’s : Modern & Contemporary African Art, https://www.sothebys.com/en/auction-catalogue/2024/modern-conempory-african-Art
- Artsy : Contemporary Asian Art, https://www.arttsy.net/gene/contempory-asian-art
- The Nomad Salon : 2024 Art World Prediction: The Rise of Latin American Artists In The Global Contemporary Art Scene, https://www.thenomadsalon.com/post/2024-art-world-prediction-thrise--of-latin -merican-artists-in-global-contemporary-Art scene
Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
