How to understand the meaning of contemporary art

If we take into account the origin of the word art ("ars" means technique or skill), it is curious to note that there is a contradiction: many artists do not express their ideas through technical skill. Despite often having such skills, they are concerned with discussing other issues and provoking other reflections.

In 1913, a moment of European avant-gardes, Marcel Duchamp proposed works called "ready-made", made from everyday objects. What he did was present these objects in a decontextualized way and without the possibility of them being used. For example: a urinal in the middle of a room, with no plumbing.

With this "provocation", Duchamp drew attention to the art produced at that time. It would no longer be a representation of reality, like a portrait. She would be reality itself.

Who decides what is a work of art

The art object does not represent something, but it is something. Even if the artist has not manufactured the elements that make up his work. Duchamp also questioned the concept of art as associated with an ideal of beauty and art criticism. The objective of the work of art, therefore, was also to promote debate about the definition and purpose of art. If there is no definition of the concept of art, who ultimately decides what is a work of art or not?

There are many factors to classify a production as a work of art: the historical context, the art market, acceptance among artists and, mainly, criticism.

Art criticism

Art, as a result of analysis and evaluation, can acquire new dimensions and forms of expression through criticism. It helps society remain aware of the values of art in the past and present. Criticism takes into account the fact that art is a product of humanity that expresses its experiences and emotions through language.

The evolution of artistic concepts, the transformation of values, are applicable to different forms: literature, theater, dance, cinema, photography, music and many others that emerge, such as web art.

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