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Contemporary Art

Contemporary art is very generally defined as works which have been created since World War II. It also includes works currently being created. The term is not widely agreed upon, and has many of the same issues with its usage as have other terms in previous history.

Art Nouveau, Modern Art, and Contemporary Art all have terms in their descriptions related to newness or currentness. For that reason, there has been a large amount of confusion which has arisen in particular to the decline of each. Art Nouveau (French for "new art") fell out of style with the arrival of the Modernists. For that reason, it is more easily recognized as a thing of the past.

"Modern Art" on the other hand, arose in popularity after this, lasting generally until the late sixties and into the seventies. However, today many jokes in popular culture exist referring to current pieces as modern ones. In general, contemporary art would be a more appropriate term. At the same time, some art schools teach "Contemporary Art" as its own genre which is currently on its way out.

 

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