Modern art can be striking, inspiring, and even moving; it can be fascinating and visually captivating, but it may also be overwhelming, confusing, and just plain weird. With more than 130 years of art history to look back on and artists continually pushing the boundaries of what art can be, choosing which modern artist or artwork is worth your time can be overwhelming.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York City is one of the most famous museums in the world, but that doesn’t mean everyone should be interested in visiting it. The MoMA, also known as the MOMA, was originally designed as a museum for modern artists. While that core mission hasn’t changed, the museum’s exhibitions have expanded to embrace other art forms as well. But contemporary art isn’t always for everyone.
Here Are Some Reasons Modern Art Isn’t for Everyone.
Modern art is much too expensive.
It is no secret that modern art is very expensive. Art galleries often sell paintings for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands. There are works for all kinds of ages, interests, and budgets. The only problem is that modern art is so expensive that many people aren’t able to afford it. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable art pieces out there that are just as beautiful.
It’s hard for people to get motivated.
Some people may not like modern art, but there’s no definitive reason. If you’re not a fan of modern abstract art, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t like art in general. People who love modern art, however, do not necessarily all care for all the styles that fall under the abstract umbrella, and even those who appreciate abstract art do not necessarily have an appreciation for every style of abstract art. Just because you love an abstract piece, however, doesn’t mean you have to see every single abstract piece that comes out or even every modern piece of art.
Art is not for everyone.
Modern art isn’t for everyone. It is too intellectual and abstract. It doesn’t appeal to everyone. It’s too challenging, and so not everyone likes modern art.
Modern art does not need an explanation.
A lot of people in the English-speaking world think that modern art is difficult to understand. They think abstract art needs to be explained. But it is not true that modern art needs explanation. The artists have already explained what modern art is. You just need to understand what the artist explained.
Modern art is overrated.
The modern art movement changed the art world, but did it also change our perception of art? Or is it just that modern art is misunderstood? Art critics and scholars have debated this question for years, and while there is no definitive answer.
Do You Think Modern Art Is Really Art?
Although it sounds like an oxymoron, modern art is, in fact, a real thing. Formal art usually has roots in the traditional craft of painting, sculpture, and architecture, but modern art has branched out into all art mediums. Modern art includes abstract paintings, collages, photography, and mixed media art.
Some say “modern art” is just a marketing term used by galleries to sell expensive art, while others insist that modern art is just art. The truth is modern art can be both of those things. If you want to understand true modern art, you need to look at the roots of the art—how it was first developed and what its creators were doing initially. Then, you can compare it to what artists are doing today.
Imagine you have a friend who is fascinated by modern art and wants to see it in person. You suggest grabbing coffee, and your friend eagerly agrees. However, after you’ve visited your friend a few times, you start to feel like modern art isn’t art at all. You wonder if your friend has simply been duped by modern art’s marketing and isn’t able to tell the difference, or if modern art really is just wrapping paper slapped on mundane objects.
If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy modern art, that’s perfectly fine — but it’s a little arrogant for you to label it as “not for everyone.” Modern art can indeed be incredibly polarizing, but that’s usually because people who don’t like modern art have not fully experienced it. It doesn’t mean that they don’t like art — they just prefer different types of art