Glossary
Acrylic Paint
A fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion, known for its versatility and vibrant colors.
Example:
Jean-Michel Basquiat frequently used acrylic paint in his works, appreciating its quick drying time for his energetic style.
AutoCAD
A commercial computer-aided design (CAD) software application used by architects, engineers, and designers for 2D and 3D drafting.
Example:
Frank Gehry's complex, curvilinear designs for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao were made possible through the use of AutoCAD.
Challenging Traditional Art Forms
A characteristic of contemporary art that involves breaking away from established artistic conventions, materials, and display methods.
Example:
Artists who create ephemeral works or use unconventional materials like trash are actively challenging traditional art forms.
Contextualization
The process of understanding an artwork by examining its historical, social, political, and cultural circumstances.
Example:
To fully grasp the meaning of Guernica, one must consider its contextualization within the Spanish Civil War and Picasso's anti-war stance.
Cultural Exchange
The reciprocal sharing and influence of ideas, traditions, and artistic practices between different cultures.
Example:
The blending of traditional African textiles with Western artistic forms in works by El Anatsui showcases significant cultural exchange.
Diverse Representation
The inclusion and portrayal of individuals and groups from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives within the art world and artworks themselves.
Example:
Faith Ringgold's Dancing at the Louvre celebrates diverse representation by featuring African American women in a traditionally European art setting.
Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness of cultures, economies, and societies worldwide, leading to cross-cultural artistic influences.
Example:
The spread of artistic ideas and the inclusion of diverse artists from different continents is a direct result of globalization in the art world.
Identity (in art)
A recurring theme in contemporary art exploring personal, cultural, national, or gender identity, often through self-representation or commentary on societal roles.
Example:
Cindy Sherman's Untitled (#228) from the History Portraits series explores the construction of female identity through staged photographs.
Inclusivity in Art
The movement towards greater representation and acceptance of artists and themes from diverse backgrounds, including various nationalities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.
Example:
The increasing number of exhibitions featuring works by women and artists of color demonstrates a growing inclusivity in art.
Installation Art
An art form consisting of three-dimensional works that are often site-specific and designed to transform the perception of a space.
Example:
Christo and Jeanne-Claude's The Gates is a monumental installation art piece that temporarily altered the landscape of Central Park.
MicroStation
A prominent computer-aided design (CAD) software used for architectural and engineering design, similar to AutoCAD.
Example:
Large-scale infrastructure projects and intricate building designs often rely on software like MicroStation for precise planning.
Mixed Media
An artwork created using more than one medium or material.
Example:
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's Trade (Gifts for Trading Land with White People) incorporates mixed media like oil paint and collage elements to convey its message.
Modernization
The process of societal transformation through industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancement, impacting art production and themes.
Example:
The shift from rural to urban life and the rise of new technologies are aspects of modernization that profoundly influenced 20th-century art.
Mylar
A strong, thin polyester film often used in contemporary art for its translucent qualities or as a surface for mixed media.
Example:
Wangechi Mutu's Preying Mantra utilizes Mylar as a base, allowing for layered effects and a unique sheen.
New Media
Artistic materials and forms that emerged with technological advancements, moving beyond traditional painting and sculpture.
Example:
Artists often use new media like video projections or digital art to create immersive and interactive experiences.
Rapid Production & Accessibility
The ability to create art materials and artworks quickly and make them widely available, often due to new manufacturing techniques.
Example:
The widespread availability of synthetic paints and mass-produced objects contributed to the rapid production & accessibility of art supplies for a broader range of artists.
Sensory Experience
An artistic approach that engages multiple senses (sight, sound, touch) to create an immersive environment for the viewer.
Example:
Bill Viola's video installations often aim for a profound sensory experience, combining slow-motion visuals with evocative soundscapes.
Social Commentary
Art that critiques or reflects upon societal issues, political events, or cultural norms.
Example:
Kara Walker's Darkytown Rebellion uses silhouette figures to offer powerful social commentary on race and historical narratives.
Technological Innovation
The application of new scientific and engineering advancements to create novel artistic tools, materials, and forms.
Example:
The use of computer-aided design in architecture, like in the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, exemplifies technological innovation in art.
Video Art
An art form that uses video technology as its medium, often presented as installations or single-channel projections.
Example:
Nam June Paik, considered the father of video art, created complex installations using multiple television screens.