Global Contemporary, 1980 CE to Present

Daniel Miller

8 min read

Next Topic - Materials, Processes, and Techniques in Global Contemporary Art

Listen to this study note

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers Contemporary Art (1980-Present), focusing on the impact of technology, globalization, and inclusivity. Key topics include the influence of new media and materials, architectural innovations, and analyzing paintings and sculptures as social commentaries. The guide provides an overview of significant contemporary artworks, focusing on artist intent and the use of acrylics, mixed media, and installations. It also offers practice questions and exam tips for the AP Art History exam.

#AP Art History: Unit 10 - Contemporary Art (1980-Present) 🚀

Hey there, future art historian! 🎉 You've made it to the final stretch – Unit 10, Contemporary Art! This unit is all about pushing boundaries and challenging what we think of as 'art.' Get ready to explore some seriously thought-provoking pieces. Let's dive in!

Unit 10 accounts for a significant portion of the AP exam, so buckle up! Understanding the themes, materials, and techniques of contemporary art is key to acing those FRQs and MCQs.

#🔗 Contextualization (The 'Why' Behind the Art)

#💡 Advancements in Technology

Rapid Production & Accessibility: New machines and manufacturing techniques led to cheaper and more accessible art materials. This democratized art, allowing more diverse artists to participate.
New Media: Artists ditched traditional materials like oil paint for innovative options like Mylar, video, and everyday objects.
Sensory Experience: Installations began incorporating audio and video, creating more immersive experiences for viewers.

#🌍 Globalization and Modernization

Increased Interaction: Modernization (urbanization, industrialization) and globalization (spread of cultures) led to more cross-cultural artistic inspiration.
Diverse Voices: Artists from various backgrounds started influencing each other, leading to unique and hybrid art forms.

#🫂 Growing Inclusivity in Art

Diverse Representation: The art world became more inclusive of artists from different nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
Challenging Issues: Art began to address polarizing issues like obesity, toxic masculinity, and cultural identity.

Key Concept

Contemporary art is not just about aesthetics; it's about social commentary, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. Remember this for your FRQs!

#🏛️ Architecture

Tech-Assisted Design: Programs like AutoCAD and MicroStation revolutionized architectural planning.
Lighter & Greener: New tech allowed for lighter, cheaper, and more eco-friendly structures.
Rule Breaking: Contemporary architects broke from traditional materials, shapes, and lighting.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: A prime example of contemporary architecture, showcasing innovative use of materials and form.

#🎨 Painting and Sculpture

Social Commentary: Many works critique society, like Pink Panther which comments on pop culture and stereotypes.
Acrylic Revolution: The invention of acrylic paint offered a cheaper and faster-drying alternative to oil paint.
Texture Experimentation: Artists played with texture, moving away from smooth surfaces (e.g., Androgyne III with its crinkled skin).

Pink Panther

Pink Panther: Jeff Koons' sculpture uses a glossy finish to emphasize its commercial and pop culture themes.

Memory Aid

Think TAG when you see contemporary art: Technology, Accessibility, Globalization. This will help you remember the key contextual factors.

#📝 Summary of the Works

Art	Artist (s)	Form	Date
The Gates	Christo and Jeanne-Claude	Mixed-media installation	1979–2005 C.E.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial	Maya Lin	Granite	1982 C.E.
Horn Players	Jean-Michel Basquiat	Acrylic and oil paintstick	1983 C.E.
Summer Trees	Song Su-nam	Ink on paper	1983 C.E.
Androgyne III	Magdalena Abakanowicz	Resin, burlap, wood, string and nails	1985 C.E.
A Book from the Sky	Xu Bing	Mixed-media installation	1987–1991 C.E.
Pink Panther	Jeff Koons	Glazed porcelain	1988 C.E.
Untitled (#228), from the History Portraits series,_from_the_History_Portraits_series)	Cindy Sherman	Photograph	1990 C.E.
Dancing at the Louvre, from the series The French Collection, Part I; #1	Faith Ringgold	Acrylic on canvas, fabric, and tie-dye materials	1991 C.E.
Trade (Gifts for Trading Land with White People))	Jaune Quick-to-See Smith	Oil paint and mixed media on canvas	1992 C.E.
Earth's Creation	Emily Kame Kngwarreye	Synthetic polymer paint on canvas	1994 C.E.
Rebellious Silence, from the Women of Allah series	Shirin Neshat and Cynthia Preston	Ink on photograph	1994 C.E.
En la Barberia no se Llora (No Crying Allowed in the Barbershop))	Pepon Osorio	Mixed-media installation	1994 C.E.
Pisupo Lua Afe (Corned Beef 2000))	Michel Tuffery	Mixed media	1994 C.E.
Electronic Superhighway	Nam June Paik	Mixed-media installation (video, neon, steel, and electronic components)	1995 C.E.
The Crossing	Bill Viola	Video and sound installation	1996 C.E.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao	Frank Gehry	Glass, limestone, and titanium	1997 C.E.
Pure Land	Mariko Mori	Color photograph on glass	1998 C.E.
Lying with the Wolf	Kiki Smith	Pencil and ink on paper	2001 C.E.
Darkytown Rebellion	Kara Walker	Cut paper and projection on wall	2001 C.E.
The Swing (after Fragonard))	Yinka Shonibare	Mixed-media installation	2001 C.E.
Old Man’s Cloth	El Anatsui	Copper wire and aluminum	2003 C.E.
Stadia II	Julie Mehretu	Ink and acrylic paint on canvas	2004 C.E.
Preying Mantra	Wangechi Mutu	Mixed media on Mylar (a type of polyester film)	2006 C.E.
Shibboleth	Doris Salcedo	Installation	2007-2008 C.E.
MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts	Zaha Hadid	Glass, cement, and steel	2009 C.E.
Kui Hua Zi (Sunflower Seeds))	Ai Weiwei	Sculptured and painted porcelain	2010-2011 C.E.

Quick Fact

Many contemporary works are installations, meaning they are designed to transform a space and engage the viewer in a multi-sensory experience.

#🎯 Final Exam Focus

Key Themes: Social commentary, identity, globalization, technology, and challenging traditional art forms.
Materials & Techniques: Be familiar with new media like video, installation art, and mixed media.
Artist Intent: Understand why artists chose certain materials and techniques to convey their message.

Exam Tip

When analyzing a contemporary artwork, consider its historical context, the artist's background, and the social issues it addresses. Don't just describe what you see; explain why it matters.

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Pace yourself! Don't spend too long on one question.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague descriptions. Be specific about materials, techniques, and themes.
FRQ Strategies: Plan your essays before you start writing. Use specific examples to support your claims.

Common Mistake

Don't assume that because a work looks simple, it lacks depth. Contemporary art often has layers of meaning. Always look for the underlying message!

#

Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

Which of the following best describes a key characteristic of contemporary art? (A) Strict adherence to traditional artistic techniques (B) A focus on idealized beauty and harmony (C) The incorporation of new media and technologies (D) The exclusive use of classical materials like marble and bronze
A major influence on the development of contemporary art was: (A) The rise of powerful monarchies (B) The invention of the printing press (C) Increased globalization and technological advancements (D) A return to religious themes in art
Which artwork is an example of installation art? (A) The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh (B) The Gates by Christo and Jeanne-Claude (C) David by Michelangelo (D) Water Lilies by Claude Monet

#Free Response Question

Prompt:

Analyze how contemporary artists use new materials and techniques to convey meaning in their works. Choose two artworks from the list provided and discuss how their chosen media contribute to their overall message and impact.

Scoring Breakdown:

Thesis (1 point): A clear, defensible thesis statement that addresses the prompt (e.g., "Contemporary artists utilize new materials and techniques to challenge traditional notions of art and convey complex social and cultural messages.")
Artwork 1 Analysis (3 points):
- Identification of the artwork and artist (1 point)
- Discussion of the specific materials and techniques used (1 point)
- Explanation of how these choices contribute to the artwork's meaning and impact (1 point)
Artwork 2 Analysis (3 points):
- Identification of the artwork and artist (1 point)
- Discussion of the specific materials and techniques used (1 point)
- Explanation of how these choices contribute to the artwork's meaning and impact (1 point)
Synthesis/Conclusion (1 point): A concluding statement that summarizes the main points and connects them to broader themes in contemporary art.