Contemporary and Ancient Art - Essay Example

Art is such an important facet of society whose definition is not restricted to language structure. It is an expression of culture, reflecting the most ambiguous thoughts, attitudes, and feelings that have occupied the artist’s existence. Despite the passing of time, a work of art does not perish but instead surpasses the mortality of its creator. However, art is not resilient to change. Nevertheless, given the pragmatic nature of art, when it is said that the definition of art has changed over the years, the philosophical underpinnings from which art was created are the subject of modification.  As such, art made in the past may impart a meaning different from what it was originally intended for at the time of its creation. Given that art takes several forms, for the purpose of clarity, this paper would deal with fine arts, an idea believed to have been conceptualized in the 18th century (Lamarque & Olsen 44).

Over the past two hundred years, several changes have taken place in the creation of art. In Asia, which is endowed with rich culture, prehistoric art is largely symbolic in nature. But then in the next two hundred years, its art is transformed into something admirable not for its symbolic character but for the elaborate techniques used.  For instance, the ancient Japanese art of brush painting is largely influenced by “traditions, legends, and lives of Japanese people” (Renowned Artist Gallery). A renowned painter Katsushika Hokusai used free curves which were turned into spirals in an attempt to capture the desired themes. In come 19th century, as trade flourished between Asia and the West, art has become commercialized, veering away from its original purpose of reflecting cultures and symbols.

To further illustrate, Chinese works of art are characterized by an abundance of flower details and other elements of the environment with the goal of portraying the wonders of nature. However, what caught the attention of Europeans involved in the trade are the blue and white ceramics of China; hence, the increase in the creation of this craft. Because of commercialization, Chinese arts are transformed into something that would fulfill the demands of trade.

Given the abovementioned examples, it can be said that contemporary art can be distinguished from ancient art in terms of the emphasis given by modern artists to the aesthetic features rather than on the ideas (Sipe).  It is important to focus on aesthetics because this attracts trade – the symbolic meaning is not very significant. But then again, the concept of aesthetics has also evolved. Contemporary art recognizes the independence of the work from the artist. Art has become a separate entity from the experiences of its creator (Clowney).  When one appreciates art, regardless of whether it was created to impart a deeper concept, that piece was able to relate to the viewer. Perhaps, the person finds the art beautiful not necessarily because of the message it expresses but because the technical feature of the art is already appealing in itself.

At the turn of the 20th century, the concept of art has further changed to the point that aesthetics has been separated from art (Clowney). This implies that anything can be considered as art even if it does not appeal to the senses of the viewer. This is best illustrated by contemporary artists like Marcel Duchamp, who signed an ordinary porcelain urinal with his pseudonym and presented it as his art. It does not express philosophical meaning just like what traditional art is known for and it does not impart beauty either as this is just a staple feature of male restrooms. Yet Duchamp’s work amuses the viewers. It is entertaining enough to catch attention. In this present time, it is already considered art. The same goes for Bruce Nauman, who veered away from the use of canvass and other typical mediums of art. He used his body to portray a fountain. Again, it is entertaining. It carries a certain appeal that does not require in-depth thinking. What is seen is what it is.

Both Duchamp and Nauman presented the concept of a fountain but in a different manner. On a personal note, I am not particularly drawn to the work of Duchamp. While it is very intriguing because it encourages imagination, the work, being ready-made, is not impressive. While it is true that the definition of art has changed such that art is independent of its artist, art still has to have an artist. If Duchamp himself created the urinal as his means of conceptualizing a fountain, then perhaps, it would have been more impressive. Moreover, it provides an excuse for someone to be called an artist without the need to exert some effort. Art is still a product of the mind. An artist cannot just claim ownership of something not created by him. Nevertheless, giving Duchamp the benefit of the doubt, perhaps, his main contribution in this work is recognizing the potential of an ordinary plumbing fixture to become art when no one else has ever realized the possibility. In addition, this so-called art embodies modern society today, characterized by minimalism and a fast-paced lifestyle.

On the other hand, Nauman’s Self Portrait as a Fountain is indeed interesting. It is the product of the artist’s mind. Despite the contemporary notion of the separation of art from the artists, the connection between them remains apparent. What is more impressive is the fact that the artist himself becomes the art. It typifies the characteristics of contemporary art such that it does not bear a philosophical nature but instead, it draws attention to the techniques employed to execute the art. The artist’s pose is not very dramatic that, to some extent, actually lacks aesthetic value, which again is characteristic of contemporary art. Nonetheless, viewers may still find it beautiful perhaps because of the technical features and the wit that is very apparent in Nauman’s creation.