Main Trends in Visual Arts Over the Last Ten Years

Those who follow me regularly will remember that in my previous post, I took a look at the various types of art buyers that you can find on the market. However, they are all influenced by the trends created from the contemporary world in which the artists live in, which in turn modifies the buyers selection of works of art. In the article below, I will briefly describe three of the trends that have been noticed over the last ten years in visual arts.

Contemporary Realism

Contemporary realism can be described as artists generating figurative works attempting to depict the world around them in a realistic and representational way. They do so by using modern techniques and themes. This movement started in the late 20th century, and it is still going strong today. In fact, it keeps growing, as contemporary artists believe that they are infused with the truth and that they are able to capture the complexity and richness of real life. One could say that it is a very perilous road to travel, for there is no such thing as absolute truths. Therefore, the most satisfactory works of art in contemporary realism are the ones that enable the viewer build his own opinion of the world – not the ones that simply state the opinion of the artist.

Minimalism

This may be one of the most interesting trends that has influenced visual art lately. Since it has been present for over sixty years already, we can assume that some solid reasons can explain it. This movement is a response to the excess and materialism of contemporary society. It aims to generate works that are essential, elemental and stripped of useless details. Its coming-out took place in the 1960s as a reaction to the highly expressive and gestural works of abstract expressionism and the pop art of the time, but we can grasp it better today, in the digital age. That is because the information overload that we all suffer from has been recognized by minimalist artists. What they offer to their public is art that is direct and connects with the viewer in a more profound way. By searching for the simplest forms, limited colors and complex narratives, they allow for an open interpretation. They invite viewers to engage with the work on a more contemplative and sensory level. In a certain way, it comes in as an opposition to contemporary realism.

Environmental Art

It may seem like environmental art represent a current theme, but it equally takes its roots from the 60s/70s eras. At that time, many artists already recognized the need to alert on the degradation of our planet and the upcoming ecological crisis. While some environmental activists try to capture the attention of the public by throwing paint on popular works of art, others use their art to try to convince the public that it is time to act (though many think it is already too overdue). Environmental art involves creating works that interact with the natural world, whether by employing natural materials, incorporating the landscape into the artwork, or transforming the environment in some way. Such art may use materials like rocks, trees, soil, water and living organisms. Other artists prefer to incorporate recycled objects to their installations, but they consistently do so in the goal of raising awareness on environmental issues.

Other trends that I should mention before closing this article are digital art, performance art, street art and political art, with the latter growing in numbers daily.

Overall, it is reasonable to say that movements in visual art over the last ten years reflect a broad range of social and cultural issues. They are intended to influence contemporary society, much more clearly and precisely than at any other point in the history of visual art, for better or for worse.

-Lavinia de Leonis