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Contemporary Art: How to Write About It?


You can talk about contemporary art for hours, write about it, consider it, argue and zealously argue about its meaninglessness or greatness. Opinions on this matter are different, you can agree with him or not, but still, art from time immemorial will need visibility and discussion. There is always a great desire that as many audiences as possible to learn about interesting exhibitions, books, or articles.


What is contemporary art? Contemporary art is a type of artistic activity that emerged in the 20th century. This kind of art makes society think about modern problems of society. For example, global warming, pollution of the oceans and seas, or air pollution. 


Particularly attractive to artists are trends such as pop art (Andy Warhol), abstraction, expressionism (Jean-Michel Basquiat), photorealism, and others. Art can be different - beautiful, and technical, but sometimes - incomprehensible, or strange, causing mixed feelings, and be designed for its audience. There are paintings that you look at and you have pleasant feelings, everything is clear to you in shades, shapes, and techniques, and there are mysterious ones, in which there is a hidden meaning, paintings in which the artist has laid the depth of words so that a person can answer all sorts of questions himself. One of the aims of contemporary art is to express emotions in any way you like. The whole circle of a person from interest and admiration to misunderstanding and disgust. The quality of contemporary art is determined by the presence of meaning. Seeing a picture or some form, different people will understand completely different meanings in it, even emotions can accompany different ones, this is real contemporary art. Regardless of the direction in contemporary art - you need to avoid platitudes, and common phrases and reinforce your point of view. If you are trying to define and retell contemporary art, you need to look at what lies behind it, as contemporary art actively challenges its own boundaries. Focus on art. Knowing how artists work and how audiences view art will help you.


There is no one perfect rule or formula in writing about contemporary art, but you will definitely need a good vocabulary, the familiarity you get from visiting exhibitions and reading literature, as well as an unconventional eye and innovative ideas. There are some online services that can assist you in writing, but you got to read reviews before you start paying someone. For example, ask “is pay me to do your homework legit”, read some testimonials, and only after that make up your mind.


When you write a text about contemporary art for exams, and perhaps for publication in a magazine or for a speech, you need to start with a general description of the topic. Ask your teacher for suggestions for articles, books, or magazines for studying contemporary art, or seek help from the Internet for book or movie listings. But try to trust the information that is attached with examples and links to the source. Formulate the key idea and principle for your essay.


Try to express your thoughts in a variety of ways.

Draw logical conclusions based on the collected facts

Find an original point of view that will allow you to pick up examples

Read several different texts on contemporary art and take notes, and abstracts of important points in your opinion. When you have collected points and facts, you need to back up your own opinions. What do these items include? Title of the painting or sculpture, date, the title of the exhibition, historical data, statements by artists and critics.

When citing facts about the creation of an artist's work, insert links to the publisher and year and place of issue, the title of the book or literature in which this is discussed. Links are not just a commitment to the form or compliance with the text, but mean that the student has done the work made a search for information and backed it up with factual material.

Then create a plan for the future text, and write down theses on future issues.

Write down why you chose certain artists, and why certain works

Often students have a problem after collecting material for writing an essay, therefore, briefly and clearly formulate a plan, select material based on your opinion, and base your arguments on the facts that you have read.

Do not forget about the requirement for the design of the work, check the title page and the correct spelling of words, dates, and names.

To understand how to write a good essay, remember to avoid:

  • Banalities (study a lot of different literature, even one that may not seem obvious at first glance, read various articles and collections).
  • Do not take on the text without writing a plan and structure (a plan may look like a thesis and consist of one word, but it will definitely simplify and speed up your work).
  • Do not quote press releases or unverified sources (check the information several times, but rather refer to verified sources).
  • Avoid boring text (add bright details, opinions, and discussions to the essay.
  • Entanglement (try to write less about abstract details)
  • Do not write in general terms, but to the point.