Online Shop
Crypto
Art Advisory
for a private consultation
By Eden Gallery,
Posted Aug 01, 2021 ,
In Photography, Art Blog, SN, Contemporary Art
It’s easy to confuse contemporary photography and modern photography. It’s also common to ask what contemporary photography specifically refers to.
Modern and contemporary are commonly used interchangeably to describe something new or of the moment. However, when we talk about art, modern and contemporary are not the same thing.
Modern photography refers specifically to a period during the first half of the 20th century when photographic artists moved away from more traditional styles. The modernist art period came to an end in the 1960s, and photographic artworks created after this period are categorized as contemporary photographs.
Read on to learn what contemporary photography is, and how it is defined.
A Photography definition is simply the process of capturing light and images using a camera. Contemporary photographers can create photographic images using either an analog camera or a digital camera.
Contemporary in the art world refers to artworks created in the present time or very recent past. Usually, contemporary artists are usually alive and still actively working. Therefore, contemporary photography can be described as a photograph made during our lifetime.
Contemporary photography differs from an image created in a much earlier period, or even just a half-century ago during the modernist era.
Unlike many art movements that preceded it, contemporary art does not have a clearly defined period or a unifying style. The view of what is considered contemporary artwork is constantly evolving from a contemporaneous moment in time. What we call contemporary photography today may not be regarded as such in a few decade’s time.
While contemporary photography has no universal style or all-encompassing ethos, it will likely be defined in the future by its use of technology. The advancements in digital photography and editing over the past decade are far more advanced than those available to modernist photographers.
The rapid advancement in photographic technology has enabled phones and even watches to take photographs. Digital editing software has redefined the role of the contemporary photographer and opened the door to a new era of image manipulation.
What is contemporary art? Read more here.
When photography was first created, it was seen as both a threat to fine art and yet not accepted as a part of it. It has taken almost a century for photography to be fully accepted and respected as a type of contemporary fine art. For years, photography was held at arm’s length on the margins of the contemporary art world.
Photography is now a respected and integral part of contemporary art. Contemporary photography and modern photography are both widely exhibited and displayed in art museums and art galleries.
But it was not a smooth road to acceptance for many photographers. Andy Grundbeg further explores how photography finally became accepted as contemporary art in his book How Photography Became Contemporary Art.
The history of photography is still relatively short compared to other artistic mediums. There have been broadly three major movements since photography’s invention less than two centuries ago.
Photography was originally created in 1826. Early photographs were more scientific in nature, experimenting with new technology. It took some decades for artists to start creatively experimenting with photography.
The term vintage photography refers to the earliest styles of artistic photography. Vintage photography was quickly followed by the modernist movement when photography flourished between the late 1800s and 1960s. Following the modernist era was contemporary photography. There are currently no bookends to define a period for contemporary art from exactly start to finish.
While contemporary art is usually created by living, working artists, some contemporary artists may have also worked during the modernist era and fall under both categories.
Many of the best-known artists of the present day are contemporary photographers. Some of these famous living photographers include:
Many collectors enjoy modern photography and like viewing original photography. You can purchase original or one-of-a-kind contemporary photography in an online art gallery or crypto art marketplace. Explore our photography art for sale.
255x143 cm | 100x56 in
✕
Share with friends
60x80 cm | 23x31 in
198x160 cm | 77x62 in
52 cm | 20 in
140x200 cm | 55x78 in
64x42x32 cm | 25x16x12 in
175x155 cm | 68x61 in
120x180 cm | 47x70 in
41x20x17 cm | 16x7x6 in
116x89 cm | 45x35 in
Art Blog
The world of art has been revolutionized by digital technology. One such artist who has embraced this digital world is Gal Yosef. To read more click here.
Renowned for captivating sculptures and surrealist paintings, Angelo Accardi is an exclusive Eden Gallery artist. His artwork is not only visually striking but also filled with symbolic meaning and allegory. To read more click here. To read more click here.
Art Blog, SN
In honor of Butterfly Day, Eden Gallery proudly celebrates the stunning butterfly artworks that honor these delicate creatures' natural beauty and grace. To read more click here.
Pointillism, a 19th-century movement of creating images with many tiny dots, has become a massive influence in contemporary art, and artist, Eddy Maniez, has revolutionized this technique by using it in the form of sculptures. To read more click here,
The exhibition showcased Monopoly's iconic artworks, featuring beloved characters like the Monopoly Man and Richie Rich. To read more click here.
Get ready to have your mind blown on March 16th as you step into a new world of fearless art and creativity with world-renowned graffiti artist Eduardo Kobra. The Eden Gallery Dubai is proud to host this exclusive event, bringing together art enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe. Click here to see more.
The event in Aspen, Colorado, featuring Metis Atash's spellbinding and avant-garde artwork, was an absolute triumph. The event occurred in the opulent Eden Gallery Aspen, an oasis for contemporary art amidst breathtaking snow-capped mountains. Click here to see more.
Art and the heart are two interconnected concepts that have been explored throughout human history. Art has the power to move people emotionally, to touch their hearts and souls, and to create a deep sense of connection and meaning. Click here to see more.
Renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami is famous for blending many different styles in art that are typically known as contradictory such as traditional Japanese art techniques with western influences and pop culture. Click here to see more.