Page 8 - Art Giants : World of Art (WOA) Contemporary Art Magazine

THE NEW AESTHETICS The postmodern condition, with its deconstruction of

traditional hierarchies and definitions, celebrates art’s fluid
and subjective essence. Artists like Andy Warhol, who
blurred lines between high and low culture, exemplify this
subversion. Warhol’s use of commercial imagery in works like
the iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans redefined artistic norms and
celebrated everyday life. In essence, recognizing art as the
REDEFINING VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS
creation of those who make it invites us to rethink our
perceptions, exploring the myriad ways art can be
Art’s existence as an independent entity has long been a
understood and experienced. This assertion challenges our
cornerstone in art criticism. However, embracing the notion
conventional definitions, encouraging a deeper appreciation
that art is inherently a creation of its artist opens up a
for the diverse, dynamic nature of contemporary art.
provocative discourse that challenges conventional
Furthermore, postmodern art often engages in self-
wisdom. This viewpoint shifts the focus from the artwork
referentiality and parody, using irony and pastiche to critique
itself to the artistic process and the individual behind it,
the very systems that define and validate art. This approach
fundamentally altering our understanding of what
can be seen in the works of artists like Cindy Sherman,
constitutes art. Historically, art has been perceived as a
whose photographic series “Untitled Film Stills” deconstructs
physical object or visual representation with an existence
stereotypes and conventions of female representation in
distinct from its creator. Yet, recognizing art as a creation
media. By adopting various personas and styles, Sherman
by the artist presents it as a dynamic, ever-evolving
exposes the constructed nature of identity and the fluidity of
practice. This shift redefines art as an evolving creative
meaning in art.
journey rather than a fixed entity

The idea that art exists in a state of constant flux aligns
This perspective aligns with institutional critique, a movement
with the postmodern emphasis on process over product.
questioning the power dynamics within the art world.
Art is seen not as a finished object but as an ongoing
Pioneers like Marcel Duchamp with his ready-mades, and
dialogue between the artist, the artwork, and the audience.
subsequent conceptual artists, have shown how designating
This dynamic interaction allows for multiple interpretations
something as ”art” often depends on its context within
and recontextualizations, reflecting the diverse and ever-
galleries and museums. By affirming that art is what artists
changing nature of contemporary society. The claim that
make of it, we honor the artist’s role in bestowing meaning
art as creation is a commentary on the postmodern
and value on an object, moving beyond mere institutional
condition highlights the fluid and multifaceted nature of art.
validation. Contemporary art embraces the idea that an
It challenges us to embrace the plurality of meanings and
artwork’s meaning is not fixed but shaped by viewers’
the deconstruction of traditional hierarchies, recognizing
interpretations and cultural contexts. Artists emphasize art’s
that art is an evolving practice that resists fixed definitions.
experiential and participatory nature, where the audience
By understanding art as a process of continual
co-creates the artwork’s significance. This approach
reinterpretation, we can appreciate its capacity to reflect
challenges traditional hierarchies between artist and viewer,
and engage with the complexities of the modern world.
positioning art as a collaborative endeavor.

The statement “art as creation” serves as a catalyst for
Postmodernist thought, rejecting grand narratives and
deeper inquiry into the nature of art. It invites us to question
embracing diversity, resonates with the idea that art cannot
the established norms and to explore the myriad ways in
be confined to a singular definition. Art exists in a perpetual
which art can be understood and experienced. In the
state of flux, open to reinterpretation and recontextualization.
contemporary art world, where boundaries are continually
This viewpoint encourages us to see art as a multifaceted
pushed and redefined, such a provocative assertion is not a
phenomenon shaped by diverse experiences and
denial of art’s existence but a call to expand our
perspectives of artists and viewers. Viewing art as a creation
understanding of what art can be. This perspective
also critiques institutional and commercial frameworks. It
encourages us to move beyond traditional definitions and
underscores the artist’s vision and conceptual foundations
categories that have long dominated the art world. By viewing
over market-driven values, questioning how objects are
art as a creation, we recognize the fluidity and diversity
deemed worthy of being called “art.” This perspective
inherent in artistic expression. This approach allows for a
promotes a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of art. more inclusive understanding of art, one that embraces a

8 WORLD of ART