Page 9 - Art Giants : World of Art (WOA) Contemporary Art Magazine

wide range of mediums, styles, and cultural contexts. It Recognizing art as the creation of those who make it invites
challenges the notion that art must fit within predefined us to rethink our perceptions, exploring the myriad ways art
parameters and instead celebrates the innovative and can be understood and experienced.
transformative potential of artistic practice. The redefinition of
Postmodern art often engages in self-referentiality
visual representations proposes a significant shift in art
and parody, using irony and pastiche to critique the
criticism, moving from the traditional view of art as an
systems that define and validate art. For example, Cindy
independent entity to understanding art as a creation by the
Sherman's "Untitled Film Stills" deconstruct stereotypes
artist. This redefinition challenges conventional perceptions
and conventions of female representation in media. By
and highlights the importance of the artistic process and the
adopting various personas and styles, Sherman exposes the
individual behind the artwork. Historically, art has been seen
constructed nature of identity and the fluidity of meaning in
as a static physical object or visual representation, separate
art. The idea that art exists in a state of constant flux aligns
from its creator. The essay argues for recognizing art as a
with the postmodern emphasis on process over product.
dynamic, ever-evolving practice, emphasizing the ongoing
Art is seen not as a finished object but as an ongoing
creative journey rather than a finished product. This
dialogue between the artist, the artwork, and the audience.
perspective encourages us to appreciate the artistic process
This dynamic interaction allows for multiple interpretations
and the continual development of ideas.
and recontextualizations, reflecting the diverse and ever-
The essay aligns with the institutional critique movement, changing nature of contemporary society. The claim that art
which questions the power dynamics within the art world. as creation is a commentary on the postmodern condition
Pioneers like Marcel Duchamp and conceptual artists have highlights the fluid and multifaceted nature of art. It
demonstrated that the designation of something as "art" challenges us to embrace the plurality of meanings and the
often depends on its context within galleries and museums. deconstruction of traditional hierarchies, recognizing that
By affirming that art is what artists make of it, the essay art is an evolving practice that resists fixed definitions. By
honors the artist's role in bestowing meaning and value on understanding art as a process of continual reinterpretation,
an object, moving beyond mere institutional validation. we can appreciate its capacity to reflect and engage with
Contemporary art embraces the idea that an artwork's the complexities of the modern world. The statement
meaning is not fixed but shaped by viewers' interpretations "art as creation" serves as a catalyst for deeper inquiry
and cultural contexts. Artists emphasize art's experiential into the nature of art. It invites us to question established
and participatory nature, where the audience co-creates the norms and explore the myriad ways in which art can be
artwork's significance. This approach challenges traditional understood and experienced. In the contemporary art world,
hierarchies between artist and viewer, positioning art as a where boundaries are continually pushed and redefined,
collaborative endeavor. this assertion is not a denial of art's existence but a call to
expand our understanding of what art can be.
Postmodernist thought, which rejects grand narratives and
embraces diversity, resonates with the concept that art This perspective embraces art’s fluidity and diversity, moving
cannot be confined to a singular definition. Art exists in a beyond rigid definitions to celebrate its transformative
perpetual state of flux, open to reinterpretation and potential across mediums, styles, and cultures.
recontextualization. This viewpoint encourages us to see art (Petru Russu, The Editor)
as a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by diverse
experiences and perspectives of both artists and viewers.
Viewing art as a creation critiques the institutional and
commercial frameworks that define art. It underscores the
artist's vision and conceptual foundations over market-driven
values, questioning how objects are deemed worthy of being
called "art." This perspective advocates for a more inclusive
and dynamic understanding of art. The postmodern condition
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 Martha Jungwirth, Untitled, from the series Australidelphia (Ohne Titel , aus der Serie
Australidelphia ), 2020 Oil on paper 244 x 593 cm. Courtesy Thaddaeus Ropac gallery,
redefined artistic norms and celebrated everyday life. London · Paris · Salzburg · Seoul © Martha Jungwirth, Bilbao, 2024 Photo Elmar Bertsch

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