Page 9 - Art Giants Issue of World of Art WOA Contemporary Art Magazine.

wide range of mediums, styles, and cultural contexts. It redefined artistic norms and celebrated everyday life.
challenges the notion that art must fit within predefined Recognizing art as the creation of those who make it invites
parameters and instead celebrates the innovative and us to rethink our perceptions, exploring the myriad ways art
transformative potential of artistic practice. The redefinition of can be understood and experienced.
visual representations proposes a significant shift in art
Postmodern art often engages in self-referentiality
criticism, moving from the traditional view of art as an
and parody, using irony and pastiche to critique the
independent entity to understanding art as a creation by the
systems that define and validate art. For example, Cindy
artist. This redefinition challenges conventional perceptions
Sherman's "Untitled Film Stills" deconstruct stereotypes
and highlights the importance of the artistic process and the
and conventions of female representation in media. By
individual behind the artwork. Historically, art has been seen
adopting various personas and styles, Sherman exposes the
as a static physical object or visual representation, separate
constructed nature of identity and the fluidity of meaning in
from its creator. The essay argues for recognizing art as a
art. The idea that art exists in a state of constant flux aligns
dynamic, ever-evolving practice, emphasizing the ongoing
with the postmodern emphasis on process over product.
creative journey rather than a finished product. This
Art is seen not as a finished object but as an ongoing
perspective encourages us to appreciate the artistic process
dialogue between the artist, the artwork, and the audience.
and the continual development of ideas.
This dynamic interaction allows for multiple interpretations

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 an
understanding art as a process of continual reinterpretation,
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 and
into the nature of art. It invites us to question established
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. (The Editor)
recontextualization. This viewpoint encourages us to see art
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 Martha Jungwirth, Untitled, from the series Australidelphia (Ohne Titel , aus der Serie
imagery in works like the iconic Campbell's Soup Cans Australidelphia ), 2020 Oil on paper 244 x 593 cm. Courtesy Thaddaeus Ropac gallery,
London · Paris · Salzburg · Seoul © Martha Jungwirth, Bilbao, 2024 Photo Elmar Bertsch

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