AHIST1401-DF8
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of the People *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1401
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by GeneralKoalaMaster442
The notion of the "death of painting" in the 1960s and 1970s was indeed a topic of debate
among art critics and scholars. During this period, many artists were exploring new mediums and
forms of expression, such as conceptual art, performance art, and installation art, which
challenged the traditional idea of painting as the dominant medium in contemporary art. This era
also saw the rise of movements like Minimalism and Pop Art, which diverted attention away
from traditional painting (Paul, n.d.).
However, it's important to note that despite these challenges and shifts in artistic preferences,
painting has not died as an art form. Instead, it has evolved and adapted to coexist with new and
emerging art forms. Several factors have contributed to the enduring significance of painting in
contemporary art (Jenkins, 2023):
1.
Diversity of Styles and Approaches
: Painting has not remained stagnant; it has evolved to
encompass a wide array of styles, techniques, and approaches. For instance, the
emergence of Neo-Expressionism in the 1980s and the continuation of abstract painting
demonstrate the adaptability of painting to changing artistic trends.
2.
Interdisciplinary Art
: Many contemporary artists blend various media, including
painting, to create hybrid forms of art. For example, the works of artists like Gerhard
Richter, who combines photography and painting, or Julian Schnabel, who incorporates
found objects into his paintings, highlight the fusion of painting with other art forms.
3.
Resurgence of Figurative Art
:
While abstraction dominated much of the mid-20th
century, figurative painting has experienced a resurgence in contemporary art. Artists like
Jenny Saville, Lucian Freud, and Kerry James Marshall have made notable contributions
to the field of figurative painting.
4.
Nostalgia and Tradition
: Some artists and audiences continue to value the history and
tradition of painting. They find comfort in the familiarity and continuity of the medium,
and this reverence for the past keeps painting alive.
5.
Collectibility
: The art market still places a high value on traditional paintings, making it a
financially viable and sustainable art form for many artists.
6.
Individual Expression
: Painting remains a medium that allows for a high degree of
individual expression, and many artists are drawn to the physical and tactile nature of
working with paint on canvas.
Specific works of art that exemplify the persistence and evolution of painting in
contemporary art include:
1.
Gerhard Richter's "Atlas"
: Richter's body of work, which includes both traditional
paintings and a massive collection of photographs and sketches, demonstrates how
painting can coexist with other media and contribute to a larger narrative.
2.
Kerry James Marshall's "Untitled" Series
:
Marshall's figurative paintings, particularly
those that engage with themes of African-American identity and culture, exemplify how
painting continues to be a powerful medium for social and political commentary.
3.
Jenny Saville's "Propped"
:
Saville's large-scale figurative paintings challenge
conventional standards of beauty and the female body, showcasing how contemporary
painters push the boundaries of the medium.
In conclusion, painting has not died as an art form in contemporary art; instead, it has
evolved, adapted, and coexists with other mediums and styles. The persistence of painting can be
attributed to its adaptability, the diversity of approaches within the medium, and its continued
relevance for artists and audiences alike.
Word Count: 530
Reference
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Jenkins, P. (2023, April 6). Why Are Paintings Important: Uncovering Their Impact on Culture
and Society.
Brilliantio
.
https://brilliantio.com/why-are-paintings-important/
Paul, A. S. (n.d.). Abstract Expressionism.
The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/abex/hd_abex.htm