Contemporary art, unlike traditional art, is an active part of society as it represents and mediates social

conditions with human aspirations. According to Michelle Watts, an art educator, the following are characteristics of
contemporary art practices:
1. Changes to Accepted Tradition and Accepted Taste
- Contemporary art tries to challenge age-old practices that hinder personal growth and development. For
contemporary artists, art should not be bound by traditional approaches in the creation of art.
- Many visual artists are now expanding their expression by using mixed media from unlikely materials.
Contemporary artists are also not afraid to create art that goes against personal beliefs and public taste.
- Pawel Kuczynski, a Polish artist who tries to Interrogate the way people use and are used by social
media.

2. Understanding of a Multiplicity of Viewpoints

- Contemporary art bridges the gap of geography, ethnicity, gender, and beliefs. Contemporary artists are
conscious of the diverse, multicultural nature of today's global society. The artworks that they create are
not anymore ignorant of the complexities of history, politics, and economics.
- Artists are becoming more exposed to the interconnectedness of people and realities, and there become
put of their work.
- An installation art by Armando Mariño La Patera, it shows how capitalist and former colonial powers
derive their wealth and power from slavery.

3. Issues and Ideas about the Role of Objects in Space and Relationships between Objects
- Contemporary art works with existing objects or structures to maintain balance and harmony. Space has
become an integral part of the contemporary artist's practice. No longer are contemporary artworks
limited to museums and galleries.
- Public spaces are now considered by contemporary artists in the display and installation of their
artworks.
- The melted ice cream truck installation art by the Glue Society appropriately shows how the environment
changes objects.

4. Use of Everyday Materials

- Contemporary art transforms simple objects and brings them to life. Everyday objects such as furniture,
car parts, electronics, and kitchen appliances are being transformed by contemporary artists into beautiful
artworks.
- Recycle art has become a trend for contemporary artists. The mass array of materials from disposals
gives artists room for wild imagination.
- UK artist Kyle Bean used eggshells to create the sculpture of a hen.
- Bottles have been used to create the Wat Pa Maha Chedio Kaew temple in Thailand.

5. Employment of Contemporary Technology

- Contemporary art makes use of available technology in the process of creating an artwork. Technology
has revolutionized the way the contemporary artists produce art. The process involved in some art
productions has become less tedious. An independent filmmaker can now shoot a film using a powerful
camera phone. Musicians can now compose music using tablet computers.
- The "King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley was projected as a hologram in a performance with Celine
Dion.
 Artists in the 21st century have many means of creating art. With a multitude of available materials and with the
aid of modern technological advances, artists engage themselves in various artistic activities and endeavors. If
sculptors daring ancient times were limited with the chisel and hammer, modern sculptors use computer-guided saws
to create precise cuts on various materials. Composers now use specialized software in creating music. Writers can
now self- publish electronic books of their works. The technology of the 21st century provides endless resources in
the creation of art.
Today's contemporary artists integrate other art forms or media in their work. Visual artist may not only engage
in painting but also in 3D animation or Web design. Musicians are now heavily involved in film scoring or theatrical
sound effects. Creative writers and advancing careers in professional editing and translation work. The
contemporary artist of today is becoming more enterprising than ever.
If you want to experience art, you can now access it anywhere and anytime, as long as you have access to the
World Wide Web. The works of painters, sculptors, and architects are available online for appreciation and study.
Music and performance videos are now uploaded on video sites for personal viewing and enjoyment. Contemporary
artists and their art are now more accessible and available. You don't need to go to a museum or a concert to
experience art.
Contemporary art practices and production have changed in recent years. Contemporary artists are more adept to
changes in accepted tradition and taste. They have more understanding of a multiplicity of viewpoints. The artworks
they produce respond to issues and ideas about the role of objects in space and the relationships between objects.
They also incorporate the use of everyday materials and employ contemporary technology in their work.