Cook And Ruud

To be able to understand and appreciate contemporary art, you have to have an open mind. The foremost question in your mind should always be “Why not”? Contemporary art makes you think outside the box and see the possibilities that are around you. You are not limited by rigid standards and rules on how art should be, rather, contemporary art is free form and limitless. It is meant to provoke the consciousness and to inspire. Art should not always be motivated by beauty alone. It should also serve other purposes if it is to continue to be relevant to modern society.

Contemporary art is oftentimes viewed as not exactly art because it does not conform to the traditional belief of aesthetics. However, contemporary art do serve several function that makes it very appealing to the masses.

• Contemporary art is popular because of its thought provoking themes. For this reason, it is often considered an effective tool for social change because it stimulates the viewers to take action. It draws attention to current social, political, religious or even environmental issues and provokes strong reactions such as outrage or sadness.

• Contemporary art as applied in the entertainment industry produces relaxation and fun. It is an art form that is available for everyone to enjoy without having to go to expensive art museums and art galleries to see the exhibits. Street arts are especially fun and serves as an excellent outlet for young people to express their emotions and ideas. It also fosters awareness and responsibility by making them involved in community activities that encourage these kind of undertakings.
• Modern contemporary art is therapeutic. It is psychologically and emotionally refreshing and serves as an avenue for people to express their feelings or their creativity. The process of creating art is positively beneficial for people who are recovering from psychological or emotional trauma and is often used in Rehabilitation Medicine for patients who have been through very difficult times in their lives. Art work is a form of relaxation and the healing effects it brings to trauma patients is truly immeasurable.
• In some third world countries, contemporary art is used as a medium for expressing the artist’s discontent or as a form of protest to the existing government’s tyranny. Many contemporary artists from countries ruled by tyrants are often oppressed, labeled as subversives and even persecuted.  Activists make use of contemporary art as a form of protest to convey their revolutionary messages and ridicule or embarrass the government through their art pieces. Ironically, as the government reacts by hunting them down or imprisoning them as dissidents, their art works become more popular and more sought after.
• There is no doubt that contemporary art is highly desired for its commercial value. It is the new fad and everyone who knows how to appreciate art is aware that the price of contemporary art pieces are beginning to skyrocket and is presently considered as a very valuable commodity in the global market. As their value continues to appreciate, so does more people who are investing in them.