In the modern world – art plays an important role and has a multi-layered and dynamic concept that is difficult to reduce to one characteristic – the period in which we live, but, more importantly, it also denotes our awareness of this time, its complexities, changes and challenges. Thus, artists reveal in their paintings the current time in which they live – this can be a way of understanding, criticizing, reflecting the processes that are happening in society.
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I would like to ask the question – is contemporary art – especially paintings that have been affected in our era? It’s important to realize that “contemporary” doesn’t necessarily have to refer to works that were drawn at the current moment in time. Since contemporary painting includes works that were painted starting from the end of the 19th century and continue to raise questions about what it means to be in modernity. This type of art arises not only from the desire to reflect/depict reality, but also from the desire to comprehend it through their own boundaries and capabilities – artists turn their gaze not so much to the depicted object, but to the process of creating and perceiving the work.
Artists consider their paintings not only as an aesthetic function in your room or interior design, but also as a form of communication, in which not only images are important, but also how they interact with the audience. First of all – these can be topics that touch on current and controversial issues in society, be it political conflicts, globalization, identity and environmental disasters.
For example, let’s consider the painting by the artist Konsta Amelinn called “Markandeya Rishi” – this is a work that combines realism, symbolism and elements of surrealism and opens up topics for research that are related to mythology, spirituality and inner contemplation. The painting depicts a seated male figure in a dynamic pose with exaggerated musculature and anatomical precision – his body is both tense and graceful – this suggests control and fluidity, while the red robe around his waist contrasts with the pale tones of his skin, adding brightness to the composition. The curved decorative structure that surrounds the human figure thus displays complex loops, organic patterns and spherical elements, giving the painting an ethereal, almost mechanical feel. Moving further down the composition, one can see an arranged sequence of multi-colored stones that lie on the ground in an arc – this suggests ritual and symbolic significance; the stones seem to form a path and align with the larger cosmic structure around the human figure.
Contemporary paintings use bold color palettes and Konsta G. Amelinn has demonstrated this in his work – the dominant colors are earthy – deep browns and reds – with cool blues and pale tones that highlight the skin of the male figure and the elements of the arc that surround him. The subtle tension that emanates from the painting is created through the juxtaposition of warm and cool tones, and the next element is the direction the viewer’s gaze travels throughout the composition. The viewer is drawn to the male figure’s expression – it is serious and introspective, almost melancholic, suggesting contemplation and an inner struggle; his hunched posture, along with a sense of precision in his movements – this adds a layer of personal involvement in the task or perhaps ritual he is performing. The title of the contemporary painting “Markandeya Rishi” is a direct reference to the legendary sage from Hindu mythology who is known for his wisdom and ability to conquer death through devotion. In mythology – Markandeya is often depicted as a youthful, enlightened figure who represents eternal knowledge and the cyclical nature of life and death. The encircling arc – is a symbolism of the cyclical nature of time and the universe, and the stones simply potentially represent the stages of life, wisdom, and spiritual development of man. In conclusion, the artist’s painting – is a powerful exploration of themes such as – mythology, spirituality, the human condition, all of which fall under the genre of symbolism in “modern painting” inspired by surrealism. Meticulous attention to anatomy and form, combined with abstract symbolic elements, and through a visual and conceptual balance between life and death, it is a contemporary interpretation of an ancient story that is linked to mythology.
Contemporary art is often considered as an object of research – it questions its nature, its boundaries and its functions, makes us think about how we perceive reality. Artists in their paintings do not seek to give unambiguous answers, but rather provoke questions and make the viewer interact with the work, getting involved in the process of interpretation and searching for answers to a specific topic. Not only the final result from the artist is important, but also how and why it was painted, in other words – it is not only an image of the world, but also an attempt to comprehend it from different angles. Let’s consider the topic of “modernity” in more detail and for this we need to dig deeper into its important aspects and history.
What is Contemporary Art – Recognizable aspects of painting
Contemporary painting in art covers a very wide range of trends and techniques that will reflect the dynamic changes in society, culture, philosophy. Compared to traditional painting, modern painting is not limited in its means of expression, but actively experiments with new forms, ideas, materials – this allows artists to explore not only visual, but also social, political, psychological aspects of reality. For comparison – the differences between classical and modern are that the emphasis is on ideas and concepts, and often draw attention to current issues and force the viewer to participate in the process of interpretation and comprehension.
Below we will look at the main aspects of contemporary painting that distinguish it from classical painting:
1) Introspection and reflection – artists strive to understand how their painting interacts with the cultural and social context, and how it affects the perception of the viewer. First of all – paintings that are not only visually impressive, but also provoke reflection on the nature of art itself – its meanings and the boundaries between the author and the audience. On the other hand – the approach of “introspection and reflection” makes modern painting not just a means of expression, but also an instrument for critical understanding of the artistic process itself in the minds of viewers.
2) The idea is more important than the form – unlike classical genres, where the emphasis was on technique and realism of the image, in contemporary painting the central place is occupied by the idea. Artists use simple and even primitive forms to focus the viewer’s attention on the “meaning” and “concept” that are embedded in the work. According to the direction in art, this can be abstraction and minimalism, but what is more important is what the painting conveys – be it an emotional, philosophical and political message, and such complex and multi-layered themes as social justice, ecology, identity and internal struggle – allows you to adhere to a realistic manner of execution without the need for it. The main thing to note is that, unlike classical art, in contemporary painting – form – becomes only a tool for conveying an idea, and not an end in itself.
3) Interactivity – contemporary painting often includes elements of interaction with the viewer. Artists create works in such a way that the viewer takes an active part in their platforms – creates meaning and influences its development through their interpretations. You can’t help but wonder how this process happens? For clarity, let’s consider the example of Yves Klein’s work “Anthropometry” – the artist used the models’ bodies as living brushes – leaving imprints on the canvas, which in turn – involved the participants in the process directly in the creation of the work and raised questions about their role in the artistic act.
4) Social and political criticism – artists are increasingly turning to contemporary issues such as inequality, globalization, war, ecology and identity – this makes art an important tool for analysis and discussion. Pictures in modern painting are simply becoming a form of protest and a way to express solidarity with those whose voices often remain unheard. For clarity, let’s consider the example of Banksy’s work “Girl with a Balloon”, which at first glance seems like a simple, emotional scene, but carries a deep political subtext. The painting symbolizes the loss of hope and innocence in the context of social problems – this is like migration and the destruction of families as a result of military conflicts in the world.
5) Experiments with materials – contemporary artists actively experiment with materials, using not only traditional canvases and paints, but also new technologies such as mixed media, collages and even digital art. Experimental materials allow artists to explore and, as it may sound – find new forms of visual expression and communication. For example, instead of classic oil paints and canvases, artists turn to textures, found objects, industrial materials – this diversity allows them not only to expand the visual language of the painting, but also to deepen the conceptual aspects of their works, which offers the viewer a new experience of perception.
Contemporary art and painting in particular – is not just a multifaceted phenomenon that goes beyond traditional art, but also expands its boundaries through introspection, experiments with materials and forms, as well as active interaction with the viewer. Artists today are not limited to visual aesthetics only – their works carry deep ideas and social commentary that are touched upon in society on current issues.
Modern Contemporary Art – History
The history of modern painting begins at the end of the 19th century, when artists began to move away from the traditional canons of realism and the academic school, seeking to find new ways of expressing and perceiving reality. This period is marked by the emergence of modernism, impressionism, postimpressionism, symbolism – these trends in art that destroyed established norms and offered new – more experimental approaches to painting. But, first, let’s move on to history, we need to determine from which period can modern paintings be attributed?
Contemporary painting includes all canvases that were painted between 1970 and the present day – they are characterized by a great social orientation, namely:
1) Feminism is widely discussed
2) Racial issues
3) Life of small ethnic groups
4) Attitudes towards certain social groups
Contemporary artists use their works as a platform for expressing opinions on the above issues, creating works that are not only aesthetically impressive, but also carry a deep social subtext. Paintings become a tool for dialogue about equality, justice and identity – inviting the viewer to think about complex and sometimes painful topics – as a result, art has actively begun to reflect the reality of the world and draw attention to the important problems of our time.
Let’s move on to the question that remained unanswered – what is the history of the emergence of contemporary painting? As was said earlier, contemporary painting began to form at the end of the 19th century and has a very rich history that continues to develop to this day. Thus, the emergence of modernism and avant-garde in the early 20th century and such trends as cubism, futurism, surrealism, abstractionism began to develop. Such famous artists as Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky and Marcel Duchamp – create works that simply destroy traditional ideas about painting and offer in return new ways of perceiving the form and content of paintings. For example, as the fragmentation of space, abstraction and the use of everyday objects as art, which radically changed the view of the role of the artist and the meaning of the work itself, expanding the boundaries of visual expression.
An interesting period is the post-war period – when the Second World War ended, art changes under the influence of political and cultural events, for example, abstract expressionism appears in America, represented by Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. The expressionist movement emphasized spontaneity and the emotional power of color and gesture – artists sought to convey inner experiences, tension, reflect the chaos and uncertainty of the post-war world through abstract compositions and powerful visual images. Moving away from the dark history of the world, in the 1960s, pop art began to develop, which includes elements of mass culture and consumption, but the second direction – conceptual art invites the viewer to consider the thought behind the work, so that the painting focuses on the idea, not on the form.
In modern art, it is worth mentioning the year 1970 – the artists’ paintings were especially distinguished by restraint and asceticism – this is the time when the hyperrealism movement was born in the United States. And you immediately have a question, what does the direction of hyperrealism in the art of painting mean and how do they work with it? Paintings of artists who work in the direction of hyperrealism – their work process is inextricably linked with photography; and the images that are used to display on canvases are collected using cameras. Artists have to use many tricky techniques to display them in dynamics and for this they resort to slides, and only after all the operations – it is transferred to the canvas using a grid, and as a rule, the result is a brighter copy of the original in the photo.
At the end of the 20th century – postmodernism directly destroyed the idea of a single style or direction, adding elements to art: play, irony, eclecticism. Artists combined different techniques and approaches, and first of all they explored the boundaries between high and mass art – this played a key role in the fact that each work could contain several meanings and interpretations at once. The paintings – simply left the viewers with the need to independently search for answers to the questions posed, and sometimes the answers remain unsolved. With the beginning of the 21st century, art is becoming increasingly global and interdisciplinary – artists use digital technologies, work with issues of identity, ecology and social justice. Galleries and museums are also developing and have begun to expand beyond the physical space, first of all, they began to offer virtual exhibitions and participation in global cultural processes.
Contemporary Art Examples – Admiration from paintings
Let’s look at several paintings by contemporary artists, make a detailed analysis and see how methods and techniques can differ from classical painting, and what topics can be raised in our modern world.
The first painting on our list, which is painted with acrylic and by the artist Victor Babak, called “Mysterious butterfly” is a bright and detailed work that explores the themes of transformation, mystery and symmetry – belongs to the genre of hyperrealism with surrealist influences. The central motif of the painting – is the Butterfly, which is highly detailed, symmetrical with vibrant wings that are arranged in perfect order, suggesting balance and harmony. The use of patterns that resemble eyes on the butterfly’s wings, as if imitating the eyes of an owl, gives the butterfly a primarily protective and hypnotic quality, adding to the mystery that is mentioned in the title of the painting. The wings are painted in various colors – purple, blue, orange, brown – on a textured purple background. The combination of these cool and warm colors evokes an otherworldly feeling, which enhances the symbolic nature of the butterfly, and the background has gold accents that contrast with the earthy tones of the butterfly – this adds a touch of elegance and divine beauty.
The artist uses abstract stripes and drips in the background to add depth and create the feeling that the butterfly – is emerging from an undefined, mystical realm. If you look closely, the loose, expressive brush strokes in the background contrast with the precise and meticulous rendering of the butterfly itself – this tells us how much of a disconnect there is between the tangible and intangible. The butterfly – is often associated in art with transformation, rebirth and spiritual evolution – making it a symbol of change and renewal in life. The mysterious appearance of the butterfly represents the invisible processes of transformation – both in nature and within oneself, and the use of symmetry emphasizes the balance and duality of existence, while the eyes on the wings refer to protection and awareness. The painting “Mysterious Butterfly” – explores themes of transformation, self-knowledge and spiritual growth, and the precision of the butterfly’s depiction – contrasting with the fluid and abstract background – creates a sense of mystery, inviting the viewer to reflect on the hidden forces at play in life’s transformations. Artist Victor Babak skillfully maintains a balance between the visual part and the conceptual aspect – this has its positive moments, namely the combination of the beauty of nature with philosophical and spiritual subtexts.
The next modern oil painting by artist Leonid Ilyinsky, titled “Psychedelic Walk”, is a surreal and disturbing landscape that combines elements of symbolism and dark fantasy. The artist’s work itself is visually complex and evokes many layers of meaning through strange, albeit similar images, as if they come to us during sleep. The main subject of the composition is distorted figures resembling a doll with exaggerated heads and disturbing expressions on their faces. Some dolls seem broken and deformed, as if they are the remains of a post-apocalyptic and surreal world – these figures wander through a chaotic landscape filled with fragments, debris and ominous abstract forms. The background of the painting is as visually complex as the rest of the painting – in the background is a cityscape seemingly in flames and collapsed, the chaotic surroundings suggest destruction and decay with fragmented objects scattered throughout the space. At the top of the painting, grounded, ghostly animals and forms hover, such as a hovering feline figure, further enhancing the surreal nature of the scene. Leonid Ilyinsky’s brushwork is easily distinguishable from the rest, firstly by his meticulous detailing of the figures and loose, expressive brushstrokes on the abstract background elements, and secondly by creating a dynamic interplay between realism and abstraction. But the fragmented forms and surreal elements in the composition – create a disjointed, dream-like atmosphere, as if you were dreaming a horror movie that you will begin to remember over and over again.
The title of the contemporary painting “Psychedelic Walk” subtly alludes to the depiction of an altered and hallucinatory experience that explores the subconscious – the disturbing dolls may represent fractured personalities and childhood memories, tainted by trauma, decay and external conflict. Their deformed and broken state refers to the disintegration of innocence and the fragmentation of reality itself, which consists of a multitude of psychological issues – the chaotic, dystopian landscape may reflect societal collapse, internal turmoil and the unpredictable nature of the subconscious. Floating at the top of the painting, animal-like figures and abstract elements – primarily represent thoughts of fear – suggesting that the painting simply visualizes psychological imbalance or an altered state of perception of the world after an event. The presence of a single rose amidst the destruction is a symbol of hope, beauty and the fleeting life in a world that would otherwise be destroyed – a subtle detail that hints at a duality – where beauty and decay coexist and moments of hope persist even in dark circumstances. The artist’s painting – is a compelling example of contemporary surrealism – enriched with many elements of symbolism and dark fantasy – they explore the themes of decay, trauma, fragmented identity and altered reality, which evoke a nightmarish yet inspiring mystery in this composition. The main thing to consider is that the painting can evoke disturbing emotions in you and at the same time, reflect on the coexistence of distorted beauty – this makes the painting both visually intriguing and conceptually rich.
The next contemporary oil painting by artist Oleg Kateryniuk is titled “Colour Dream” – a painting evocative of a contemplative work, combining figurative elements with impressionistic techniques, evoking themes of solitude, introspection and connection with nature. The central part of the composition is a human figure and it is depicted in a reclining pose, either in a relaxed or unconscious state; such a pose of the person suggests her vulnerability. The painting uses soft, muted shades of orange, purple and blue, and the background is textured with bright, small brushstrokes reminiscent of impressionistic techniques – these colors mix to create a swirling, dreamlike and tense atmosphere, as if the figure is resting on a bed of changing flowers or leaves. The artist subtly uses light to emphasize the form of the figure – giving it weight and presence, while maintaining ephemerality; the shadows create a contrast, grounding the figure in the landscape, but also hinting at a melancholic and introspective mood.
The title of the contemporary painting, “Colour dream”, alludes to the idea of an experience or vision that transcends ordinary reality – the reclining figure symbolizes an escape from consciousness, hinting at the transformative power of dreams. The colorful environment surrounding the figure – is a representation of the subject’s inner emotional world, full of changing thoughts, memories, sensations; and the way the figure appears immersed in the landscape – suggests a union with nature and the subconscious, evoking themes of peace and release. The dream state implied by the title, it is literally meant to allow the viewer to interpret the scene as an exploration of personal and existential themes such as identity, belonging and emotional transformation. Oleg Kateryniuk’s painting – is a thoughtful piece of work and invites us to explore the boundaries between reality and dreams – the painting’s blend of figurative art with impressionistic techniques creates a calm, introspective atmosphere.
The last modern oil painting on our list from artist Alexander Dobrodiy, titled “Tales of the Old Town”, is a richly textured and creative composition that combines elements of fantasy, surrealism and symbolism. The painting prominently features a tall Gothic-style building – more of a church or cathedral – that appears from under a foggy yet dreamlike background – the blurred and layered brushwork around the building enhances its ethereal appearance, making it look like a memory or vision from a distant past in a person’s life. The white lilies that are scattered throughout the composition primarily mean that they symbolize purity, memory and even mourning – the flowers float among a surreal background that seems to belong to both nature and the realm of dreams. A detailed pocket watch appears among the flowers – this refers to how quickly time can pass, as well as to the memory of a place or event – the presence of the watch connects the theme of memory and history, and the painting – reflects not only the architecture of the old city, but also the passage of time in it. The color palette in the painting is dominated by cool tones, such as purple, blue and white – with such shades evoking a calm, thoughtful and slightly melancholic atmosphere. If you pay attention, bold strokes of red are intertwined throughout the composition, adding energy and contrast, hinting at the unpredictability of life and passion hidden beneath the surface.
The artist – uses thick brushstrokes and layered texture in the abstract areas, which contrasts with the more precise depiction of flowers, clocks and architectural elements. As you can see, the subtle interplay of abstraction and realism gives the painting depth and visual complexity – this is a very positive thing, the viewer explores not only the tangible but also the intangible elements of the composition. The title “Tales of the Old Town” suggests that the painting seeks to capture not only the physical aspects of the place – it seeks to evoke the stories, memories and emotions associated with the old city. The architectural structure – serves as a subtle symbol of history and permanence, while the floating flowers and pocket watch – highlight the impermanence of human experience and moments in life. The modern painting by artist Alexander Dobrodiy – is a fascinating example of symbolic surrealism – simply exploring themes such as time, memory, nostalgia, and using a rich mix of realistic and abstract elements. The painting echoes the nature of time – how places and objects carry memories – and how fleeting moments can linger in our minds like stories from an old town, like “nostalgia”.
So we have analyzed each of the presented contemporary paintings and they not only demonstrate unique visual styles and artistic techniques, but also convey deep philosophical and emotional messages. This is what contemporary art is – it has many faces and each of them attracts the viewer in its own way. Through their works – the artists explore what may not be seen in classical painting – this is the transformation of reality, the subconscious, playing with symbols, textures and colors. All contemporary paintings in their own way reflect modern trends in art, where each combination of techniques leads to virtuosity and conceptual depth – this is the logical result of experiments that led to the development of art.
All examples of photographs and artists are kindly provided by the Ukrainian Vintage Co.
