How To Look at Contemporary Art
January 10, 2025
Exploring, Understanding, and Connecting with the Art of Our Time
In honor of our upcoming program, How to Look at Contemporary Art: Art, Film, and Meaning, featuring a discussion with PC Film’s Executive Director, Katy Wang, we’re sharing some essential insights for those new to contemporary art.
At Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah, we’re dedicated to inspiring, educating, and connecting our community through art—and that includes helping you break down barriers that might prevent you from unlocking the potential and power of art. Read on to learn what contemporary art is, why it matters, and how to understand what it’s trying to say.
What Is Contemporary Art?
Contemporary art refers to artwork created by living artists. It often reflects the world we live in today, addressing current issues, cultural shifts, and the evolving human experience. Unlike traditional art, contemporary pieces may use unconventional materials, forms, and processes, challenging the boundaries of what art can be. For example, in Kimball Art Center’s Moving Pictures exhibition, artists use film as a literal medium, encouraging new conversations and reconstructing preconceived conceptions of film’s potential.
At its core, contemporary art explores themes like identity, social structures, and the relationships between humans and the environments we occupy. Artists may use their work to ask questions, spark conversations, or inspire change. Our exhibitions strive to celebrate this diversity and complexity, offering our community access to art that inspires curiosity and connection.
Why Is Contemporary Art Important?
Art has the power to spark change. Contemporary art, in particular, pushes boundaries, amplifies voices, and provides a platform for dialogue about important societal issues. By engaging with this art form, viewers are invited to explore new perspectives and reflect on their own place in the world. It provokes discussion that can challenge biases.
At Kimball Art Center, we believe in the transformative power of art. Through our exhibitions and educational programs, we connect our community with the voices shaping today’s art world. By offering access to these voices, we fulfill our mission to inspire, educate, and connect—paving the way for a more informed and engaged society.
How To Look At Contemporary Art
Knowing how to look at contemporary art can help demystify the process and make art feel more accessible. Here’s a guide for how to engage with the art and unlock its deeper meaning.
1. Start with What You See
Take your time to really look at the artwork in front of you. Pay attention to:
- Details: What stands out to you? Colors, textures, shapes, and lines are all essential elements of the work.
- Materiality: Consider how the artwork was made and what materials were used. Is it paint, fabric, digital media, or a combination of techniques?
This step is about letting the piece speak to you visually before diving into any background or context. Materiality and process, elements that can be easy to dismiss when looking at a striking image or piece, are often integral to the meaning of a work.
2. Ask, “Where Does This Art Fit in the World?”
Contemporary art often reflects the complex issues shaping our diverse and rapidly changing world. Realize you’re encountering a work apart from its context. Despite its temporary home in an art museum, there’s often a deeper story to uncover relating to:
- Identity: Ask yourself how the work relates to personal or cultural narratives. Does it reference a specific group, place, or experience?
- Historical Influences: Consider what was happening in the world when the piece was created. Was the artist responding to a cultural or political moment?
- Artist’s Background: Researching the artist can uncover their motivations, influences, and other works, providing a richer understanding of the piece.
For example, at Kimball Art Center, we’ve showcased exhibitions that explore topics like personal identity, social structures, and individual responsibility—all of which invite deeper reflection on context.
3. Embrace Your Emotional Response
Art is meant to evoke emotion. As you observe a piece, take note of how it makes you feel:
- Is it calming, unsettling, joyful, or thought-provoking?
- Does it remind you of a personal memory or experience?
Your emotional response is valid, even if it’s different from others’. There’s no “right” way to feel about art.
4. Explore Multiple Interpretations
One of the most fascinating aspects of contemporary art is its openness to interpretation. Artists often pose questions rather than providing answers. Try considering:
- What might the artist be trying to say?
- Are there alternative ways to view the piece? Engaging in dialogue with others can help uncover new perspectives.
5. Learn the Basics of Artistic Techniques
Understanding the methods and media artists use can deepen your appreciation of their work. For example:
- Abstract Painting: Explore how artists use color, form, and line to convey meaning without representing reality.
- Sculpture and Installations: Pay attention to the space, materials, and physicality of the piece.
- Digital and Mixed Media: Consider how technology and nontraditional materials are used to challenge and expand the definition of art.
6. Look at Contemporary Art in Utah
The Kimball Art Center provides a fantastic gateway into contemporary art. Our exhibitions highlight the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom address pressing cultural and social issues. By visiting our galleries, attending events, or taking art classes, you can:
- See art up close and in person.
- Learn about the creative process from artists themselves.
- Connect with others who share your curiosity and passion for art.
7. Use Additional Resources to Deepen Your Knowledge
We recommend exploring platforms like The Art Assignment, which offers accessible, insightful videos about contemporary art and its broader cultural context. Pairing online learning with visits to institutions like the Kimball Art Center will round out your understanding and appreciation.
Contemporary art challenges us to think, feel, and question. By observing, researching, and engaging in dialogue, you’ll discover a world of creativity that reflects our global, ever-changing society. Visit Kimball Art Center today and explore contemporary art in Utah firsthand. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned art enthusiast, there’s always something new to discover.
