How to Learn About Contemporary Art | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

How to Learn About Contemporary Art

The video "How to Learn About Contemporary Art" discusses practical ways to stay informed and engaged with Contemporary Art, especially for those not living in major art centers like New York, Berlin, or Beijing. Contemporary Art is defined broadly as art being made now or in the recent past, regardless of style or medium.

Key Concepts and Advice for Learning About Contemporary Art:

• Definition of Contemporary Art: Art created currently or in the recent past, often considered post-World War II or post-modernism by museums, but generally art being made now.
• Engaging with Local Art Communities:
  • Visit local museums, art centers, art fairs, commercial galleries, and auction houses.
  • Attend local art events like First Fridays, Second Saturdays, or similar community art nights.
  • Explore art schools and university art programs that often host exhibitions and talks.
  • Don’t be intimidated by galleries or talks; staff and artists generally welcome visitors regardless of purchasing power.
• Using the Internet:
  • Research galleries, artists, and exhibitions online from around the world.
  • Sign up for email newsletters from galleries and art institutions globally.
  • Explore online resources and suggested links provided in the video description.
• Travel and Virtual Travel:
  • If possible, visit museums and galleries in other cities or countries.
  • If travel isn’t feasible, research those places online to broaden perspective.
• Reading and Research:
  • Browse art books and magazines in libraries or museum libraries.
  • Understand that many art books can be dense or boring, so it’s okay to read them in small sections or give up on some.
  • Explore art periodicals and even ads in art magazines for inspiration and new directions.
• Perspective and Attitude:
  • Living outside major art hubs can provide a valuable outsider’s perspective.
  • Avoid getting caught up in art world "scenes" that can distract from the personal reasons for engaging with art.
  • Art is a way to understand diverse ways of living, thinking, and processing life today.
• Community Engagement:
  • The creator encourages discussion in the comments about how viewers learn about art.
  • Announces an Art Assignment Book Club starting with Dave Hickey’s Air Guitar: Essays on Art and Democracy, chosen for its accessible and non-intimidating approach to art writing.

Summary of Creative/Artistic Processes or Techniques:

While the video focuses more on art engagement and learning rather than specific artistic techniques, it emphasizes:

• Exploration and openness to diverse art forms and ideas.
• Active participation in art communities, both local and global.
• Use of research, reading, and critical thinking to deepen understanding.

Resources and Recommendations:

• Suggested resources linked in the video description for further exploration.
• Dave Hickey’s Air Guitar as an approachable introduction to art criticism and thought.

Creator

• The video is part of The Art Assignment series by PBS Digital Studios.
• The host and creator of the content is Sarah Urist Green.