Contemporary art

The term "contemporary art" refers to artwork that was created either in the latter part of the 20th century or in the 21st century. Contemporary artists create their work in a world that is internationally influential, culturally varied, and technologically progressing. Their artwork is a dynamic blend of materials, processes, ideas, and topics that continues the testing of limits that was well under way in the 20th century. This can be seen in the way that it pushes the bounds of what is considered to be art. Contemporary art, in its whole, is characterised by the absence of a single, overarching organising principle, ideology, or "-ism," making it both diverse and eclectic. The discussion of wider contextual frameworks, such as personal and cultural identity, family, community, and country, is an integral aspect of the discourse that is taking place within contemporary art.

Non-specialists have a tendency to conflate and confuse the phrases "modern art" and "contemporary art," since the words "modern" and "contemporary" are synonyms in spoken and written English.