Contemporary Painting

Contemporary painting offers an enormous range of options for collectors and art lovers. The term "contemporary" refers to that which happens or belongs to the present moment. However, when we speak of contemporary art, it is customary to also include works created from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. In fact, the terms "contemporary painting" and "modern painting" are often interchanged.

What are we talking about when we talk about contemporary painting?

Although the official definition of the Contemporary Age covers the years between the French Revolution and the present day, in the artistic field we could encompass this period between the beginning of the 20th century and the present time. In 1910, Wassily Kandinsky paints 'Erstes abstractkes Aquarell' ('First abstract watercolor'), considered the first abstract painting in history. It may be a good time to mark the beginning of modernity in art, although previously there were artists who made works that could be described as modern, and even abstract.

Therefore, if we are looking for contemporary paintings for sale, we will usually find many works to choose from. In general, no particular style has more value than others: abstraction, expressionism, surrealism or hyperrealism, to mention only four of the most relevant, have works of very high value that have reached exorbitant prices at auctions. For this reason, one of the most important keys when buying modern art is to acquire works that we find attractive. That we like. Because collecting art is not only an investment: it is also a passion. Many of the best collectors, those who own some of the best works of art in the world, are also experts in certain styles or schools.

What types of contemporary paintings for sale can we find?

In general, modern art for sale (and art in general) can be grouped into two broad categories: original work and reproductions. Original works fetch a higher value on the market, especially if they are by well-known and sought-after artists. Reproductions can be of antique or contemporary works, but in this case we are talking about those made from the 1950s onwards. Some are pieces of enormous plastic and aesthetic value, made by accomplished artists who know how to capture like no one else the essence and talent of the great masters.

Within the original works, in the case of modern painting it is difficult to establish a chronology. Abstract paintings coexist with realistic and figurative works, depending on the trend followed by each artist. For this reason, it is normal to classify this art by schools. The 20th century has seen the development of such important schools as Fauvism, Expressionism, Dada, Surrealism, Metaphysical painting, Futurism, Cubism or Constructivism, without forgetting styles such as Art Deco, Pop, Abstract Expressionism or Hyperrealism. Throughout the decades, many of these styles have coexisted; and there have always been artists who have followed their own path without belonging to any school. This is the case, for example, of figures such as Amedeo Modigliani, Egon Schiele or Alice Neel.

Collecting modern art is a practice full of interest, as well as an excellent investment for the future. No mass-produced print can compare with a work created and signed by a talented artist: these are very special pieces, which will enhance spaces and stand out for their unique quality.