If asked about the main characteristics of the modern world, we are more likely to name a variety of technologies that are available today to make our lives easier. From simple devices to more complex equipment, we can use different tools to simplify processes as well as delegate tasks to machines to complete them more effectively and fast.

There is hardly a sphere that has no access to helping tools; from college students to artists, everyone can get assistance from technology. Contemporary art is no exception. While a student works on a Chicano fonts essay to make their writing more attractive, an artist can use various tools to come up with an engaging work that will help them stand out from the crowd.

In this article, we will take a look at how AI has influenced contemporary art and what challenges it helps to solve as well as what issues artists have to handle in the modern world of such a technology.

The main features of contemporary art
Contemporary art refers to modern artwork, from the late 20th century to today. It combines various styles, materials, concepts, etc. to often reflect current issues like the ones in social and political lives as well as various cultural problems that bother us today. Compared to traditional art movements with defined characteristics, contemporary art is diverse and experimental. One of the main features is using new media such as digital art and various additional installations. Contemporary art engages its viewers in a deeper interpretation of the works because contemporary artists often push boundaries to address pretty severe issues like identity questions, technology, globalization, etc. Today, this movement is known as the one that serves both as a reflection of and a response to the modern world.

● Usage of up-to-date mediums. Contemporary art explores digital media and various installations as well as mixed tools to push artistic boundaries. Artists use different technological tools and unconventional materials like found objects or virtual reality to create more engaging works.

● It depicts various concepts. Compared to other directions, contemporary art often presents messages about social, political, and philosophical themes. Thanks to this option, the thought process becomes as significant as the final artwork.

● Implementation of experimental techniques. Contemporary art is well-known for its use of unconventional materials, abstract forms, new technologies, etc.; it also constantly tests different artistic limits. Modern artists redefine how to create, perceive, and understand art in the modern world.

● The global influence. Contemporary art can reflect various cultural traditions and global issues because artists worldwide share ideas and challenge dominant narratives through their works.

● Interactive and engaging features. Many contemporary artworks encourage audience participation because they invite viewers to experience, interpret, and even physically engage with the art to create personal meaning.

● It expresses current issues. Contemporary art often addresses topics like gender identity and technology; It often serves as a visual commentary on modern-day societal concerns and human experiences that helps us understand the issues from different perspectives.

● There is no fixed style or pattern. Unlike past movements, contemporary art lacks a single aesthetic or defining style, and artists can freely mix techniques, mediums, and inspirations to provide a unique work that will show their personal attitude and unique style.

● It challenges traditional arts. Contemporary artists address traditional artistic methods in different ways because they want to redefine boundaries by using unexpected materials and formats to provoke thought and challenge societal norms.

Contemporary art in the AI generation
With modern technologies, contemporary art has also undergone some changes. Today, a great variety of tools is available that has influenced the way artists present their works as well as they work on them. Let’s see how exactly AI has impacted contemporary art and understand if this impact can be considered a helpful tool or a hurdle.

New creative tools. With various AI-powered tools like DeepDream and DALL·E, we can easily create intricate visuals. Of course, one of the main advantages is the fact that these apps can speed up production of the artistic works as well as expand your possibilities.

❗ Today, you can use AI tools to experiment with styles and refine concepts before finalizing traditional artwork.

Generative art. AI can generate unique patterns based on algorithms and datasets. For humans, this could be a real challenge, especially in times of creativity block. And in such cases, AI is a great tool that can offer limitless creative possibilities beyond human capacity. It should be definitely considered that such tools can lead to the devaluing of traditional artistic skills.

❗ It is recommended to use such visuals as AI art examples for inspiration or starting points for manually-produced works.

Collaboration with artists. To develop the previous point, it should be also said that artists can use AI as a creative partner that can help them boost their artistic vision. This is a great option for developing innovation and hybrid art forms, but at the same time, AI usage provokes many questions concerning authorship.

❗ Use AI as a brainstorming tool, but don’t forget to add personal touches to maintain artistic authenticity in your works.

Interactive experiences. AI opens the opportunity for dynamic art that changes depending on viewers’ inputs. Well, this offers personalized experiences, yet some technical knowledge and complex programming skills will be needed to take all the advantages.

❗ Attend various courses and free lectures to learn the new tools and try to experiment with these installations to engage your audience in new ways.
AI art ethics. It is no secret that today, AI challenges the definition of creativity and originality. As we have already told you, AI tools spark controversy over plagiarism and authorship, and this question is currently widely discussed to understand if a work created by an artist with the help of AI can be considered original.

❗ Today, the best way to show your honesty is to offer transparency by crediting AI’s role in your creative process.

Art market disruption. Today, it is no wonder if you see AI-generated works on sale in galleries and as NFTs. Surely, this option expands accessibility and monetization options, but we should consider the risks of oversaturation of digital art and AI markets.

❗ It is better to combine AI works with manual art to maintain uniqueness and value.

New aesthetic possibilities. With AI tools, you can try fresh textures, compositions, forms, etc., which can easily move creative boundaries forward beyond human imagination. Of course, it is important to omit issues like impersonal or machine-like aesthetics that can disappoint traditional art lovers.

❗ Blend AI elements with painted details for a balanced result and better audience orientation.

If you are a contemporary artist and want to know how to use AI tools wisely in your work, we hope this article has answered your questions and now you understand all the pros and cons of AI implementation.