Ludger Schwarte

Kunstakademie Düsseldorf

Critique of Contemporary Art

22 February 2022, 17h00 (Lisbon Time — GMT+0)

Sala Mattos Romão (Room C201.J - Department of Philosophy) | School of Arts and Humanities – University of Lisbon

Abstract

Theoretical determinations of the peculiarities of contemporary art have been put forward for about 10 years. Previously, one was largely limited to mapping its individual currents, formats, media, performance venues and social shifts. Now it is becoming clear in what respects contemporary art differs from modern art and what these ruptures aim at. Contemporary art takes a critical stance towards modern art and thus pursues not only a change in artistic practice but also political goals. My lecture presents the most important characteristics of contemporary art and discusses the alternatives that have also recently been formulated to the “epoch of contemporaneity”. My lecture culminates in a plea for Future Art.