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Defining "Modern Art" is surprisingly simple. It is the exploring that is baffling to many people. I believe most people who do not have much formal education in art history think of anything done currently is "Modern Art." It is from this definition that I am going to work even though the correct definition of Modern Art is dated from around 1910 to 1970. After 1970, the term post-modern comes into play. For most casual art observers, however, it all blends into one big category of "anything that doesn't look traditional" is modern.

To explore art that has modern or postmodern themes is perhaps more helpful to the casual observer. The first way to really explore modern art is to take an art history class. There are excellent art history classes offered online. With all the images accessible via the internet it is very possible to get an introduction to art history that will make sense of the categories and genres that you hear talked about. If you live next to a community college, take a class there. Don't think just because it is not in a big city or you don't live next to an art museum that you can't learn about art. There are some very good people out there teaching in small colleges that you can learn from. They usually are very enthusiastic about art and finding people who are also.

There are excellent museum websites that have art history lessons designed for teachers and children that are actually excellent for anyone to view. They describe in simple terms how to look at modern art and themes to look for. The Metropolitan and the Smithsonian's websites are my favorites. I like to go through these programs online once in a while for a refreshing look at art. I know it's not the same as going to a museum, but it is less overwhelming. Some of us are visually overwhelmed quite easily, and I think for this reason modern art seems to difficult to understand. There are so many styles, materials, and images that we are tempted to give up too easily.

In the early 20th century there was an "explosion" of visual creativity and exploration that even today baffle those trying to learn about it. The artists at that time were also looked at as not just "rebels" as that is a more positive term, but "savages" and perverts. Now, of course we realize that they were tapping into their souls more than some parts of society wishes to tap. Even today there are segments of the population that would rather not go too deep. If you are one of those, you wouldn't be reading this article!

The final way you can explore is make some attempt at playing around with color and/or line yourself. Notice what comes up when you are trying to make something abstract. Something figurative always seems to show up! Shred or burn it later if you wish, if you would be mortified if anyone should see it. Doing this will help you somewhat understand a little more about trying to make abstract art that comes from within - instead of just copying the visual images in the world realistically, or traditionally.

Actually, I challenge you to try to make something totally abstract and then have your friends look at it. I guarantee you some of them will find something it looks like and it is actually difficult to make abstract art.

Learn more about this author, Brenda G. Koscelny.
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