Materials

used in
Contemporary
Art
Contemporary artists salvage
materials that can be recycled and
made into creative forms.
They can make artworks that
combine structure and wood and
interact with the wind to make
music.
They combine various found
objects to create a metaphor of
everyday human life and depict
issues of identity, journey,
migration and displacement.
Some artists combine indigenous
materials with textile and mount
these on a painted flat surface.
In outdoor sculpture, there is a
lot of use of brass welded
together and mounted on
concrete.
In indoor sculpture, wood and
glass are used.
Found objects are combined and
are covered with resin.
In architecture, there is extensive use
of glass and steel.
Color combination is either
complementary or strong contrasting,
such as orange and blue, red and
white.
In performance art, artists use variety
of props, such as rope, plastic, textile
and found objects.
Paint is also used for body art.
Technology has also redefined art in
many ways.
Examples:
-light structures and floor drawings
using colored laser beans and smoke.
- tubes hanging on the ceiling that
respond to the viewer’s movements,
sound and touch.
- a wall climbing robot holding a paint
- a pen controlled by a software
program to create certain patterns.
Questions:
1. Identify the materials used in
contemporary arts?
2. Describe how technology has
redefined art.
Activity
Technology has changed the way
art-making is done in
contemporary art. It allows artists
to ________________.
The artist has to master the use
of his/her chosen material
because _________________.
Group Activity

Make your own contemporary

art using one type of material.