We live in complex and disruptive times, and the art that’s been created since the 20th century and going into this century reflects our chaotic times. Up until the middle of the 19th century, western art had mainly been focused on traditional representational and Classical notions of artistic production. By the end of the 19th century things had changed. There was a progression towards abstract and conceptual forms of art. And then, in the 20th century and continuing into the 21st, we’ve seen the rise of Modernist and Postmodern art forms and the erosion of the distinctions between high culture and popular culture. We now live in an era of artistic pluralism, where ‘anything goes’ seems to be the motto of the day. We need to get our bearings. Let’s explore how well we know 20th and 21st century art. Test your knowledge of contemporary art with this fun quiz.
This is a representation of our consumption-oriented late capitalist culture, do you recall which artist created this image, titled “Small Torn Campbell’s Soup Can”?
Which of these is the correct definition of the term ‘surrealism’?
Can you identify the movement where "The Dance" became a central piece?
Do you know the movement associated with Grant Wood’s "American Gothic"?
Under which movement would you classify Julie Mehretu’s 2000 painting "Dispersion"?
This 20th century painting by Diego Rivera, titled "En el Arsenal,” was created as part of which movement?
"Lumumba," painted by Luc Tuymans, relies on photographic or cinematic images drawn from the media or the public sphere to connect the piece with which art contemporary art movement?
Who painted the painting mentioned in the previous question?
What movement does “The Persistence of Memory” belong to?
This artistic movement rejected artistic beauty and traditional values, and created ready-made artistic pieces.
In which style does Egon Schiele depict the woman in this 1917 painting “Reclining Woman”?
Which movement did Jackson Pollock’s 1943 painting "Guardians of the Secret” help usher in?
This 1956 painting, titled "Just What Is It That Makes Today’s Homes so Different, so Appealing?” was created as part of which movement?
One of the most famous surrealist art works is the 1929 painting “Ceci n’est pas une pipe.” Who painted this painting?
Which 20th century art movement did "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” help usher in?
This 1912 painting, regarded as a Modernist classic, depicts a woman.
"100 Years Ago" is a landscape painting created by the contemporary British painter Peter Doig. Can you recognise which art movement it belongs to?
What art movement do you think inspired George Condo to create "Orgy Composition"?
Can you name the movement connected to Ronnie Landfield’s 1971 painting “Garden of Delight”?
The abstractions created by the squares and rectangles in “Composition No. II. Composition with Blue and Red” are a key characteristic of which movement?
Known for its colouring, the 1957 painting "Untitled” was painted by the American artist Mark Rothko. He was a master of what art movement?
Which of the following descriptions of paintings matches the typical characteristics of a Surrealist painting?
Are you familiar with the artist who created the painting “Woman I”?
Which art movement were the artists Francis Picabia, Man Ray, Kurt Schwitters, Tristan Tzara, and Jean Arp associated with?
