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A Prelude to the Futility of Technical Mastery in Contemporary Art
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Homa Hejazian   |
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Abstract: (9 Views) |
Art throughout history has continuously evolved, with artists of each era serving as reflectors of the culture and conditions of their time. The twentieth century, in particular, witnessed profound transformations in the concept of art and the artist’s position. During this period, with the emergence of movements such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Conceptual Art, technical skills—previously regarded as the primary criterion of artistry—ceded their place to ideation and conceptualization. The present study, conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on library resources, seeks to address the question: Has technical skill become inefficient in contemporary art, and what factors have contributed to this transformation?
Analyses reveal that from the 1970s onward, contemporary art has embarked on a new path where emphasis on ideas and concepts has supplanted manual skills. Lawrence Weiner’s 1968 declaration—“The artist may construct the piece, the piece may be fabricated, the piece need not be built”—marks a pivotal turning point in this regard. Furthermore, the influence of Descartes’ philosophy, which prioritizes mind over matter, along with the expansion of new technologies, has played a key role in shaping this approach.
The findings suggest that while the number of individuals identifying as artists has dramatically increased in the contemporary era, and diverse methods for creating artworks have emerged, this does not imply that skill has become entirely irrelevant. Rather, the definition of skill has evolved to encompass abilities such as conceptual understanding, effective audience communication, and the intelligent utilization of modern tools. Ultimately, an informed audience, through meticulous analysis of works, can distinguish between genuine artists capable of producing lasting impacts and others.
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Article number: 4 |
| Keywords: Contemporary Art, Technical Skills, Conceptual Art, Position of the Artist, Artistic Transformations |
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Full-Text [DOCX 3836 kb]
(2 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/09/20 | Accepted: 2025/11/18 | Published: 2025/11/18
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