There are some people who will tell you that abstract art and contemporary art are exactly the same thing. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, their meanings do differ in several ways. Some critics and historians have grouped both forms of art into the general category of modern art. The correct classification is a matter which is debated on a regular basis.

Throughout the history of art, contemporary art has described various different movements ranging from impressionism to pop art. The term will certainly be made use of to describe many more movements in the future, also. The term contemporary describes any art work which is being produced at the present time, while the term abstract refers entirely to a specific design of painting.

The classification of abstract art is not particular to any one period and that is the essential difference. Abstract artists first took their inspiration from cubism, expressionism and surrealism. Today, more and more people are appreciating the beauty of this style of art.

Abstract art has been said to go as far back as the early 1900\’s when Picasso started to experiment with the style, but it really started to develop in America in the 1940\’s due to the works of painters like Jackson Pollock.

Contemporary art describes any art work that has been produced during the time we are presently living in. People have different opinions about exactly what contemporary means. Some people will use the term to relate to more recent times while others use it to cover as far back as a century ago.

Many people will invest a great deal of money in modern artwork without knowing enough about it. Getting to know the differences between styles and periods of art is crucial, especially when you are looking into buying new artwork. The more knowledgeable and informed you are, the more likely you will be to make a wise and worthwhile investment at the next art auction.