The use of the words contemporary art can be defined as any style of artwork that has been produced in the present era or since the end of World War II.
The painters that endeavor to make these works use many different media and techniques.
They hope to use the artistic process and and with it their self-expression into new territory.
Thus the art in the twenty first century is being used to engage the world in ways that may be unexpected to those who see it.
In order for these artists to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves they draw upon many different sources for their inspiration.
This often includes the use of themes from their ethnic heritage, popular culture, events in the political arena, models from classical times, and intensely personal experiences.
In this way they can illustrate how they see the world around them, whether it be beautiful, ugly, or have an edge of cruelty.
So they can show the world what they have felt.
One form, of canvas, that modern art uses is the permanent marking, or tattooing, of the body.
In this way many individuals have found the opportunity to express their inner feelings, thoughts, desires, or ideas.
Others though occasionally disagree about whether or not this type of expression can truly be considered in any way artistic and therefore view those who wear it unfavorably.
But then again, making a controversial statement is in some ways one of the goals that many creative persons wish to achieve.
Another medium that is used in this modern age to express one's artistic side is photography.
The pictures captured through the lens of a camera can often be staged to suit the photographer's whim or idea of the abstract.
Other pictures are often taken when the photographer is in the right place at the right time.
Therefore allowing that person to capture a profound and moving event for posterity's sake.
Another form of expression is one that has been around for many eras, including the classical one, is the use of pigments to make any sort of painting that comes to the mind of the artist.
Therefore it is the act of painting a scene on canvas, paper, or any other medium with water-based, oil, or acrylic paints.
The images that are depicted can range from a simple and innocent still life to representations that are a bit disturbing to those that see them.
Drawing has also been used to capture many modern images.
Thus what the eye sees the hand of the artist can reproduce through the lines that are drawn on a page.
Here too what ends up being the finished painting is filtered through the unique perspective of the individual that creates it and so shows their creativity and thoughts on the painting.
Sculpture also is another form whose practitioners have found new ways of showing what they need to with the world around them.
The materials used in the creation of their masterpieces can include plastic, metal, marble, wood, or anything else that would lend itself to the vision of the individual that is caught up in the creative process.
Art in the twenty first century then is rich in new ideas and new ways of expression.
The artists that are compelled to create these works do so in the hope of enriching the world they live in by the messages within them.