Modern vs. Contemporary

There is a little debate going on here that I thought I would throw some commentary on:

http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/2007/10/2008-dream-ride.html

What is the definition of MODERN vs the definition of CONTEMPORARY?

MODERN: from the dictionary:

adjective:
Characteristic or expressive of recent times or the present; contemporary or up-to-date: a modern lifestyle; a modern way of thinking.

noun:
One who lives in modern times.

So...by definition, anything that is of current time, is modern. So isn't everything contemporary then modern because it is of "modern time"...aka "now"? Well, no, not really...because just because it is "new", doesn't mean that it is "modern".

 

Why is it that classic "modern" design is defined by some as "modern" and new design is considered "contemporary"?

 

Is the term "modern" forever frozen in mid 20th century?

 

(Eames Rocker)

CONTEMPORARY: from the dictionary:

adjective
1. Belonging to the same period of time: a fact documented by two contemporary sources.
2. Of about the same age.
3. Current; modern

 

Blu Dot Buttercup Rocker

Now I am confused..."modern" is listed under "Contemporary" and "contemporary" is listed under "Modern".

 

Now..."Modernism" of course is something a bit different. That term often refers to the movement from traditional forms within the art, design, architecture and literature during the 20th century.

 

Is it fair to say that "Modern" should be the phrase that refers to any contemporary design that is moving away from traditional forms of design? If that is the case, when does the old guard of "Modern" become more stale and traditional and the new designers of current times become more "Modern" based on the definition?

 

I guess there will always be "Classic Modern" defining the innovative design from the past and "Modern" which refers to "Contemporary Modern" design of now (and the future).

 

There it is. My 2 cents.

 

A

Comments

[Dave]

I think you've done a good job of analyzing the two words. I generally use "modern" and "contemporary" interchangeably.

[Neil]

I think we all struggle with this; even those who think they are right!! :)

I believe Modern to be the period, specific to Mid-Century Modern based purely on the use of materials. If I see a modern day shell seat done in a recyclical plastic I view that as Contemporary..

Maybe for my own use, I should specify, a Modern piece done in contemporary materials.

Oh.......the dilemna continues.

EXCELLENT QUESTION!!!!

Neil

[Mari]

Hello,
In the world of art, modern and contemporary are used very differently. But it is because there is that Modern era, with a capital M. So, Modern with a capital M refers to an era: the time of Eames and Jackson Pollock and Clement Greenberg.
Modern art is old, not new, and not being made now.
Contemporary art is art that is being made now. Seems to me this should relate to design, where we have Modern Design as an era as well.
Hope that brings some additional clarity.