Des O'Sullivan: Why are we still waiting for a burst of creativity in 21st-century art?

Impressive selection under the hammer at the big New York in May is mostly from the last century, writes Des O'Sullivan
Des O'Sullivan: Why are we still waiting for a burst of creativity in 21st-century art?

Burning gas station by Ed Ruscha at Christie's 20th Century evening sale.

The burst of creativity in the art world in the first two decades of the 20th century has not been matched in the 21st, and it is interesting to speculate about why. A century ago the world was newly enriched by Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Abstraction, Suprematism and the rest. 

In the global village of today, development of the shock of the new in art does not seem to have occurred at the hectic pace of technology and other groundbreaking disciplines. Are artists stupefied by the pace of change in the world all around them? In a world where wonder is taken for granted is visual surprise and delight degraded?

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Revoiced

Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited