What is 1990's Art
Art in the 1990s was a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of rebellion, identity exploration, and technological revolution. Rejecting the grand narratives of past movements, artists of the 90s embraced fragmentation and diversity. This era saw the rise of Identity Politics, with movements like Afrofuturism (think:exploring Black experiences through a science fiction lens) and Queer Art (challenging traditional LGBTQ+ representations) gaining prominence. Neo-conceptualism, championed by artists like Barbara Kruger, emphasized the intellectual clout of the artwork, often using text and collage to critique power structures and media manipulation. The burgeoning influence of technology fuelled movements like Digital Art (exploring the artistic potential of computers) and Net.Art (creating artwork specifically for the internet). The 1990s also witnessed a growing appreciation for art on a global scale, reflected in the rise of international art fairs and biennials.
This era produced some of the art market's most recognizable names. Cindy Sherman's self-portraits, Jeff Koons' kitsch sculptures critiquing consumerism, and Damien Hirst's animal-based works questioning mortality continue to fetch high prices at auction. In 1998, Hirst's pickled sheep titled "The Holy Lamb of God" shocked the art world by selling for a record-breaking £5 million ($8 million USD). Other prominent artists of the 1990s include Rirkrit Tiravanija (relational aesthetics), Matthew Barney (video and sculpture exploring masculinity), Felix Gonzalez-Torres (AIDS activism),Marlene Dumas (figurative paintings), Louise Bourgeois (large-scale abstract sculptures), Kara Walker (powerful silhouette cut-outs addressing race), and Tracey Emin (confessional works exploring feminism). The art of the 1990s continues to be a subject of fascination and remains a dynamic and influential chapter in art history.