Contemporary folk art refers to the art produced by self-taught or minimally trained artists that reflects the cultural traditions of a particular community or group of people. It encompasses a wide range of styles, mediums, and techniques, including painting, sculpture, quilting, woodworking, and more. Unlike traditional folk art, which is often passed down through generations and reflects the cultural practices of the past, contemporary folk art is produced in the present and reflects the changing values, beliefs, and experiences of the artist and their community. The defining feature of contemporary folk art is its expression of personal, cultural, and community identity through creative and imaginative means.
Some examples of contemporary folk art include:
Outsider art: This term refers to art created by self-taught or outsider artists who work outside the mainstream art world. Examples include the work of Henry Darger, a reclusive janitor who created sprawling, fantastical paintings and writings, and Jesse Howard, an outsider artist from Missouri who created colorful, primitive-style paintings.
Naive art: This term refers to art that is characterized by a childlike innocence and lack of formal training. Examples include the work of Grandma Moses, a self-taught artist from rural New York who began painting at the age of 78, and Robyn Ellenbogen, a contemporary naive artist who creates imaginative paintings and sculptures using found materials.
Ethnographic art: This term refers to art that reflects the cultural traditions and practices of a particular community or group of people. Examples include traditional Native American pottery, African masks and sculptures, and Mexican folk art, such as papier-mâché figures and brightly painted wooden animals.
Quilts: Quilts are a traditional form of folk art that have been made by generations of women in communities across the United States. Contemporary quilts often incorporate new techniques, materials, and designs, while still reflecting the personal and cultural stories of the quilter.
Street art: This term refers to art created in public spaces, often as a form of protest or social commentary. Examples include the work of Banksy, a anonymous street artist known for his politically charged murals, and JR, a French street artist who creates large-scale photo installations in public spaces.
