Art Terminology Overview

Abstract

Art that communicates through color, shape, and composition without representing objects in the natural world

Anthropocene

Proposed geological epoch marked by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems

Appropriation

Using existing images, objects, or materials in art to create new works with altered meanings

Art fair

Event where galleries exhibit and sell artworks to collectors and the public

Catadores

Individuals in Brazil involved in collecting and recycling waste materials

Civil disobedience

Nonviolent refusal to obey certain laws or commands as a form of protest

Conceptual art

Art movement where the idea behind the artwork is more important than the physical object

Contemporary art

Art created in the present era with diverse styles, mediums, and concepts

Contemporary eco art

Contemporary art engaging with ecological and environmental issues

Daguerreotype

Early photographic process producing detailed images on metal plates

Digital media

Art created using digital technology, often involving computer-generated imagery

Documenta

Art exhibition in Kassel, Germany, showcasing contemporary international art

Earthworks

Artworks created in the Land art movement using earth and natural materials

Ecosystem

Biological community of living organisms and their physical environment

Environmental justice movement

Movement addressing environmental inequalities and advocating for clean environments

Environmental racism

Disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities

Environmentalist

Person advocating for the protection of the environment and natural resources

Global South

Countries in the southern hemisphere with lower income levels

Installation

Art form creating an immersive experience within a space

Institutional critique

Art practice critically examining the institutions and power structures of the art world

Junk art

Artwork created from discarded objects with a focus on recycling

Kinetic art

Artworks incorporating movement using mechanical or interactive elements

Land art

Art movement incorporating organic materials and outdoor environments

Landscape painting

Art genre focusing on natural scenery like mountains and forests

Manga

Japanese comic books and graphic novels