The world of art is constantly evolving, but contemporary offerings often show appreciation and understanding of what came before. Some styles from the past have lived long into the modern age as well, highlighting how art forms such as paintings and sculptures may be considered more timeless than others like music and performance. In the ever-changing world of art, various forms trend at different times. In 2023, there is a renewed interest in Greek and Roman artwork but there are also some modern pieces that are captivating art lovers around the world.


Caption: A video about modern art.

Renewed Interest in Greek and Roman Artwork
Despite having existed more than two thousand years ago, the Greeks and the Romans are still highly prevalent in the Western culture of today. From Madeleine Miller's Song of Achilles to Elektra by Jennifer Saint, there are countless references to the classic stories of that ancient era. They can even be found in thriving industries like online casinos. Many casino online games such as Poseidon: Ancient Fortunes and Zeus Rush Fever have been inspired by ancient Greece. There are also Roman-themed titles like Roman Legend.

With ancient Greece and Rome still being mainstays in mainstream culture, it’s not surprising that they are having an impact on today’s art world as well. There is an increasing number of exhibitions and collections featuring classical sculptures and artifacts in recent years, along with contemporary works that draw inspiration from the art forms of those legendary times.

The British Museum even offers virtual tours that allow guests to explore the institution’s extensive collection of art from thousands of years ago. For example, there’s an interactive workshop that allows people to tour temples from the ancient Greek world. Part of this involves interpreting the rich and detailed temple decorations. Virtual tourists can also examine archaeological objects and learn about what they were used for.

There are also programs like Rome Reborn, which takes viewers on a virtual tour of ancient Rome from its early days until its later years. It gives users a chance to explore some stunning recreations of legendary monuments such as The Forum and the Colosseum. This began as a 3D model in 2007 at the University of California. It’s now owned by the University of Virginia, where other similar projects like Athens Reborn and Egypt Reborn have been produced. Now, owners of virtual reality headsets can experience these exhibits and feel as though they are traveling through them.


Caption: VR users can enjoy a virtual tour of ancient Rome, experiencing all the ancient artwork and architecture.

It’s clear that there are now many novel ways to enjoy the artwork that emerged in ancient Greece and Rome, and modern technology is making it more accessible than ever. Thanks to the influence that the artists of the time had on today’s Western culture, it feels like they will always be appreciated in 2023 and beyond.

Modern Portraits in The British Museum
Aside from the wide range of exhibits that allow viewers to relive and experience ancient times, there are also many emerging styles and mediums emerging in 2023. The British Museum is an excellent place to view what’s hot at the moment, as it is full of work from some of the most innovative artists of recent times. These include the likes of Peter Lanyon, who went on to inspire figures such as Gillian Wearing and Bharti Kher.

Lanyon may have passed away in the 1960s, but his work is still revered to this day. Indeed, he’s considered to be one of the most important artists of post-war Britain. His abstract work was so unique and original that it’s hard to find anything anywhere that can compare to it. One of the most popular pieces from the late artist is his abstract painting of St Ives, which involves swirling strokes of colorr. These convey a sense of movement and energy, and it’s almost hypnotic.

Wearing and Kher were clearly influenced by Lanyon, and they are two of the most important artists working in 2023. Wearing’s Self Portrait explores the fluid boundaries between public and private identity. The lauded work uses a double exposure, with Wearing’s face superimposed over a man’s face. This original idea helps to create a sense of mystery and unease, and it’s something that art lovers enjoy pondering over. Kher’s The Red Bar is another much-loved work in 2023. It’s an installation of brightly colored bindis arranged in a line along the wall. She uses this as a symbol of cultural identity and femininity and challenges traditional gender roles.

The Turner Prize 2023
The annual Turner Prize award is another excellent way to assess what’s popular in the world of art at any time. This year, some of the artists in the running for the coveted accolade include Jesse Darling, Barbara Walker, and Ghislaine Leung. There’s a vast range of work in contention, and the pieces vary in style greatly.

Darling’s offering is No Medals, No Ribbons, which aims to reflect how fragile systems of power can be. Leung’s solo exhibition is highly original and aims to test the boundaries of the gallery space. It attempts to ask questions about time and labor. Walker’s work consists of portraits of people who were affected by the Windrush scandal. The work has been lauded for its tenderness and ability to convey a detailed story.

Final Thoughts
It’s clear from the diverse spread of art forms in 2023 that the world of art is constantly evolving and expanding. It means that lovers of art have a range of options to choose from, with something to suit everyone’s tastes. There’s still a heavy influence from the art of thousands of years ago, but there are also plenty of innovative thinkers who are helping to push the boundaries and provide viewers with new experiences.