Contemporary art: Progressive or pointless?

MAY 12, 2026135 MIN
Doha Debates Podcast

Contemporary art: Progressive or pointless?

MAY 12, 2026135 MIN

Description

Some critics argue that contemporary art has lost touch with the principles and traditions that define artistic greatness. Others see its break with tradition as liberating; a move toward more inclusion, experimentation and personal and political expression.  This episode explores what makes great art in the 21st century. Is it adherence to tradition, or disruption and reinvention? Is artistic beauty understood across time and culture, or does each generation need to redefine it? And with the AI era upon us, what even constitutes art in the first place?  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.   Featuring:   Wafaa Bilal: Artist; professor, Tisch School at New York University  Molly Crabapple: Artist, writer and journalist  Fen de Villiers: Fine art sculptor  Samar Younes: Quantum culture artist  Moderated by presenter, filmmaker and producer Nadir Nahdi