Final answer:
The student's question contrasts two time periods: antiquity, which refers to a historical era before the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and the 21st century, our current time period known for technological and artistic advancements. The question asserts a logical distinction between the two timeframes, emphasizing that the present is distinctly separated from antiquity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question deals with the concept of time, distinguishing between the periods known as antiquity and the present, which is identified as the 21st century. Antiquity refers to the time period up until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476. It is a historical epoch characterized by the development of the earliest civilizations and cultures. On the other hand, we currently live in the 21st century, which began in the year 2001 and will last until the year 2100. This era is marked by significant advancements in technology, global communication, and a shifting landscape in the arts.
The notion of time itself is an abstraction; it is a human construct to understand the sequence of events. Thus, when we refer to antiquity, we are referring to a distant past that is very different from our modern era. What the student's statement simplifies is that if 'present is the 21st century, then present is not antiquity,' which is a logical assertion based on the historical timeline.
Moreover, the references provided indicate a philosophical standpoint that while we carry the memory of the past, the past does not have physical existence in the way present does, which shapes our perception of historical epochs such as antiquity. The future of art in the 21st century, including mediums like installations and sculptures, is continuously evolving – emphasizing how the present influences and interprets culture.