Final answer:
Contemporary art is best described by its use of different media and materials, including the emergence of installation art and digital art, as well as an increase in diversity with artists of color and women gaining prominence. The correct answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contemporary art is a diverse field that reflects the dynamic changes and integration of global culture, new media, and innovative technologies since the turn of the millennium. The phrase that best describes contemporary art is A. use of different media and materials, as it often involves a wide array of practices including but not limited to digital technology, new media, installation art, and social critiques reflecting artists' responses to global and local conditions.
Installation art, for example, is a genre that emerged powerfully in the millennial period, characterized by large-scale constructions that engage the viewer physically and often incorporate mixed media. It is an immersive experience, site-specific, and sometimes employs advanced technology such as LEDs and computerization. Similarly, digital art has evolved as a significant sub-genre within contemporary art, where artists use digital technology to create, modify, and present their works, which can range from virtual reality experiences to digitally produced paintings and sculptures.
The integration of video art, which has become more accessible due to technology, into contemporary practices, also exemplifies the flexibility of media in contemporary art. Additionally, contemporary art reflects the changing social landscape, with an increased representation of women and artists of color, who bring diverse narratives and perspectives to the global art scene.