The best way to appreciate it is to learn the history and immerse yourself in the culture. Contemporary art is not typically created for instant gratification

The best way to appreciate it is to learn the history and immerse yourself in the culture. Contemporary art is not typically created for instant gratification or understanding but rather for an audience familiar with the world within which it sits. Like Free Jazz or heavily peated whiskies there is a path into appreciation that isn't necessarily short. Also it just isn't for everyone. I love much of those things but struggle to get anything from contemporary dance. Precisely because I haven't invested much time or effort into it. Finding a local contemporary artist scene and socialising with these people can be extremely rewarding, especially if you yourself are not a full time artist.