But then I saw this (my apologies for the quality):
and then this:
Although I am not a fan of most abstract art, there are times when I can see and appreciate the talent. However, I look at these pieces and believe that there are plenty of people who could replicate it. I am willing to admit that I do not have a full understanding of how and why some art makes it in to museums while others do not. Is there some talent that I cannot see? Do these "abstract" pieces make it in because the artist already has a good reputation in the art field? Please, someone, anyone, help me figure this out. *Sigh
Even though I don't like this either, it looks like it took some thought and talent.
Why, oh why, does abstract art continue to mock my confused mind?
10 comments:
because you are smart? I think the artists are making fun of us with these pictures.
I remember going to the MOMA in NYC when I was about 12 and being very confused at some art that looked like mounds of sleeping bags and another of paper plates hung on fishing line. But there is some I like and imagine it would be very fun and stress-relieving to make.
Here's a website to prove that you could indeed make your own abstract art. Just drag the mouse around and click for a new color. Have fun, get messy!
Jackson Pollock
A few years ago we went to the Tate Modern in London with Aisy's parents. Well, there were a few truly amazing pieces, I personally liked the gigantic mural on the wall depicting a penis getting an errection, and also, the class of young school children standing there watching it....
Then there was the 'sculpture' of a toilet with no seat on it. Hey, can I make a 'butt load' of money by taking the seat off MY toilet and putting it in a museum?
It has been a few years and my memory has fadded or been blocked out, but another one was a room where there were large wooden posts arranged around the room with a think rope woven in and around them, hmmmmmm
Art? I dunno
I don't want to sound like I totally hated that museum, my disclaimer - I was pregnant and they didn't have enough places to sit down!
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of my favorite places in the Universe (except on the free days during the winter when it reeks of tourist sweat). Because I am able to go there 2 or 3 times a year, I know which galleries to avoid. Did you go to the one that just has household furniture and appliances with plaques?
I was there in July and we were laughing because there was this heinous piece, much like the ones that you have pictured, and there was a huge crowd gathered around, in obvious awe at the genius of its creator.
I also wonder how you can tell which finger paint is crap and which is genius. I went to an art gallery in Nicaragua where one of the pieces was a hanging keyboard. Hmmm.... We kept trying to figure out if it did something.
I admit that I have seen some abstract art that I liked but I absolutly like the classics better. I actually like the third painting a bit Aisy, because everytime I look at it I feel like I should be seeing something but then it´s gone. I understand that modern art is more about feeling and social messages but I just can´t imagine what a toilet without a seat could possible represent. can´t get spellcheck to work so sorry about the spelling.
Yes... The Tate Modern was a big disappointment - except for the building itself, which was awesome. I seem to recall it was a converted power station that used to belch smog. I love the other Tate - we should have gone there instead.
jill, i did see a small exhibit that had furniture from the 80s I think. hard to remember.
dagga, i agree with the third peice... at least there is something more visually stimulating about it.
I actually like the Tate Modern and modern art in general. However, modern "sculpture" and some of the art can be too pretentious and caught up in its own self worth. The first time I went to the Tate Modern the large installment in the main gallery was a neon orangish yellow 1/2 circle up at the top of the far wall with a mirror on the ceiling. As a result, it created a perfect circle when looking at it. It doesn't sound so cool retelling it, but it was hypnotic with the drone of the neon and the people just laying there soaking it in like they would a real sun.
One of my favorite pieces at the National Museum of Modern Art in DC is of a white canvas. But then I think of the play Art that makes fun of modern art and a white canvas and I smile.
i'm going to probably ruffle some feathers here... but i think rothko is seriously overrated.
and for the most part, i think abstract art is difficult to appreciate because i'm not entirely conviced that i couldnt' create the same thing.
i believe it was plato who said that the quality of art lies in its ability to communicate emotion. all abstract art communicates is i'm a lazy jerk who doesn't feel like painting/drawing something comprehendible.
maybe
Why are you mad at the artist? Why not the purchaser or the gallery? Or the viewer? Abstract painting often brings out emotions in the viewer rather than trying to visually portray something clear and concrete. It's like the painting is hanging on the wall going, "Check out that lazy jerk who wants meaning handed to him/her on a platter." Yep, it taunts and mocks us. Whether or not that's intentional is a whole other can of worms.
Aisy, can we have more art debates please? I forgot I liked to talk about that stuff.
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