Any piece of art is subject to multiple interpretations. While experts may critically analyze it, focusing upon the implicit depictions, a novice art enthusiast might just appreciate it for its sheer beauty.
Art is often deemed as one of the oldest inventions by human civilization. Just about every society, primitive to advanced has massively contributed to the field of art. Like our societies have changed with time, similarly, the various styles and definitions of art have evolved. Consequently, even the process of understanding and interpretations have undergone a dynamic shift right from the times of the Renaissance towards Orientalism.
The Art Definition
Most of us are familiar with the fundamental definition of art. However, the major challenge is that everyone has a subjective definition of art which may be interpreted differently by others.
Despite these, you can make certain observations that can assist you in understanding your favorite paintings. Every piece of art aims to appeal the intellect of its appreciator through its composition and theme. The basic skill of art appreciation deals with recognizing the story behind each painting.
Even if you feel you have an unconventional art definition, fret not. Just look at the paintings, see the symbolistic interpretations and think about their relevance. Hence, you will frame your personal outlook towards that masterpiece.
Understanding Abstract Art
It is often assumed that understanding abstract art is a rather daunting task. However, this is a false belief. All you need in order to interpret the works of your favorite abstract artists is to have an open mind with great imaginative skills.
In interpreting art styles such as abstract, there is no right or wrong as such. What may seem as a flowing river to one, may seem like a cosmic beam to another. Hence, abstracts require you to have an inquisitive mind that heads the way the painting takes you. There is certain freedom for exploration to come up with myriad definitions.
However, sometimes abstract art can make people uneasy because they may not get the story it aims to narrate at first glance. As Picasso has very rightly said, such art cannot be described in words, but should be felt like an experience.
Hence, look at abstract art the same way you hear a symphony. Let the painting speak to you. Notice the colors, forms, materials, and surface and try to understand how they interact with each other.
It is essential to note that understanding different art styles call for different approaches. For instance, understanding abstract art requires you to have a creative perspective that invites you to decipher the meaning behind the artwork by yourself. Try to understand the artist’s reason behind it and see if it aligns with your personal interpretation. The most important aspect to be established here is an engagement between the artwork and the viewer.
Channelize the Emotional Power of Art
Today, you do not need a degree in art in order to express your views pertaining to it. You can always showcase your passion through your own individualistic ways by communicating it through different mediums. You can narrate your personal stories surrounding your favorite artworks and channelize the emotional power of art.
This can lead to the creation of engaging conversations among members of the art community to broaden their perspectives regarding the interpretations of famous paintings.
Furthermore, you can look to increase your personal knowledge base by visiting art museums, galleries, and exhibitions. Here, you will get ample opportunities to interact with fellow art enthusiasts. If luck goes well, you might also bump into some art curators and experts, discussions with whom shall prove to be an enlightening and fruitful experience.
Art as We Know It Today
Today, the old definitions have become obsolete. Now, it is an evolving and global concept, open to vivid interpretations and too fluid to be contained within the brackets of definitive words.
In recent times, new media has significantly contributed to the process of art appreciation. Even though the presentation of traditional acrylic works and oil paintings in museums and art galleries continue to remain popular, their presence across digital platforms cannot be sidelined. Owing to the massive growth in digitalization, online art portals and review websites have witnessed a significant rise over the last few years.
The Internet has exposed more people to the works of famous painters. This has catered to the development of varied perceptions and interpretations of the same artwork by different people. For example, there are dedicated discussion portals and online art communities wherein such legendary works are critically discussed and deliberated upon.
Furthermore, the impact of social media in the process of art appreciation has greatly risen over the years. Different viewpoints are exchanged, personal interpretations are shared and a conclusive pattern is deciphered after careful evaluation of all factors by the different stakeholders involved in the conversation. Moreover, social media has opened several avenues for amateur art enthusiasts to express their perceptions on such platforms and easily interact with experts to learn from their perspectives.
As mentioned previously, owing to the rapid technological advancements, several art portals and online encyclopedias of art have emerged in the last few years. Among many others, an exceptional online platform providing holistic information pertaining to varied art styles is WikiArt.org.
It has some amazing works by legendary artists for you to see and develop an understanding. In fact, the various paintings are meticulously categorized under different sections to aid the process of locating them and reading about them further.
If you feel that you have an avid interest in art and art criticism, browsing through the paintings available on WikiArt.org would be a good starting point.
