You Call That Art?

I remember my first museum experiences when I traveled to New York City with my teacher in 1982. The museums in Manhattan are some of the best in the world and I never tire taking groups and for some, for the first time. I know it can be overwhelming.

I was seventeen years old and eager to see the works of the masters. Apparently I used to draw a lot as a child, so much so my mother said that it was me who asked to take an oil painting class when I was eight. Yes, my mother enrolled me in 1973, therefore, you all know there were few if any computer games at that time. I was interested in the arts from an early age.

While in architecture school and as a part of the curriculum the study of art history was mandatory. By that time I already had my list of favorite artists as well as a limited understanding of the mediums within which these artists worked: Be it watercolor, oils, acrylics, or pastels, and more significantly many used several at the same time.

While dabbling in the arts I grew to enjoy a variety of three-dimensional and collage works of art as well. Within these mediums manipulated independently or mixed brings great opportunity for expression.

Before entering any museum it is important to know what you are about to see and experience, understand the differences between an anthropological museum verses a museum collection that distinguishes itself as a presentation of genre such as contemporary, period, or independently curated from a personal interest perspective. As a form of expression the work (the painting, or the object) can be so personal that it may be difficult to understand what it is the artist is trying to convey especially if it is not a literal interpretation. Even literal interpretations two-dimensional or three-dimensional and/or used metaphorical or allegorical can be considered abstract. If this is the case don’t be discouraged it may not need to be interpreted. Your reaction may be the ultimate result and the artist’s objective.

Art is subjective, and as a learning process for each of us I am patient with my guests; however, when describing something please be respectful. To hate something without reason other than one does not understand it is the same thing as having a closed mind. Art’s purpose in our lives is to help us understand ourselves, to sustain our constant and evolving surrounds, and ultimately the manifestation of our very existence.