Comments on: Painted Black: Robert Motherwell

By: Andréa Fernandes

Andréa Fernandes — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:49:21 +0000

I didn’t know everyone was so interested in abstract art! I’ll try to incorporate more into the “Feel Art Again” schedule.

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:27:35 +0000

I think people choose not search for meaning in contemporary art, rather than it being the fault of the artist. It’s much easier to elicit a reaction from “Washington Crossing the Delaware” because everything is laid out right there for you in human figures. You’d have to be blind not to feel something.

When art isn’t made with human figures, or the figures aren’t drawn to represent realistic figures, and when the subject isn’t a tableau from a story, a history, or something familiar or pretty, it requires more thought, more effort on the part of the viewer.

I think honestly, most people aren’t that interested in intellectually challenging themselves. They want art to be easy or decorative, like a Renoir or a Monet, but art doesn’t have to be that way.

Contemporary art is about forcing the viewer to think a little harder than what their initial sight-line is. To listen to their gut reaction to a material, or excercise their brain to see the meaning on a canvass.

It’s good for people, like Mental Floss.

By: Therese

Therese — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:15:11 +0000

Hmmm… Florida mentions that modern/contemporary art is often misunderstood. While not everything has to be (or should be!) realistic, there is a definite reason why modern art is often misunderstood! Often it’s difficult for others to relate to the feelings being communicated. Art should move people in some way, even if it’s not always to joy. Many people feel puzzled or even disgusted (”My three-year-old could do that!”) when viewing certain works of art.

Any further thoughts, anyone…?

By: Bethany

Bethany — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:16:30 +0000

I have a request for a future “Feel Art Again” post. I am currently reading Edward Dolnick’s book “The Forger’s Spell” and would love to learn more about some of the world’s best forgers. In the book he mentions famous forgers such as the Englishman Tom Keating, the Hungarian Elmyr de Hory, the Frenchman David Stein, Eric Hebborn, and the main character of the book, Dutchman Han Van Meegeren. Thanks!

By: Florida

Florida — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:22:45 +0000

I applaud your move into the world of abstract expressionism. I hope to see more modern/contemporary works of art displayed here as it is too often misunderstood.

In regards to Motherwell, I find it interesting how his works with color bear such a striking resemblance to Rothko’s