Smart And Pretty - Tumblr Posts
How to Understand an Artwork: A Brief Guide
I've recently read a book by a French author that promised to teach the reader how to understand a painting.
Art is my special interest. I keep up with contemporary art, attend art fairs etc. I've been to major and minor museums, galleries and churches in Europe and the US. But I feel that there's always room for improvement when it comes to understanding art.
The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991) by Damien Hirst
I went through this heavy tome full of the author's own convoluted interpretations of artworks. The book taught me nothing about how to interpret and understand a painting on my own. But it did inspire me to create my own guidelines for reading works of art.
🦋 Why Bother Understanding Art?
Artworks are rich in meaning, symbolism, and emotion. Learning how to read them can enhance your appreciation and understanding of art and, consequently, life. This includes your own life.
The Embarkation for Cythera (1717) by Jean-Antoine Watteau
I find art an incredible place to seek answers to life's questions. I'll show you how you can do this too.
Additionally, this guide contains some of my favorite artworks, old and contemporary.
🦋 1. Observe the Artwork Closely
First Impression: Start by taking in the artwork as a whole. What is your immediate emotional response? What catches your eye first?
Details: Examine the piece in detail. Notice the colors, lines, shapes, textures, and composition. Pay attention to the focal point - where your eye is naturally drawn.
🦋 2. Identify the Subject Matter
Figurative vs. Abstract: Determine if the artwork is representational (depicting recognizable objects or scenes) or abstract (focusing on shapes, colors, and forms without representing something specific).
Iconography: Look for symbols, figures, or objects that might carry specific meanings. For example, a skull might symbolize mortality, while a dove often represents peace.
Lake George (1922–1922) by Georgia O'Keeffe
🦋 3. Consider the Composition
Balance and Symmetry: Notice if the composition is balanced or symmetrical. How do these elements affect the mood or message of the artwork?
Perspective and Space: Observe the use of space. Is there a clear foreground, middle ground, and background? Does the perspective create a sense of depth or flatness?
🦋 4. Analyze the Use of Color
Color Palette: Identify the dominant colors. Are they warm or cool, bright or muted?
Color Symbolism: Consider the emotional or symbolic meanings of colors. For instance, red can signify passion or danger, while blue might evoke calmness or melancholy.
🦋 5. Explore the Technique and Medium
Brushstrokes and Texture: Look at how the artist applied the paint or medium. Are the brushstrokes smooth or rough? What effect does the texture have on the artwork’s feel?
Medium: Consider the medium used: oil, watercolor, pencil, sculpture, etc. How does the medium influence the artwork’s appearance and impact?
🦋 6. Contextualize the Artwork
Artist's Background: Research the artist’s life, style, and the historical period in which the artwork was created. Understanding the artist’s intent and the era can provide valuable insights.
Cultural and Historical Context: Consider the cultural, social, or political context of the time. How might these factors have influenced the artwork?
The Parakeet and the Mermaid (1952) by Henri Matisse
🦋 7. Interpret the Meaning
Narrative: If the artwork tells a story, try to piece it together. What is happening in the scene? What might have happened before or after the moment depicted?
Themes and Messages: Reflect on the themes or messages the artwork conveys. Is it making a statement about society, human nature, or a personal experience?
🦋 8. Engage with Your Personal Response
Emotional Reaction: Pay attention to your emotional response. Art can evoke a range of feelings, from joy to discomfort. Your reaction is a key part of the interpretation.
Subjective Interpretation: Remember that interpretation can be personal. Your background, experiences, and emotions can influence how you read an artwork. There’s no single “correct” interpretation.
I Want My Time With You (2018) by Tracey Emin
🦋 9. Ask Questions
What does this artwork remind you of?
Why did the artist choose this subject or style?
How does this artwork make you feel, and why?
🦋 10. Discuss with Others
The most useful tip I have for you: Share your thoughts and interpretations with others. Discussing different perspectives can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the artwork.
Reading an artwork is both an intellectual and emotional exercise. It’s about connecting with the piece and the artist, finding meaning, and appreciating the craft.
The more you practice, the more fluent you’ll become in the language of art.
Aushi Alzony from the Sharjah emirate concentrates during the first day of the Asian Youth Chess championship in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates August 23, 2007. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah (Source)
What are some sentences people can say to sabotage me in career, productivity, personal goals, creativity, beauty etc?
Here are some sentences that people might say to undermine your efforts in various areas of your life:
💀Career
"Are you sure you're qualified for this job?"
"I heard they're not hiring/promoting right now."
"It's so competitive; you'll never get noticed."
"Maybe you should lower your expectations." (I HATE THIS ONE with a fiery passion)
⚰️Productivity
"You don't need to work so hard; it's not worth it."
"Why are you wasting your time on that?"
"I don’t see how that’s going to benefit you."
"You can always do it later."
💀Personal Goals
"You’ve tried this before and it didn’t work."
"It sounds too ambitious for you."
"What’s the point of this goal anyway?"
"Are you really committed to this?"
⚰️Creativity
"That's a strange idea; no one will understand it."
"I don't think you're creative enough for this."
"Isn't that too risky?"
"It’s been done before; why bother?"
💀Beauty
"Why are you even trying? It doesn’t suit you."
"You're never going to look like that."
"It’s too expensive to keep up with that."
"Beauty isn’t everything; maybe focus on something else."
These kinds of statements can be particularly damaging because they often target your self-doubt and fear. This can hinder your progress in various aspects of life.
If you realize someone is sabotaging and manipulating you, the best course of action is distancing yourself from them to protect your peace. The second best is using these same statements against them.
How to counteract sabotage and manipulation attempts?
Educate yourself on everything that's important to you, so that you can make informed choices and decisions.
Learn how to make decisions without dwelling, overthinking etc.
Trust your decisions and don't seek input from others once you've decided.
