How to understand Art?- edited by Aishee Biswas

Is there a way to decode the meaning of an artwork? Can we understand art by following some simple steps?

 

Yes, there is a way to understand art by following a few simple steps.

 

It may seem obvious that we "look" at art, but in reality, when we visit a gallery, we tend to spend only a few seconds in front of each work, with some estimates putting the time under two seconds. To understand art, start by closely observing what is directly in front of you. Begin with the basics: what medium or material was used? Is it a photograph, object, or painting? Consider its appearance - is it rough and quick or slick and neat? Shiny, dirty, carefully made, or thrown together? The artist likely made deliberate decisions about these factors, which contribute to the overall meaning and feel of the artwork.

 

In the context of art, looking and seeing have different meanings.  Looking involves describing the physical aspects of the artwork, while seeing involves interpreting and assigning meaning to it . Seeing requires us to understand the symbols and messages conveyed by the artwork, and to interpret what is presented before us.

 

The final step involves interpreting what you have observed and combining it with the previous steps to generate possible meanings. Context plays a key role in this step, as the broader context of an artwork can help make sense of your observations. The context is often provided through the labels that accompany the artwork, which typically include the artist's name, the title of the work, and the year it was created, along with other relevant details such as the artist's place and year of birth. It's worth noting that interpretation is not a precise science, and there are no "right answers". The key is to think creatively and generate the most plausible understandings of the work.

 

It's not necessary to appreciate or even view every artwork. If you don't enjoy looking at Old Master paintings depicting wealthy deceased individuals, that's okay - there's no need to spend time on them. On the other hand, if you have a strong affinity for that style and don't appreciate modern art, feel free to indulge your preferences.