Basics of art appreciation

Art is not essentially abstract. Art is about looking at the world from a different point of view. Often taking a mundane or simple aspect of life and causing the viewer to re-question and reconsider its meaning. It is about putting on the brakes.

Pretty pictures are sadly and surprisingly to some people not actually art. The more scenic, the prettier and the more aesthetically pleasing a painting… the less likely it is art. Those well painted and realistic flowers that your Gran likes are not art!

Good art can be something you don’t like at all, something you hate. The stronger the reaction whether it positive or negative the more successful the piece. Great example for this .. Emin’s unmade bed. The only people I know that like this piece are artists who can appreciate the conceptual implications. Yet its success is partly to do with controversy it caused. No wonder it won the Turner prize and was snapped up by Saatchi for a cool million.

The best thing about art is that its so rich and diverse, the possibilities are endless. Art is intelligent, exciting and magical.