At first glance, it may seem to some people that contemporary art makes no sense, but it is completely wrong. It seems that it makes no sense, but it will definitely appear if you study the topic. In this, you will be helped by the pedagogical principles of Malevich, who, like no one else, knows that a black square is not just a black square.
Don’t get hung up on beauty
Malevich claims that there are two approaches to creativity – aesthetic and artistic. And if the aesthetic one simply repeats or changes the images already familiar to us, then the artistic one creates something outside the generally recognized canon. The task of art is not to decorate but to stimulate thought and broadcast the idea to the world. Therefore, one should not be dissatisfied that the paintings of contemporary artists look “ugly” compared to the works of old masters.
Remember that everything changes
Art, like science and technology, is progressing. This is not to say that modern art is better or worse than old art – it is just different. If earlier, to enjoy the picture, it was enough to have only a sense of beauty, now it is also necessary to understand the concept and idea of the work, to know the artist’s other creations and the historical context. This complication is the progress of art.
Learn art history
To understand art, it is important to know the history of the main movements. Contemporary art has become so gradually, moving from classicism and romanticism to realism, impressionism, and surrealism. And each new -ism is a natural continuation of the previous trend. By understanding the big picture, you will be able to understand the particular better.
Listen to the experts
There is no shame in not understanding contemporary art and asking professionals about its meaning. Start by studying articles about a particular piece of art. To dive deeper into the topic, read books.
Read more
Read “The Art of Performance, from Futurism to the Present Day” by Roseley Goldberg if you are interested in performances. And for those who cannot understand why “this daub is so expensive,” we recommend Donald Thompson’s book “How to Sell a Shark for $ 12 Million”.
Forget the connection to reality
When Malevich experimented with forms and images, he even created household items. And when he was told that “water flows badly from the Suprematist teapot,” Malevich replied: “This is not a teapot, but the idea of a teapot.” This quote describes the meaning of art well. It does not copy reality but figuratively comprehends it. This process is very close to philosophy.
See the world from a new angle
If art is a way of perceiving the world, then to understand all its oddities, one must first notice them in reality. Close your eyes tightly and try to describe what you see in your head. Look at familiar things under a magnifying glass or microscope. Try to find beauty in ugly and ugliness in beauty. Unusual images from the real world inspire artists, and learning to notice and interpret them will bring you closer to contemporary art.
Contemporary art is for everyone
A hundred years ago, art served as a decorative function. Allowing yourself to own a painting or ordering a sculpture from an artist was the height of luxury. Objects of art adorned the palaces of the nobility, the homes of patrons, and were available only to the elite.
Today, art is not used to decorate interiors but to convey ideas. Have you ever heard of an idea that gets locked up and only shown on big holidays? You don’t need to dress up in an evening dress to get acquainted with the art object. That is why museums, art centers, and urban spaces are places of contemporary art.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Works of art are our emotions. “Like” or “dislike” are emotional judgments. We can limit ourselves to this. Or you can go further and analyze your impressions – the choice is yours.
