Approaching Art in A Media Society

Summary

This presentation discusses the challenges of appreciating art in today's fast-paced, media-driven world. It explores how modern media, such as the internet and television, overshadow traditional art, making it harder for works like paintings to capture attention. The speaker emphasizes the importance of developing a unique taste to appreciate art, highlighting the need to slow down, engage with artworks, and understand their deeper meanings. By fostering a sense of wonder and dialogue with art, the viewer can enrich their personal connection and appreciation over time, ultimately finding lasting enjoyment in art.

Takeaways

• 😀 Art has to compete with modern media like the internet and television, which are fast-paced and filled with entertainment.
• 😀 Works of art, especially older ones, may feel less engaging in today's society where movement, sound, and special effects dominate our daily experiences.
• 😀 Museums may feel like a 'cemetery' for art, as older works struggle to compete with more modern media forms that offer movement and sound.
• 😀 Appreciating art requires a different kind of 'taste' compared to consumer culture; works of art are unique and not mass-produced.
• 😀 High culture (museum art) faces stiff competition from media culture, which often uses humor, speed, and accessibility.
• 😀 To appreciate art, one might try to approach it with the same sense of wonder a child has for a new toy.
• 😀 Truly appreciating a work of art goes beyond just looking at it; it involves a kind of 'dialogue' where the viewer engages deeply with the piece.
• 😀 Iconography, or the use of symbols in art, helps deepen understanding, such as how certain elements in older works reference religious or cultural themes.
• 😀 Modern art, such as Picasso's works, may not resemble the real world but offers unique insights into personal perceptions and emotions that words can't fully express.
• 😀 It's important to separate the monetary value of a piece of art from its emotional or aesthetic value when experiencing it in a museum.
• 😀 Personal taste in art matters more than expert opinions; the viewer's personal connection to the piece is what's most significant.

Q & A

Why is it difficult to appreciate art in today's media-driven society?

In today’s world, art competes with fast-paced, visual media like the internet, movies, and television. These forms of entertainment are designed to be immediate and captivating, making it harder for static works of art to capture attention.

What does the speaker mean when they refer to the museum as a 'cemetery'?

The speaker is referencing a quote from Marcel Duchamp, who suggests that after several decades, a painting loses its freshness and relevance, almost as if it 'dies.' This metaphor questions whether art in museums is still alive or merely historical artifacts.

What is one of the key challenges in understanding older works of art?

One challenge is that older works often require understanding their symbolism or iconography, which may not be immediately obvious. These hidden references add layers of meaning that can be difficult to grasp without proper context.

How does modern media, like movies, impact the way we experience traditional art?

Movies and modern media provide movement, sound, and special effects, which are more dynamic and attention-grabbing compared to the stillness of traditional paintings. This can make it harder to engage with and appreciate static artworks.

What does the speaker suggest about how we approach art in museums?

The speaker suggests that to truly appreciate art, one should slow down, focus, and engage in a dialogue with the piece. This requires patience and thoughtfulness, as opposed to quickly scanning or passively viewing the artwork.

What role does personal taste play in appreciating art, according to the speaker?

Personal taste is crucial in appreciating art. The speaker encourages viewers to trust their own feelings about art, rather than being influenced by experts or popular opinions. Ultimately, art appreciation is a personal and subjective experience.

Why is experiencing art in person important?

Experiencing art in person allows viewers to appreciate the texture, scale, and details that digital images cannot replicate. Being in the presence of the artwork, such as seeing brushstrokes or even the artist’s fingerprints, brings the art to life in a way that a screen cannot.

What is 'iconography' in art, and why is it important?

Iconography refers to the use of symbols in art to convey deeper meanings. Understanding these symbols, like flowers or candles in religious works, helps viewers uncover the hidden messages or themes in the artwork, such as references to Christ’s resurrection.

How does the speaker describe the difference between art and consumer goods?

Art is unique, whereas consumer goods are mass-produced. The appreciation of art requires a more discerning and thoughtful approach, as opposed to making quick decisions based on brand labels or marketing, which is how we typically shop for consumer goods.

What advice does the speaker give for appreciating modern art, such as Picasso’s work?

The speaker advises that modern art may not always resemble the real world, but it can express experiences and emotions that are difficult to put into words. While it may not appeal to those who prefer realism, it can surprise and delight by offering new perspectives.