I usually talk about the fine art of conversation, but it’s true that art is often a conversation starter in itself. Fine art, especially when it’s contemporary, can be provocative and/or controversial. It will tend to make a statement on society. It may make a representation of what is beauty today or tell an important story. Art is designed to stimulate.
And I feel there is a fine art to the conversation about art. For example, how much do you actually know about the artist, the artwork itself and the context in which it was produced? None the less, you can be ignorant about all these “academic” elements and still be inspired to discuss the intricacies of the artwork as you experience it. The best conversations, in my mind, happen when you are both knowledgeable about the artist in his/her context AND have a visceral, natural opinion untainted by the surrounding history. If you saw the Mona Lisa, without knowledge of its history, would it retain its value for you?
A few weeks ago, I took this photo of a Chagall painting*, The Red Horse, that I came across in the Nantes Fine Arts Museum. The backstory of this painting is fascinating in that it was painted in two distinct periods of Chagall’s life. It was started in 1938 and then finished in 1944, under very different circumstances. When I forwarded the photo to a Belarusian friend, it caused a visceral reaction and inspired not only a long exchange on Whatsapp, it ended up provoking an entire theme for a dinner party (we throw themed dinner parties as the more loyal readers of Dialogos will know!).
If you hang a painting or photograph on your wall, how important is it for you to have the backstory? Or is it sufficient to find it remarkable as such? What do you think? What makes for a more meaningful conversation about art?
*This is the second time Chagall has been at the centre of a post on Dialogos. The first time was here: When art speaks to you.
I think it is important to have a backstory, but not essential. My father had a painting of a lawyer with a client, painted by an ancestor many years ago, and it had that history, as well as wonderful stories that my father had imagined to explain parts of the work. It made it absolutely magical. But I believe strongly also that art that pleases you does not need a backstory. Just like looking at waves or trees are immensely satisfying to me. I am a sketcher/doodler so I embrace it all! Best to you Minter and the readers!
Thanks Charlie. Being able to smell the roses doesn't require green fingers or knowledge about the roses. Although the image of the roses in Marrakesh adds to the flavour!
I think it is important to have a backstory, but not essential. My father had a painting of a lawyer with a client, painted by an ancestor many years ago, and it had that history, as well as wonderful stories that my father had imagined to explain parts of the work. It made it absolutely magical. But I believe strongly also that art that pleases you does not need a backstory. Just like looking at waves or trees are immensely satisfying to me. I am a sketcher/doodler so I embrace it all! Best to you Minter and the readers!
Thanks Charlie. Being able to smell the roses doesn't require green fingers or knowledge about the roses. Although the image of the roses in Marrakesh adds to the flavour!
Bringing peace and joy when it comes to paintings on my walls, for instance although I am a fan of Egon Schiele, some of his works are not somber and troubling. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/483438
His was a passionate and short life.... Live life to the full?