Tic Tac Toe
Guys appreciating paintings by Mondriaan,
painting in the center is a fake, I did that one:)
G. Boersma
acrylics on masonite
23.6" x 31.5" or 60 x 80cm
2010
SOLD
Why People Find Art Intimidating
I never came across anybody who said he or she didn’t like art. All people do. But most are quick to add that they don’t know much about it. They usually know what they like, but somehow don’t trust their own opinions and feelings.
Many believe good art can only be determined by the judgments and decisions of art critics, dealers, curators or academics. While it's the job of these professionals to help you to appreciate art better, I only have one short definitive answer to this: No, it can’t.
It can’t, because you probably have a good idea if you like a painting or not when you see it. And that should be good enough. You should trust your own opinions and feelings. Just like you do with music. You know what songs or types of music you like and which ones you don’t care for, don't you?
But you don’t feel you have to possess a high IQ or substantial background in music to fully appreciate or understand a song. Same goes for books, movies or any other form of art.
Why should it be any different for visual art? If you like what you see, that should be good enough. And when you’re willing to live with it and there's a safe way to purchase it, go ahead and buy it already! Really, it’s that simple. You can thank me later.
If it’s that easy how come so many people don’t trust their own opinions?
I guess there are two main reasons. First, in school we get conflicted messages about art. Visual art is considered to be a filler subject, not as major as let’s say mathematics or science. As adults art suddenly becomes so difficult to comprehend only a true blue expert does. Nothing filler about that anymore!
Also, since visual art has thrown realism overboard as an indicator of what good art is supposed to look like, people got confused or insecure about what makes a painting great. And they sure don’t understand why someone is willing to pay big bucks for it.
To most people abstract and minimal art just looks way too simple. It really isn’t if you give it a try, but it sure looks like it. Like it didn’t took any special gift or talent.
People think they themselves or their children can paint like that too. Or the one I like best is when somebody says:’My 3 year old nephew can’t paint like that either.’
They just have a hard time understanding what makes certain art so great. Some even feel attacked or stupid not comprehending something experts say is excellent. They wind up doubting their own tastes or worse, keep on apologizing for it. All this makes people shy away from the visual arts.
It’s the job for all art professionals to explain art in terms people can relate to and understand. But again, if you see something you do like, that should be all you need to know. Don’t let anybody tell you what you can or can’t like.
That sure sounds like music to my ears. And I’m not even a music expert.
kind regards, Gerard
