This is a really interesting conversation! This is actually my favorite kind of art so I might also be able to help explain. Sorry if this is boring, I love modern art and have spent a decent amount of time in a modern art museum as a visitor!

It’s not about asking yourself how it makes you feel, but more recognizing that art makes you feel something whether you want it to or not.

The moment you see it and think “I don’t get it.” Or “that’s just smears on a wall,” you are already experiencing the art and feeling something. Even if it’s derision! Or disinterest! It may not be for you, but the trick is realizing you are still feeling something. I think it’s fun to wonder about what I feel or think about an artist’s intent. It adds depth to the art for me.

One of the main reasons I love art like this is that the artist is often really intentional and, in an unintuitive way, it’s reward looking at them more than once and in 3D. They have texture and oftentimes you can see very clear intent on the artist’s part. The size of the painting makes a difference, what’s around it, etc.

I also love art that requires more than surface level to understand it. If I’m like “why would someone like this?” it almost attracts me more. I learn what the artist is putting into the art, often emotionally and/or with a lot of thought, and that can make it more meaningful than people who are really good painters painting the Virgin Mary again, you know?

I could keep going, with examples, but I’ve written a lot. I love art, man.