25
White Painting
(cmoa-collection-images.s3.amazonaws.com)
Jirō Yoshihara, Japanese 1905–1972
1958
Oil on canvas
Carnegie Museum of Art
I don't understand this kind of art. I don't think it's art. The artist is most probably very talented and could likely do real art but choose to make this. Is it about the texture of the painting ? Maybe, it's bullshit stuff like "it's about how you feel when looking at it" ? Is this kind of art truly just a way for mega rich to launder money ?
I personally don't like this particular painting, but how a painting makes you feel is everything. It's like music or dance, it's a language to express emotion. Calling that "bullshit" is to defeat the entire purpose of art. While skill and accuracy are part of it, even a machine could appreciate that. The human part is emotion.
I agree. I should've precised that I meant it in the context of these type of art. I feel nothing looking at such piece. Real art make you feel the emotions and naturally express them, you don't need to ask yourself what do you feel looking at this.
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.
I enjoyed reading you comment and what i got from it is that in a sense, it's impossible for me to understand, enjoy the piece unless I see it in person and it's shame. Also, while I can understand having to read about the piece conception and its artist to **further ** understand a piece. Making it a requirement to even feel anything toward the piece, while an interesting concept in itself it can get tedious really quick, especially when several art piece demande it.