HOW TO READ AN ABSTRACT ART?

With a basic idea of the history of abstract art, you can apply a method to every painting you see—so when you’re faced with a “what the heck am I looking at” piece, you’ll know where to begin.

When looking at any artwork, most people’s first question tends to be “What is this about?” That’s a good place to start, but it won’t take you very far when looking at an abstract work—unless you’re willing to think more creatively. With abstract painting, the piece can be “about” the paint on the canvas, as with Abstract Expressionism; it can be “about” the process of painting for an artist personally; it can even be about the meaning of abstract art itself! Does the painting convey a mood-state or atmosphere, like an Expressionist painting? What does it prompt you to think about? Are you confronted with a particular color or shape? How does what you’re looking at make you feel? These are all sure-fire points of excavation: begin with asking yourself these kinds of questions and you’ll find the answers a lot less mysterious.

REMEMBER

1.Abstract art allows the viewer to decide what the artwork is about, on a very personal level.

2.When trying to understand abstract art is that you are always in dialogue with the piece by virtue of being its viewer.

3.We don't need to know exactly what the artwork is supposed to be about in order to feel a deep appreciation for it.

4.Know the artist's thought process for creating a certain work of art adds a further layer of meaning and value to each of our individual interpretations of a piece.

5.There is nothing to hold onto in terms of interpreting the painting, so you have to open up your intuition and see where the painting takes you. You have to engage with the painting, because it won't tell you what it's about.