Describe, categorise, connect the dots.
As 'common' as the saying may be, a picture still paints a 100o words.
Now that you have delved into art appreciation, you may find it a tricky topic to articulate the kind of art you like and why you may well appreciate that which resonates. This article is a three part - elaborating on art descriptions and understanding our psychological influences in art appreciation.
Part 1 - Better understanding describing artistic preferences
Part 2 - Common kinds of artistic preferences
Part 3 - Psychology and state of my influence art preferences
Being aware of the lens we approach art with is a great part of how we perceive work. This is once again, key for the artist and the art appreciator to keep in mind.
"Psychology and the state of mind play significant roles in the connection and appreciation of art. This a great facet within my art practice which influences my creative processes and artistic output." JMLR
Identifying and describing the kind of art you appreciate requires a process of self-reflection and exploration. Here are some steps to help you better understand and describe your artistic preferences:
Exposure to Various Art Forms
Engage with different forms of art, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, performance art, digital art, and more. The kinds of art forms and materials in the post modern age is endless. Visit galleries, museums, exhibitions, and art events to explore a wide range of artistic expressions.
Reflect on Your Emotional Response
Pay attention to how various artworks make you feel. Do you experience joy, awe, peace, spiritual stirring, sadness, curiosity, inspiration or any other emotional response? This can help you identify the types of themes, styles, or techniques that resonate with you.
Analyze Artistic Elements
Consider the visual aspects that attract you in a work of art. Take note of the colour palette, composition, use of light and shadow, texture, brushstrokes, or any other technical aspects that catch your eye. These elements can serve as clues to the kind of art you may appreciate.
Identify Preferred Styles or Movements
Research different art movements and styles throughout history, such as Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, or Pop Art. Look for artists associated with these movements and examine their works. See if any particular style captivates you more than others. In the section below, a brief description of the majors has been provided.
Explore Subject Matter
Consider the subjects or themes that consistently fascinate you. It could be nature, portraits, urban landscapes, historical events, social commentary, abstract concepts, or any other area of interest. Understanding your preferred subject matter can help you appreciate and connect with specific types of art.
Connect with Artists
Engaging with artists and their work can provide valuable insight into your own artistic preferences. Attend artist talks, read artist interviews, follow their social media accounts, or participate in art workshops. Hearing directly from artists can help you understand their creative process and find resonance with their perspectives. One really gets to know the deeper meanings in art through understanding and learning about the artist's true intentions.
Keep a Journal
Maintain a journal where you record your thoughts and feelings about the art you encounter. Describe the aspects you appreciate, the reasons behind your preferences, and any notes on the artists or artworks you find inspiring. Reviewing your journal over time can uncover patterns and provide clarity about your artistic taste.
All about the journey
Remember that artistic appreciation is a personal journey, and it can evolve over time as you discover new artists, movements, and styles. Regularly expose yourself to different forms of art and trust your instincts to guide you towards the art you truly appreciate.
Artistic preferences can vary greatly among individuals, as taste in art is subjective. However, here are some common types of artistic preferences:
Realism
Appreciation for artworks that closely resemble the natural world and represent objects, people, or scenes with a high level of detail and accuracy.
Abstract
Fondness for artworks that prioritize shapes, colors, lines, and forms, rather than directly representing recognizable objects or scenes. Abstract art often explores subjective emotions, ideas, or concepts. That being said, abstract works are often inspired by interpretations of imagery from the 'real' world.
Impressionism
Preference for artworks characterized by loose brushwork, visible brushstrokes, and an emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in a brief moment.
Expressionism
Enjoyment of artworks that emphasize the artist's emotional and subjective response to the world, often through distorted or exaggerated forms, intense colors, and bold brushwork.
Minimalism
Appreciation for artworks that utilize simple and pared-down forms, shapes, lines, or colors, often with a focus on repetition, geometric precision, and minimalist aesthetics.
Pop Art
Liking for artworks that draw inspiration from popular culture, mass media, and consumerism, often incorporating images or objects associated with consumer products, advertisements, celebrities, or icons of popular culture.
Surrealism
Fascination with artworks that explore the realm of the subconscious, dreams, and the irrational, often featuring juxtapositions of unrelated objects, unexpected scenes, and dreamlike imagery.
Conceptual Art
Interest in artworks that prioritize conceptual ideas and the artist's intention over the traditional aesthetic or technical qualities. Conceptual art often challenges the notion of a physical object and focuses on intellectual engagement.
Street Art and Graffiti
Appreciation for art that is created in public spaces, often involving stencil work, graffiti, murals, or other forms of urban expression. Street art can convey social or political messages and is closely tied to the culture of the streets.
Mixed Media and Installation
Preference for artworks that incorporate a variety of materials, textures, and techniques, or artworks that transcend traditional boundaries and extend into the space around them, blurring the line between art and the environment.
Remember, these are just some examples of artistic preferences, and individuals may have unique combinations or preferences not mentioned here, if there is a major you feel is missing on the list, please do be in contact. Art appreciation is highly personal and can encompass a wide range of styles, movements, and techniques, the main stream is what makes the history books but so much was enabled through the fine links, developments and ground breaking movements between the main movements.
Here are a few ways in which psychology and the state of mind influence our perception and appreciation of art:
Emotions and Aesthetics
Art has the power to evoke strong emotional responses. The state of mind and psychological factors can influence how we experience and interpret artworks. Positive emotions like joy, awe, or nostalgia can enhance our appreciation, while negative emotions might provoke critical reflection. Aesthetics, such as the harmony of colours or the balance of composition, can also impact our emotional and cognitive engagement with art.
Personal Experience and Interpretation
Our individual psychological makeup and life experiences greatly shape how we interpret and connect with art. Past experiences, memories, cultural background, and personal beliefs influence our understanding and emotional response to specific artistic themes, styles, or concepts. Each person brings their own unique perspective and interpretation to the art they engage with.
Symbolism and Meaning
The psychology of symbolism plays a role in art appreciation. Symbols are used in art to communicate ideas and convey deeper meanings. The state of mind, personal associations, and cultural conditioning can influence how individuals interpret and derive meaning from symbolic elements in art. This subjective engagement enriches the appreciation and understanding of the artwork.
Cognitive Processes
The cognitive aspects of our mind play a role in art appreciation. Our ability to perceive and analyze the visual elements, such as colour, form, texture, and composition, contributes to our understanding and appreciation of art. Attention, perception, memory, and decision-making processes come into play while engaging with artworks, affecting our overall experience.
Flow and Immersion
When deeply engaged with art, individuals can enter a state of flow or immersion. This state of mind occurs when one is fully absorbed in an activity, losing track of time and experiencing a sense of energized focus and enjoyment. Flow and immersion can enhance our connection and appreciation of art, allowing for a more profound and immersive experience.
Therapeutic Effects
Art also has therapeutic potential, impacting our psychological well-being. Engaging with art, whether through creation or appreciation, can promote stress reduction, self-expression, emotional healing, and personal growth. Art therapy, for example, utilizes art as a therapeutic tool, harnessing its psychological benefits. In my practice, I often incorporate some of the fundamentals of art therapeutic methods within the vision of the work.
Understanding the interplay between psychology, the state of mind, and art appreciation helps highlight the diverse factors that shape our responses to artworks. It emphasizes the importance of individual experiences, emotions, and cognitive processes when connecting with and appreciating art.
As we get to know more about art, there will be timeless pieces which resonate with the soul over the decades. Yet, other works we may find we outgrow. It all comes down to the connection, appreciation and some of the contributing factors of the unveiling world of art.
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