Art definitely matters!

It absolutely matters! From a young age I was taught to appreciate art – in all forms – and I am thankful for that base and foundation. Art has always fascinated me, however, I have always viewed it in a very simple way. I have never really been one to analyze it and think too deeply about the meaning behind a piece or what the artist was trying get across with his/her work. I either liked it or I didn’t.

It’s really been as simple as that. In the past I have gravitated more towards work from Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and even an occasional Henri Matisse creation. I recently discovered a huge appreciation for current Serbian abstract artist Mirza Zupljanin.

Mirza Zuplijanin

Henri Matisse

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock – 1948

My taste in art has been influenced greatly by my older brother, who is a brilliant abstract and formalist artist, graphic designer and web designer. His view of simplistic art has carried over to myself, and appreciate work for face value.

The way in which we have studied and analyzed works of art in this class has challenged me to think more deeply about the different forms of art and look for how deeper meanings might change my appreciation for certain pieces. In some cases it has, while in other aspects I still take it for what it is.

That said, I think it is extremely important to understand the different methods and thought processes that goes into creating art. For someone like myself, who has practically zero artistic ability in regards to painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., it’s of great benefit to at least understand art and not only think of it in terms of what you like and don’t like, but also look at it critically.

Although I don’t have plans to enter the design world per se, being able to understand artists’ and grasp what they are trying to communicate is a great asset for anyone entering the world of media.

For me, the way I go about learning about art and discovering some of the best in the business – new and old – is attending galleries, museums, searching the Internet, keeping a curious mind. My brother is always introducing me to new artists and pieces of work that he finds interesting. Many of my friends are very in tune to the world of art, and I can often simply walk into their homes and discover new trends or artists. I always look at the walls when I enter their homes and ask questions about the art. It’s a great way to learn about artists I might not otherwise hear about.