How To Appreciate Art

A primer for those who want to enjoy art on a deeper level

Image: © Pexels /Pixabay

When I embarked on this Substack, I intended to comment on, analyse, and appreciate various works of art. Since starting, however, it’s come to my attention that many people do not actually know how to appreciate art and think it’s the preserve of fancy, pretentious types in little glasses and berets.

Art is for everyone. My approach to art is that it should be accessible to anyone who wants to access it. You do not need to know a lot about art or art history to enjoy and appreciate art. So I’ve put together some of the questions you can ask that will help you consider and appreciate art.

This guide is not intended for those who want to make an academic commentary on art. It is strictly for art ‘laypeople’ who want to enjoy art on a deeper level but don’t know where to begin. Fine art especially is deliberately elitist, but why shouldn’t you be one of the elite?

What is the art?

Start with the most basic. Is it a painting, a poem, a short film, a sculpture? Is it realist or abstract?

Who is the artist?

Who made this art? What is their ethnicity, background, and from whence do they hail?

What is the social, historical, political context of the art?

Does the artist belong to a political movement, or a certain period in history? What was happening in society at that time?

What were the artist's intentions?

Is the artist trying to communicate a message or story? Is the art a political statement or a narrative work?

Does the art successfully execute/communicate those intentions?

This is when you can first begin to comment on whether the art is “good” or not. Don’t be afraid to say if it isn’t. If you think the artist was trying to say something with the art, but the work itself doesn’t get their message across as well as you think it could have done, you are allowed to think so.

What is the level of the artist's technical skill?

If the artist is a painter, you are allowed to comment on whether the painting is well painted. Same with a work of writing, sculpture, or any type of art. Criticise the technical skill, not the person.

Does a lack of technical skill hinder the artist’s expression or communication?

If you have found the technical skill wanting, you may wish to comment on whether that has impeded the communication of the artist’s message.

Is the art work deliberately stylised?

Consider if the art strays from realism or is experimental in some way. Was this on purpose? Does this strengthen or weaken the art? Does this help or hinder what the artist was trying to say?

Is this art work shallow or deep?

Some art is just for funsies. Some art work tackles serious issues. Both have their place.

What is the tone of the art work; is it serious or fun? Is it a parody/satire or ironic?

Detecting the irony and subtext in a work of art is key, especially in political works of art.

What does the art work make you think about?

Is this work of art trying to draw your attention to an issue, social problem, or say something about the nature of human existence or emotion?

Is this what the artist(s) wanted you to think about?

If you know what the artist’s intentions are, and you don’t think they succeeded in drawing your mind to what they wanted, you can comment on that.

How does the art work make you feel?

Does a work of art move you? Does it provoke an emotion, or make you nostalgic for a certain period in your life when you were lonely, sad, happy, joyful etc.?

Is this what the artist(s) wanted you to feel?

It’s okay to feel something other than what the artist wanted you to feel, in fact, it’s significant if that happens. Ask yourself why that is.

Can you see why other people like this art work, even if you don't?

- Or -

Can you see why other people dislike this art work, even if you do?

Just because a work of art is not for you, does not mean it is bad. Just because you like a work of art does not mean it is good. Understanding a work’s appeal to other people, especially other demographics, demographics to which you do not belong, is an absolute must.

It is important to note that, at this stage, none of these questions cast judgement or aspersions on the artist as a person. None of these questions discuss whether the artist is a good or moral person or not. These questions merely help you separate the artist's technical skill from the subject and from judging the artist rather than the art work.

Whether or not we should do that will be the subject of an article upcoming fairly soon. Subscribe to be in the loop when it comes out in the next few weeks.