How to understand art on the example of Mark Rothko
If you look at painting and wonder — “I could do better,” or “My child could paint that,” you are missing the point. Very likely this reaction is caused by some kind of misunderstanding which moves you away from the opportunity to enjoy art. I’m not talking about Raphael’s Madonnas, with which it is so easy to experience the feeling of joy and pleasure. Understandable forms, gorgeous shades of colour, and the self evident piercing skill of the artist make us come to the conclusion that, without doubt, Raphael is a genius.
But does this happen often when we come to a museum without any knowledge and meet abstract paintings? I think not. In this case some of us can’t say anything better than those phrases I began my story with. Art may seem unapproachable at times. But give it a chance, and it can turn out to be deeply personal and enriching.
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Step 1: Study the history and understand the terms.
In order to understand and to feel the depth of Mark Rothko’s paintings you need to refresh the beginning of the 20th century in your memory…
