The Secret Message in Art

There is a secret message in art.  It stems from the artist’s personal world view reacting to an external set of influences. Sometimes it’s subtle, other times blatant. This is a good thing – thinking about messages, because if art doesn’t contain a clue to the artist’s world view then it is nothing more than a facsimile. 

Think about the apple.  Most art educations strive to teach the artist how to effectively paint a believable apple.  Some will take the artist further, emphasizing the need to paint with beauty or style.  Many artists stop here.  But an apple without the context of the artist’s point of view lacks one crucial element.  The power to communicate.

Imagine an apple painted by Renè Magritte compared to one painted by Cezanne.  Or flowers painted by O’Keeffe, compared to Van Gogh - or Mapplethorpe. Because each artist communicated a personal world view, we have an immediate mental image.  We understand something that can't be put into words.

This is context.

Experienced artists have learned the skill set required to not only create beautiful images but to instill this sense of context.  They know not everyone will agree with them, or like the art they produce.  Times change, tastes change, but one thing never changes.

A facsimile has no meaning at all, with a shelf life that’s down around zero.

 

Comments

[Sue Smith]

I agree, Tracy.Each artist is on their own path.And I think you are right in your intuition that you cant easily begin with context-the ideais very nebulous for me, and only through continued painting over the years has it come into more and more clarity. Perhaps because I dontneed to focus on technique or compositional issues so intently as before, Ive freed up the thinking process for the next level.I also think that viewers (and art historians) bring their own context to a painting. If youve ever had to analyze a painting for your art history professor, and have him demolish your brilliant theory, youll know what I mean. Thanks for your perspective.

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[TracyWall]

I'll have to peek at the article mentioned. You see this is exactly where I lie in the quest for my visual voice.

I agree, context is so very important though I'm not sure if it begins as a conscious effort. I see painting in whatever styles I do as experience in developing my tools to eventually say what I need to say. Much like a singer develops their voice (whether it be with scales or "Happy Birthday" to the national anthem).

For some, pretty pictures are enough. Others need more. My artistic journey has developed, yet I still have so far to go.

Thanks for starting the discussion!

[Sue Smith]

Vivien - its a great article!Context is such a difficult concept for artists to understand early in their practice. This article gives a lovely explanation. Thank you for posting the link.

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[vivien]

There is a really good article

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/great-works/great-works-a-corner-of-the-artists-room-in-paris190709-gwen-john-2087661.html

that really echoes what you've written. I think it would interest you