Modern Art – Expression or Regression?

Art is always subjective.  What looks like a blob of colors with little significance to one, can be an incredible representation of the chaos of the universe to another.  Indeed, the beauty of art rests in the fact that it can mean so many different things to so many different people. People attribute this phenomenon to contemporary art alone, assuming that renaissance painters were straightforward in their presentations. When one really explores the works of the old masters however, they note that numerous portraits held symbolic structures and secrets that can be examined and debated even today. While certain symbols, like an apple, have an undeniable meaning, others could be interpreted a number of ways. One example of this is Mona Lisa’s world-renowned smile. Art aficionados have speculated for years that the smile has something to do with a naughty secret the woman was hiding, a secret that could very well be in plain site.  Some say this secret was that Mona Lisa was really a self portrait of Leonardo Davinci. There is also a bit of trickery in the portrait, where Mona Lisa’s smile appears to change; something many historians believe may have been deliberate. The reality however is that there is a perfectly logical explanation for this alteration of the famous lady’s expression. When people stare at the portrait they are first directed at her eyes and the lips become a peripheral focus therefore, she appears to be smiling. When the focus finally rests on the lips one finally sees that she is not really smiling at all.  Although eerie, one can hardly believe Davinci intentionally painted the portrait with this optical illusion in mind.

Modern art is a lot like this legendary smile. People expect one thing but when taken at its’ merits, will see a different reality. For detractors who think there is no real genius in the avante garde presentations of abstract work, they are missing the relevance of today’s artistic voices.  The statements made with contemporary art can tell us a lot about where man currently is and where he is heading. If we as viewers learn to look right at the lips as opposed to the eyes of each work, we can receive the message in its purest form and see that modern art is truly an evolved progression of symbolism perfected long ago by the Davinci’s of the world.

Lady_Mirage

there is no doubt that modern art is an expression. Citing Mona Lisa, one of the most recognizable artistic paintings in the Western world, is a living proof that artists express their personal experiences and tragedies through their artwork.

Thor

the mona lisa smile is somewhat deceptive. people thinks she's just smiling but there's something behind it.

Joan of Ark

when it comes to art, man thinks of imagination, thoughts and ideas before creating a piece of work. that's why it is a form of expression. definitely not a regression

poker face

art is a reflection of who they are and what kind of artists they are like. they are just expressing themselves. and we need to take note that for some artists, what comes out or what they expressed is kind of disturbing nowadays...

michaelangelo08

expressionism has been a key theme in modern art. an expression of emotion and the means the artist uses to do it in order to reach the feelings of the spectator. by the way, great article.

KiNgArThUr

During the modern art era, artistic works denotes the style and philosophy of the art. i love the mother and child painting.

Prince Charles

Modern art like The Scream is expressionist painting, depicting an agonised figure against a blood red sky.

justin_kyle

The Mona Lisa painting remains a mystery until now... the ambiguity of her expression is enigmatic as often described from some artists.

hale brown

Fascinating thoughts. Modern art reflects the expression and emotion of the artist. The Mona Lisa painting is a classic example that best describe Leonardo Davinci's freedom of expression. That mysterious smile has deceived generations of viewers, but the true identity of the woman pictured in the portrait remains unknown, despite intensive research by art historians.

Chelsea

According to my colleague, modern art is a medium of expression for many artists for whom the very starting point of their work is often an idea in the philosophical or psychological or sociological sense. For me, it also involved emotions. I meet an artist who told me that his emotions and past experiences help him find his expression in art.

armstrong56

While I'm more interested with music, this statement really caught up my attention. Needless to say that art is more of expression than regression, modern art was based on the notion that a work of art is a personal record of an artist's experiences. DaVinci's work is intriguing in which his art reflected his direct observation of nature and human figure.

Terry

Exactly. This unique art form, which started during post-World War II, is an expression of an artist's subconscious thoughts or inner visions. Artists use the form and colour to express their ideas rather than using any real object. Thus, DaVinci's masterpiece is born. He breaks himself free from the rules and regulations of common art and creates the artwork in a highly innovative manner.

Frederick

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Modern arts is part of my collection and I feel delighted everytime I see one. A freedom of expression where artists swerved away from traditional concepts, practices and techniques. I mean, it's letting go of old myths and embracing your own ideas and imaginations. It's the best thing that had happen since Renaissance art.

Sam911

I learn to appreciate modern art when I was strolling down the street and took notice of arts. Most street art has a really striking style. Appealing yet concise. I admire those people with self-expression even if they lack resources and all, but they have much to offer. Those type of talented people need to be addressed and credited.

Tracy Strauss

In my own personal view, art is a language that is suited to the expression of observations. It serves to make us aware of who we are as individuals and joins us to other people, other cultures and all areas in which artists explained their world and expressed their beliefs through visual means. That's the beauty of modern art.

Rafael

Prince Charles I love your observation--very true. Art will always reflect the contemporary moods of a people and preserve them for posterity. It is then up to these folks to recognize the message and learn from it.

Shirley T

I had a big argument with my mom the other day--she was all like, "that new art stuff is junk!" she just doesn't get it. It is always about and going to be about expression. Those who do not understand just don't appreciate what art is really about.

MiSS_Anthropy

I know I may get yelled at here but I don't think a red blob on a white canvas is art--sorry. Sistine Chapel--now that's art!

Lareli

Miss_Anthropy I am starting to believe your user name... Art is expression pure and simple. Almost anything can be art if you are telling a story with your work? That was the whole point of the emergence of minimalism -- to show that art didn't have to be elaborate to make a point.

Vox Machina

But MiSS_Anthropy has a point-- we don't always have to get art and not everyone will agree. Art is in the eye of the beholder so some will get it and some won't so it is okay to not like something--at least it is a response. Apathy would be worse.

Pegasus Rider

I stumbled across this site during a search and love everything about it! I also really loved this article--very enlightening and very, very true!

Art Maven

I have always believed that art is about invoking a reaction--positive, negative or otherwise. So long as it makes you think. People who get upset about controversial art often miss the point. If you are moved to react in any way--art has done it's job.

Laureli

True, but I think there is a fine line between being provocative and just being inflammatory to stir up a hornets nest and get attention. I think art should have a certain type of grace to it, even when it is trying make a point—that is my opinion any way

Slo Mo

In my opinion there are far too many contemporary artists who keep trying to push the envelope just to sell out their showings. I liken them to the boy bands out there that sell out to make money. One should never create with the idea to make controversy but with the idea of expressing your soul...if you express yourself and controversy occurs, so be it...

MiSS_Anthropy

But what if the artist is someone who likes to push buttons by nature--like, that is who he or she is? If they create controversial pieces TO BE controversial--aren't they expressing their souls and being true to themselves?

Slo Mo

That is a very good point that I never considered...I'll have to mull that one over a while...

Serendipitous Unicorn

I personally love all types of art and feel as if they convey their own hidden messages and posses their own strengths. We start to get bogged don in far too many irrelevant details when we concentrate on what is supposed to be "real" art and what isn't.

Art Maven

You must have read my mind--I get so tired of people pointing to an era and stating that this was the time of "real art,". when I ask such people to define what real art is--they seldom have a response.

Synchronicity

When I was in art school I knew this guy who used to toss buckets of paint on a canvas and roll over it au naturale -- we laughed but today this guy is making quite a splash. All I can say is art is in the eye of the beholder.

Art Maven

I have a similar story but it has to do with hammers and nails--won't go into it here but in my opinion our body can be as much a part of the art piece as paint and brush.

Sunshine Punch

I know a nine year old kid who uses finger paints to create portraits that are incredible--a prodigy. She lives in my neighborhood but I have been telling her Mom to see if she can get into art school.

Mastodon

I think art is such a broad term--like the word "universe". How can you encapsulate something that is hard to define? I think people should just create and leave the labels on cans of tuna...

Love Dove

this blog and especially the last comment are really on point. I am so glad to see that I am not the only one who thinks about these types of things.

Mastodon

Thankie kindly Dove...that is one reason why I posted in this thread--there are so many people here who have such enlightened grasp of art and what it means, esp to kids. It can never be over stated how much we need to preserve artistic disciplines for future generations.

Ghost Rider

In my opinion it is a combination of both -- progression and regression. Progression in that it is froward thinking, regression in that modern art doesn't subscribe to old fashioned techniques--and it isn't suppsoed to right?

Laureli

What a great point--why should we continue old traditions when it comes to art? each master broke the molds of their day--and we should continue to do that not try to do the same things over and over again.

Underdog

I always like the idea of mixing new and old--especially when it comes to multimedia. That way you never know what you come up with -- as a artist, I like to surprise myself as well as others.

Stage Diver

What about collages? It's sort of an old style but can be updated based on what you do with it. You can sue materials not commonly associated with collages to create something new and unique.

Laureli

I understand what you guys are saying and agree--you can put a new twist on old ideas--but I think new artists should strive to push the envelope and develop new and amazing techniques as well.

Galaxy Seeker

I truly think there is nothing really new under the sun b just a new way of doing an old thing, if that makes sense. But it can seem innovative if done well enough.

Phantasm

Sort of like with movie ideas, for instance, boy meets girl formula. You can have 101 films that use the same plot devises, the same kind of ideals, music scores, corny airport love declaration scenes -- but then someone comes with a wonderful romance, like Dr Zhivago or Gone With The Wind that give the genre a new voice ...

Lilo

a great analogy! Yes, we can take a new slant on a new idea, however, as technology continues to evolve, we may literally find new ways to create -- and I can't wait.

Evolution Solution

Art cannot be contained--it will always be in a state of flux and expansion--new techniques, old techniques--doesn't matter. It will have a newness to it because the person creating it. That's my take on it anyway.

Moon Beams

I don't think art ever regresses, people only assume it is because it goes through quiet periods. Art is not always bombastic sometimes it just wants to capture nuances of life. art, as evolution was saying, is always moving--it is an energy that cannot be contained.

Lady Marmalade

Art, like anything of sophistication is an acquired taste. Not everyone will get or understand certain aspects of it. Artists aren't trying to titillate the senses of those who aren't inclined to appreciate such things anyway. An artist should create for himself first. Then and only then will he truly move others.

Army Brat

I agree. When people waste time wondering what others will think of their art, they are less inclined to make people take notice. Art patrons like honesty and realism, not pretention.

Piccaso Blue

All the great artists were very inclined to do their own thang! I think this is what made them so great. It takes a certain amount of bravery to fly in the face of convictions--to live out loud. People almost always persecuted them for it. But from their trials came beautiful masterpieces.

Trial By Fyre

Unfortunately, that does seem to be the case--even in music. You ever notice how when an artist has a happy period, their art or music starts to suck? LOL. Not that we don't want them to be happy, just that there is something about dark moments that makes us most creative.

Love Dove

I have to disagree. Some of the most wonderful peices of art were about love, or family bonding or friendship. Not all aspects of art have to be about man's negative emotions.

Dandy_Lion

Very true. I think some people think an artist who has a dark presence who experiences lighthearted viewpoints suddenly loses their edge, but I think a real artist isn't stagnant--he will paint to represent what stage he is in life if he is being honest. So if you are drawn to dark artist and they start creating lighthearted art--they suddenly "suck." LOL

Lilith

It's a matter of taste then. I personally like artists who highlight the beauty of life but they are few and far between. Everyone wants to be dark to earn street cred or something.

Laureli

A matter of taste and mood. OK, I admit it. Sometimes when I just want to dance around I may toss on some ABBA or DEVO's WHIP IT...even broke down and listened to *cough, cough* danced to B Spears. But there are times when I just want to sit down and think

MiSS_Anthropy

Want to hear something funny? Gene Simmons totally loved groups like ABBY and DONNA SUMMER if you can believe it.

Changeling

I can see that. ABBA and Donna rocked even if they were disco. They had an innovative sound and were very fun. Even though Gene Simmons is a freak he can appreciate kitschy talent.

Divine

Disco music? Talk about artistic regression. I understand the movement was an answer against all the dreary war protest songs of the sixties but that decadent time period ended up with equally decadent throw away music. Gag me with a spoon.

MiSS_Anthropy

Please get your time periods straight--"Gag me with a spoon" is from the 80's and if ever there was an era of throwaway music it was the 80's!

SOL

*rolls eyes* whatever. All I can say is that all art has a point and no one can say it regresses. Let says if people started painting impressionistic pieces again are we regressing or simply bringing back a wonderful art technique. We should stop caring so much about labels and simply enjoy what artists are trying to share.

Intuition

You beat me to the punch--I was about to say the same thing but in different words. What gets me is people try so hard to act above it all when we should admit that we like pop music as well as pop art. So what if it isn't talking about war or hunger. We have artists that do that--some people just want to take our minds off of the darkness with something silly or happy--we need a balance.

Colette

I am all for silly or happy--I just have an issue when it seems that is all people want to talk or sing about. Thankfully multimedia art is still exploring deep topics!

Nebula 1

Regression, expression who cares. All I know is what I like--it doesn't matter how others choose to categorize it. I am just afraid all the type casting will run real artist away from the creative sciences...

Laureli

exactly--how can we find the next Basquiat if we are so busy trying to label what he or he is trying to do...?

Expressionist

I like old art. I like new art. I like it all. I feel we are so busy dissecting the creative process and art itself that we are missing the point. Even the greats were having to deal with the stress with the prevailing societal big wigs who were trying to contain them and put them in the box. Today, the trend continues...

Diogynese

We really do need to put the labels away. if the art is great it will speak to me, if not it won't--and it woudl probably be a matter of taste and opinion. One man's trash is another mans treasure sort of thing.

Chesire Cat

Agree and disagree. We should feel free to experiment but crap is crap and good work is good work. People should define the parameters of what makes art art and what makes something just ridiculous...

The Critic

The issue remains though that tastes is subjective. Some things are not so black and white. I can for instance say fire is hot, but can I say an artistic depiction of fire is wrong if the artist chooses to make the fire purple? It get ticklish and isn't so easy to define.

Art Maven

I for one try not to come to an art show with any preconceived notions. I do however, know what I like and do not like. I think the mark of an artist is their ability to pull you into their world. It doesn't matter what medium they use for what style. All the fancy tricks in the world won't matter if people don't care.

Laureli

I am the same way. Art shouldn't be measured in regards to style or technique by those who get sucked in. Even the misunderstood masters of their time had people who liked their work and supported them--but as time passed, we understood the value of their voice even more...

Iron man

Yeah, The statements made with contemporary art can tell us a lot about where man currently is and where he is heading.