Why should I collect art?
Looking at art can jolt you out of habitual ways of seeing, and give you
a fresh perspective on the world. Art stimulates and challenges your
mind, transforming even ordinary objects into catalysts for inspiration.
Like a lesson in Zen philosophy, art teaches us to be present in the
moment. It reminds us to come up for air, and take a look at the view
beyond our own horizons.
Expectations can backfire
It's natural and human to be disappointed when our experience doesn't
match our expectations. It happens all the time, from dating to dining.
When it comes to art too, we may be suspicious of what's new. And as
long as we expect contemporary art to be a comfortable reproduction of
an idealized world, we will be disappointed.
An open mind is all you need
Whether we're meeting new people or encountering art, an open mind
enriches the experience. Once you've opened yourself to the experience
of contemporary art, look at as much artwork as possible. You'll find
that art today is a mirror of our culture and values, just as art has
been throughout history. We should expect art to be as chaotic, complex,
and challenging as our lives are.
Go ahead — read between the lines
Our own lives and history are an important component in understanding
art. Many artists today require the active participation of the viewer.
Instead of telling an entire story in each artwork, sometimes they only
provide us with a few clues to prompt our imaginations. As our
imaginations grow and evolve, so does our understanding of art.
"I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like."
This cliché sums up how many people feel about art. But knowledge of art
and personal taste do not necessarily conflict with one another. In
fact, they are closely related.
Our tastes are not only unique — they are constantly evolving. (Consider
how dated the clothes, music, and food you preferred in high school seem
to you today.) Our tastes evolve when we come in contact with new
experiences and information. The more we experience and learn, the more
we evolve. Art Assist is dedicated to this concept.
The great unknown
Art that is outside of our normal experience may seem difficult or
challenging at first. But rather than allowing yourself to be
intimidated by unfamiliar art, consider it a stimulus. Learning about
this novel sort of art can contribute to the evolution of our personal
taste, and can deepen our appreciation of the art that we already know
and enjoy.
Who says you're not an expert?
Take a minute to look at the topics listed above at
the left, and choose one. Each is a self-contained unit that can
increase your knowledge and appreciation of art. They can be read in any
order. Once you have learned more about different contemporary styles,
subjects, techniques, and media, you will view the works in our catalog
from an entirely fresh perspective. Try pulling together a collection of
the works you like, using the "My Collection" feature — you may be
surprised how your own taste evolves.
Next:
Quality — How do I decide what is great art? |
