Abstract or figurative, that’s the question
Art can be figurative: you recognize real-life objects and can see what it is or what it is supposed to be. In contrast, art can also be abstract, in which case you might be able to figure out what you think it is or what it resembles. Or you have no clue what it looks like, that’s probably abstract as well.
And, for simplicity’s sake, it can be both abstract and figurative in any blend you can think of.
Nope, this ain’t no art class. I’m an art novice myself and art of not, I either like something arty or I don’t. Most Rembrandt’s I certainly do not like, most Van Gogh’s I do like – but not all of them. Why? I got no clue. a matter of different taste I guess. It sure would be boring if we all had the same taste don’t you agree? So I’m not treating y’all to a free art class. Instead of me giving a free art class, you can click some of the links on this page and learn more about the items. But I do have a question for you to consider…
Let’s start simple, I’ll give you two pieces of art from what we now can refer to as the LA Wall Art Collection. Here they are:
The first:
And the second:
So, here’s the question:
The two artworks above are in some way related. How?
Remark:
When visiting the artworks while they were still in progress earlier, I had a chat with a few of the artists. All of them, including the ones I did not get a chance to speak to, got a thumbs up from me and they seemed to be happy about that as it drew a smile on all faces – no exceptions.
But I did speak briefly with the artist of the second image on this page, the abstract colory thing. He asked me if I liked it. I confirmed and mentioned that I liked the shape and the colors but was still trying to figure out what it was – if indeed it was figurative art. I told him I leaned towards calling it abstract art.
Then he decided to let me in on a secret. It’s figurative for me, he said, even if it might be abstract for you. Looking at it carefully, I could not think of an object resembling, even ever so slightly, the shape of the painting. Then he told me what it was. Obviously, now it no longer was abstract art to me. But if you wouldn’t have been told, it would remain abstract. The fun thing about that is that I cannot undo this view once revealed. I still like the shape and colors of it as much as I did before, but it is no longer abstract for me, and I like both of them!
Anyway, there was your riddle above.
Paul, 2024-06
Ever considered reading my books?