How to make sense of art

I always meet two types of people when I mention my background in art. The first group of people immediately dismissed me because of the stereotypes of art, such as art people are feeling-based and do not make money. If I do not make money or give benefits to them, conversations fall short. The second group of people who are genuinely curious about what I do, especially when I passionately say that art has context behind it. This post is to target the second group of people. With information at the tip of our fingers through the Internet and AI (Artificial Intelligence), I almost did not want to write this post. However, I realised no one can fully replicate my thoughts and emotions. While AI can train on my writing, I may offer different perspectives. Being trained in art and design means I have the fundamentals to read artworks, artifacts, and designs. Here are some of the fundamentals taught in art and design school:

1. The principles and elements of art

These principles and elements such form, strokes, colour, repetition, harmony are essential because they are the foundation of constructing artworks. Many articles are available online regarding this. Please use the keywords “Principles and elements of art” on Google or AI tools to learn more.

2. The date of the artwork

This information is essential to determining the period of the artwork because of the availability of materials and technology. For example, we would not see digital art in the 17th century because computers have not been invented yet. Different technologies of each period will give different outcomes and meanings.

3. The location of the artwork

The surroundings of the place influence artworks. Is this a place with a tropical or temperate climate? What is the political environment of that place? Different places have different resources, and the political climate, such as wars and nation-building, also influences one’s outlook on migration and settlements. These three points above reflect culture, which means “the way we do life.” For example, if we want to make people living near the equator wear winter clothes like the Arctic and Antarctica, we need to create places with air conditioners that can go below 0ºC. This act is very counter-culture to a location with a warm and humid climate. However, history reveals that newer technologies or ideologies happened through inventors, rebels and revolutionaries. While we expect artworks to follow specific rules, some artworks challenge the norms. The problem with interpreting art is that we approach art as an object rather than the stories behind it. Traditionally, art is limited to museums and galleries, which can be intimidating. I would liken it to meeting someone new. We do not know about the person, but we take time to understand them. What drives the person to this path, whether science or humanities? What forms someone’s belief system? Instead of approaching it as an inanimate object, approach it from the point of view of who is behind it. These are my recommendations.

1. Read the title, date, and description on the art labels.

The title, date and description will give an overview of the artwork. Note that not all exhibitions have descriptions, making it more difficult. In those scenarios, I will get the artist’s name, title, and date and do a search about the artwork.

2. Leave the judgment outside

Certain types of education systems focused on the right and wrong answers. Hence, many people are afraid to give the wrong interpretation. For beginners, it is alright to make wrong interpretations, but please do not openly expose them on social media as this is for your own learning. When you approach the artwork, take note of what you feel.When you approach the artwork, take note of what you feel. How does the colours make you feel? Is it calming or disturbing? How about the strokes? Is is neat, messy, free-flow, controlled? Describe the artwork as much as possible based on your observations and feelings. Do not dismiss these initial feelings and emotions as the focus is about describing artworks. Remember to search for principles and elements for art to help with artwork description.

3. Do not interpret it based on our biases.

After describing the elements of artworks, it is very tempting to interpret it based on our limited lens. After all, all humans have biases. We may grow up in a particular community with different practices from others. Do not compare an artwork to your community practices because different locations have different weather, resources, religion and political climates. It may be uncomfortable to see an artwork that challenges your worldview, but observe it with an open mind. When in doubt, you can ask the available curator, artist, experts or reading materials. Always ask yourself, “What is the story behind the artwork?”

4. Use Wikipedia or use AI tools to get a basic idea

Since Wikipedia is open knowledge, people can sometimes abuse it and give inaccurate information. However, Wikipedia provides a good overview of the historical context for your learning. AI tools such as ChatGPT and Bing will also provide information, as these AI tools are trained on available information found on the Internet. For example, very little information about Orang Asli/Orang Asal in Malaysia can be found online, and results are inaccurate as these tools generate more Native American information and images. Hence, information on Wikipedia and AI tools is just to get a basic idea of a topic; it is not meant for research as it can have inconsistencies and inaccuracies. If you are a university student, please refer to Google scholar, materials from your university or ask an expert in the field to reduce biases.

5. Use a translation app for art labels when travelling to a country that uses a different language

For those travelling to another country, the translation app is handy for reading art labels in museums. Translation will help you understand how the artist thinks at the basic level. During my recent trip to Taiwan, I discovered that most museums have English translations. However, my visit to the National Palace Museum did not have in-depth descriptions of some of the artifacts in English compared to their Chinese description. I took a photo of the description and call number and searched for it through Open Data on their website. While the translation may not capture the information 100%, it is a good starting point for understanding the artwork. Once the translation is done, repeat steps 2-4 to understand the artwork. — The list above is to help me make sense of the art. I am on a learning journey to find alternative ways to interpret art. Remember the broad nature of art, and be open and curious about what it has to say.