Finding meaning in abstraction

Joan Mitchell, City Landscape, 1955, oil on linen, 203.2 × 203.2 cm (Art Institute of Chicago 1958.193, ©The Estate of Joan Mitchell), a Seeing America video

speakers: Sarah Alvarez, Director of School Programs, Art Institute of Chicago, Beth Harris, and Steven Zucker

[charliecastillo]

The last line about letting things just be themselves is great. I’ve met people who really like concrete answers and ideas, who don’t necessarily like open-ended questions or theories. But I’ve also realised that I also need to let those people be who they are — I like theories and abstract concepts and ideas, and they like concrete ideas and concepts. One isn’t necessarily better than the other. Abstraction needs concrete-ness, and vice versa — and in this way I can just let those ideas and people be.

[spencersatchell]

That was unbelievably insightful and I thank you. I am amazed at how a YouTube video on abstract paintings can completely change my views on art.

[inconsolablekiwi]

I really liked the last line. Thank you for the video!

[persontimr]

I find abstract can be equally appreciated two fold. One is the techniques used (objective) and the meaning portion (subjective). Just a thought as many make fun of the latter. Love the channel.

[oltedders]

Knowing when it (City Landscape) was painted has more relevance for me. I was six years old when this was painted. This gives the whole concept of the image a fresh and energetic authority a later work simply doesn't have. I'm bowled over by the sheer amount of detail in this stunningly beautiful work. How fortunate any private owner would be to possess one of her works.

[archanglemercuri]

At 4:01 & 4:14 - incredible! "What did it mean at that moment (especially considering post-a World War)" + "Music Without Words" ...so few words. Yet, so much delayed gratification in our tardiness of experiencing the context they way you two had explained it. Thank you both, on & on and before, so much!

[YeamanME]

Just love you folks....your exploration of individual art objects as well as concepts is always a pleasure to watch and listen

[kenimiller]

Just like with most abstract paintings, I just can't explain why I feel so happy when I look at a painting like this one.

[anaheimelectronics]

Sometimes, we don't need to understand. Just feel it

[myla]

That comparison with music without words is simply perfect. Poetry is music too but all words.

[oltedders]

A fabulous work by a giant of abstract expressionism.

[Sasha]

The comparison of abstract art to instrumental music at the end was brilliant. I feel like I'll be viewing abstract works with that metaphor in mind going forward. I prefer representation as a general rule, but I do like the unique challenge that looking at abstract art presents.

[yishayhogesta]

I really liked what the guy said about the title and also the last line

[robmcd]

Before even knowing the name of this piece, I thought it looked like an incredible traffic jam.

[gabrielafitzgerald]

Hmm very interesting I actually immediately saw a city scape even before the title was revealed.

[Micro-Nova]

I see it as expressing moments, and feelings, the connection of the hand and brain. And to let it just flow free. To enjoy the amazing gift of expressing on canvass the joy of moving your arm and limbs and built colour in it as further expression, and then the finished product and hearing people's interpretations! 😉

[nicolaspoblete]

Great conversation on abstraction! Thanks!

[leBloggerSupreme]

wow for such a great channels, the comments are very ignorant and stupid. photorealism in art will never resonate for me. Most often a narrative will literally be described in a classical painting: depictions of christ, classical scenes of rome. Abstract art conjures a world inside your own mind every person will interpret such a scene differently. Photorealism in NOT art it is skill. Art is transformative, applies the human lense and twist and distorts concepts and emotions for us to digest visually. Every art movement since neo-classisism has been a revolt of their parents generation and a disregard for the arbitrary standards set by governing bodies, and 500 years on we are still in the same place its incredible to me. Great video as usual Smarthistory, i see so many of these comments on art which people choose to dismiss it frustrates me...

[donnaer]

Why can’t we make our own meaning out of abstract art? Perhaps for some, it’s enough to look at colors and layers and brushstrokes . But I like to think about the emotions it evokes and what it might be, at least to me. I saw a big block wall as on a a city building, with easy chars in front and people arranged closely together having a highly animated discussion, perhaps with several conversations going on. Maybe no one else would see this or need to, but I enjoy exploring meaning. What I’d really love to understand is how to make good abstract art.

[martinfernandez]

I'm never going to be convinced this is good art.