Thanks so much for these ideas! I really wasn't familiar with Mehretu beyond the surface. This framing of her work and the video are fascinating. I love the idea that her work represents something beyond and allowing ourselves to let go to the unknown rather than representing her/our known world. The idea that it is visceral is also compelling; her work seems to interact with the bodies that encounter them. I like the way she embraces the confusion and disillusionment of the times in order to find truth. Maybe this truth is not tangible yet, but we can move toward it in abstraction. She brings up language being used in this way; in the discussion of climate change and immigration she brings up, I find it is often the more abstract uses of language that allow us to push further. Of course, the danger is that the message may remain elusive to many. But if we always speak directly, are we not merely repeating what the media is telling us? Necessary on some level, yes, but perhaps just a starting space.
Of course, I am a bit lost in abstraction of language now, too! :)
I'm also looking forward to the Wednesday highlights. What a cool way to bring new artists into this discourse. Can't wait to see this.
I love Mehretu’s work! We have a fantastic one here in Detroit. I love watching her work. It’s exactly how I am in the studio. I feel so validated!
As an abstractionist—my first passion/pursuit before art writing—I regularly find myself disputing long held perceptions, explanations for abstraction such as the viewer gets to decide what a painting means. People regularly ‘find’ subjects that frankly don’t exist. Successful abstraction adheres to the same compositional components as representational, including a visual concept. This concept may be communicated through a picture’s title, but sometimes it’s left ambiguous, which is where I think the ‘viewer decides’ platform came from. You wouldn’t look at a still life of oranges and declare it looks like a bowl of Corvettes would you? Although an abstractionist’s topic/message isn’t always clear, there is one and should be respected.
I love the clarity you have about this Kim. I always want to know what the artist's intention/topic/message is as I'm really curious about that in any work of art but especially with abstract work. I want to understand the piece from the artist's perspective. But I guess not everyone wants or feels the need to know. And the subject/topic of the piece, particularly with abstract work, isn't always known or shared with the viewer.
Kim, would you like to feature your work and Real Art Detroit in one of my Wednesday posts? Email me!
‘When you spend time with the paintings things begin to emerge’.
But we first have to be able to spend that time and be open to it and that, I think, is already a stumbling block!
We’re in a constant state of daily rush so we don’t have time; we’re intimidated by our world of feelings because we’re so used to lives chocabloc with material practicalities that feelings get ignored; we’re out of practise because we’re used to the meaning of things being presented to us on TV programmes etc. In other words we’ve lost the skill of engaging more deeply.
There are so many issues in the world, huge problems that seem unsurmountable - climate change, immigration and racism...and so many more. But the clue for me in dealing with so many of our problems is reflected in this fact of being uncomfortable with the abstract. Our realities are within us - the issues we face have grown out of our realities. So the problems aren’t really the problems - they’re just symptoms. The real problem is...dare I say it...us!!!
I loved hearing Mehretu talking about her work and shedding light on all that can be found within abstract artwork.
YES! I agree. Everything is break-neck speed now, and there's little time for contemplation. I recognise that in my life. We have definitely lost the skill of engaging more deeply, because the next shiny new thing comes along so quickly. Work like Mehretu's makes you pause and reflect, it's so engrossing if you can give it the time and let it sink in.
Your proposal to feature artists and their work in your Wednesday emails is really interesting. I look forward to seeing those and making my own contribution some time.
Really enjoyed this video, I hadn't heard of Mehretu before. Thanks! And also, what a nice man Flintoff seems. I watched that TEDx video, and it has inspired me to sow a few extra tomato plants for my neighbours this year!
Thanks so much for these ideas! I really wasn't familiar with Mehretu beyond the surface. This framing of her work and the video are fascinating. I love the idea that her work represents something beyond and allowing ourselves to let go to the unknown rather than representing her/our known world. The idea that it is visceral is also compelling; her work seems to interact with the bodies that encounter them. I like the way she embraces the confusion and disillusionment of the times in order to find truth. Maybe this truth is not tangible yet, but we can move toward it in abstraction. She brings up language being used in this way; in the discussion of climate change and immigration she brings up, I find it is often the more abstract uses of language that allow us to push further. Of course, the danger is that the message may remain elusive to many. But if we always speak directly, are we not merely repeating what the media is telling us? Necessary on some level, yes, but perhaps just a starting space.
Of course, I am a bit lost in abstraction of language now, too! :)
I'm also looking forward to the Wednesday highlights. What a cool way to bring new artists into this discourse. Can't wait to see this.
I love Mehretu’s work! We have a fantastic one here in Detroit. I love watching her work. It’s exactly how I am in the studio. I feel so validated!
As an abstractionist—my first passion/pursuit before art writing—I regularly find myself disputing long held perceptions, explanations for abstraction such as the viewer gets to decide what a painting means. People regularly ‘find’ subjects that frankly don’t exist. Successful abstraction adheres to the same compositional components as representational, including a visual concept. This concept may be communicated through a picture’s title, but sometimes it’s left ambiguous, which is where I think the ‘viewer decides’ platform came from. You wouldn’t look at a still life of oranges and declare it looks like a bowl of Corvettes would you? Although an abstractionist’s topic/message isn’t always clear, there is one and should be respected.
I love the clarity you have about this Kim. I always want to know what the artist's intention/topic/message is as I'm really curious about that in any work of art but especially with abstract work. I want to understand the piece from the artist's perspective. But I guess not everyone wants or feels the need to know. And the subject/topic of the piece, particularly with abstract work, isn't always known or shared with the viewer.
Kim, would you like to feature your work and Real Art Detroit in one of my Wednesday posts? Email me!
I'm honored! Thank you!
‘When you spend time with the paintings things begin to emerge’.
But we first have to be able to spend that time and be open to it and that, I think, is already a stumbling block!
We’re in a constant state of daily rush so we don’t have time; we’re intimidated by our world of feelings because we’re so used to lives chocabloc with material practicalities that feelings get ignored; we’re out of practise because we’re used to the meaning of things being presented to us on TV programmes etc. In other words we’ve lost the skill of engaging more deeply.
There are so many issues in the world, huge problems that seem unsurmountable - climate change, immigration and racism...and so many more. But the clue for me in dealing with so many of our problems is reflected in this fact of being uncomfortable with the abstract. Our realities are within us - the issues we face have grown out of our realities. So the problems aren’t really the problems - they’re just symptoms. The real problem is...dare I say it...us!!!
I loved hearing Mehretu talking about her work and shedding light on all that can be found within abstract artwork.
YES! I agree. Everything is break-neck speed now, and there's little time for contemplation. I recognise that in my life. We have definitely lost the skill of engaging more deeply, because the next shiny new thing comes along so quickly. Work like Mehretu's makes you pause and reflect, it's so engrossing if you can give it the time and let it sink in.
Hi Victoria
Your proposal to feature artists and their work in your Wednesday emails is really interesting. I look forward to seeing those and making my own contribution some time.
Best
Martin
Really enjoyed this video, I hadn't heard of Mehretu before. Thanks! And also, what a nice man Flintoff seems. I watched that TEDx video, and it has inspired me to sow a few extra tomato plants for my neighbours this year!