Art Appreciation

by Narendra Desirazu
Director of Jennard Galleries

1. Art appreciation refers to the exploration and analysis of the art forms that we are exposed to.
2. It can be highly subjective, depending on an individual’s personal tastes and preferences, or can
be done on the basis of several grounds such as elements of design and mastery displayed in the
piece.
3. Art appreciation also involves a deeper look into the setting and historical implication and
background of the piece, a study of its origins.
4. Art is dynamic, with new trends and styles emerging at a fast pace. However, the final attempt
of the artist is that it speaks to the viewer on a personal level and can be interpreted in a variety
of ways.
5. Art appreciation is extremely relevant for multiple reasons. It is a good way to understand the
history behind the work, and the period from which the piece originated.
6. Artists often reflect the problems that they face, and the issues of the society in their work.
7. By analyzing and putting ourselves in the mind of the artist, we can better study how differently
society functioned then, compared to now.
8. We can empathize and relate to the problems they faced on a personal level.
9. Art is meant to stimulate thought and conversation between its viewers.
10. By reflecting on a piece of art, we delve into our own experiences and nostalgia, thus a piece of
art means something different to every person that comes across it.
11. Art appreciation helps open up the mindset of the people; by listening to different perspectives
and views as well as interpretations of the art, it encourages thoughtful conversation and the
understanding that there is more than one approach to everything.
12. For many people, art is meant to express something that we ourselves feel unable to express or
convey. Through its visual medium it evokes feelings of joy, sadness, anger and pain.
13. That is why art appreciation is so important in bringing that one final element to complete the
work, and that is our interpretation. Our perspective brings the artwork to life as it changes for
every person around it.
14. It is important to foster art appreciation and analysis, as it helps us value the art in how it
appeals to us and what it means to each person.
15. It delves into the history and the story behind the art, as well as a look into the lives of the
artists.
16. It enables one to critically analyze a work, along lines of design, mastery and techniques.
17. Most importantly, however, art appreciation stimulates though and analysis, provokes an
individual to look past what meets the eye and open our mind to the views of others.