1/27/2024 01:29:25 am
The Story of Art has a really good introduction. showing us the perspective of the artist and the people who see the art. Because as is explain in the introduction people often to critic the art. Most people don't understand the artist and they critic him "In fact, it is often the expression of a figure in the waiting with makes us like or loathe the work"E.H. Gombrich's. The quote show us how people are expecting something in the drawing in order to like it, but art is not only about realism. There are other things that with few details we can see what it is like figure 10. That with few lines it shows that is a elephant.
Valerie
1/31/2024 11:57:16 pm
As an artist yourself, Hans, this must be a very important reminder to those who come to look at art. It's easy to criticize the artist, or anyone for that matter, when we come to a situation with certain expectations. Your quote here is really wonderful because it reminds us that we come to a work of art to understand the artwork's purpose and the intentions that the artist had or even the intentions the patron had for this artwork. Art isn't there to address our expectations but to give us another perspective. This is a great way to start the conversation here and a great quote, Hans…
Ashley Carranza
1/27/2024 02:30:02 pm
Reading The Story of Art's introduction by E.H. Gombrich, made me realize "Most people like to see in pictures what they would also like to see in reality. This is quite a natural preference." This quote stuck out to me because I couldn't have put this into words better than Gombrich did. The reality is, we only like to see things that attract us or that can inspire us to achieve greater things. It's not a bias thing, it's a preference and at times we tend to stir away from our reality and just focus on the picture perfect things.
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:07:13 am
For sure, Ashley, your quote and comment here does resonate. It's easy to approach something that we recognize or are familiar with. And this term 'bias' is not just defined as a prejudice but it can be defined as being interested or focused on one particular subject or area. We all have our biases, and even with that, Gombrich invites us to consider something outside of the familiar and the expected; to come to all art with an open-mind. We don't have to like it all but at least let's give it a chance. Thanks for that reminder :)
Arthur Pliner
1/27/2024 04:26:31 pm
In The Story of Art, E.H Gombrich reinforces that "taste can be developed" but at the same time points out that "there is no greater obstacle to the enjoyment of great works of Art than our unwillingness to discard habits and prejudices".
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:12:34 am
I feel your quote here, Arthur, is a perfect reflection of what you are engaging in this semester and what we all can do in general-to keep on learning. Gombrich reminds us to be open to new opportunities, to discover new things, and even to rediscover familiar things in new ways. Art is that opportunity to see our world in new and different ways. Thanks for that !
Carrie Bailey
1/28/2024 11:11:19 am
The introduction to E.H. Gombrich's "The Story of Art" makes important statements regarding what art really is. It cannot truly be defined. Art is an idea, a concept, a feeling, really. Anything and everything created by man could be considered art; the defining factor being the feelings evoked by said creation. Looking at a painting by a world famous artist can evoke different feelings for each viewer. One may think that the painting is beautiful, showcasing the talent of the artist; another may think that it is nothing special, an overrated painting that does nothing new or interesting, adding nothing to the art world. Both of these feelings are valid and show that the painting is in fact art. Gombrich wanted to explain this fact to readers and it is a very interesting one that has to be kept in mind in the future.
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:22:43 am
As much as we try to define art, say as an art historian or an art critic, I believe your statement to be very true, Carrie-art cannot truly be defined, just as human beings cannot simply be defined by a singular perspective or even by preconceived ideas or expectations. I appreciate the resonance of your comment here. 1/28/2024 12:08:33 pm
E.H. Gombrich's "The Story of Art" is a fascinating read with a lot of messages that are often overlooked. Most of the time people try to group things into 'right' and 'wrong' forms of "Art" fixating on the rules and subject matters solely. Artists feel pressured to create what others deem as "Art" with a captial A and that anything else would be a failure to their work. They can poor all their ambition and hopes into a painting just for it to all come cascading before their eyes with three harsh words "its not Art" or a back handed reply of "its nice, but it isn't quite Art". The concept of what is and isn't "Art" nowadays has been boiled down into "things I don't like", if its ugly, its not Art; if it makes me uncomfortable, it's not Art; if I don't like the person, it's not Art. What is and isn't "Art" has become trivialized and water down to the point of irrelevancy and E.H. Gombrich's "The Story of Art" does a excellent job displaying that point.
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:32:44 am
Leslie, I love your reflective and passionate assessment of society in all of its negativity, and in its ability to really dissuade others from keeping an open mind. You and Gombrich are calling for an allowance of space in which to think and reflect about what's before us, including a work of art. He warns that people get so caught up in sounding intellectual about art that they forget to appreciate a work of art, and others appreciate only certain types of art but forget about or avoid learning about different or new types of art. In the end it does become a struggle and even a hardship on the artist. We neglect to appreciate and recognize the individual/s who are creating these works in service to their fellows. Art is created for others…
George Vos
1/28/2024 11:42:02 pm
Gombrich cuts through much of the prattle about what is art, while acknowledging that most people have firm ideas about what “good “ art should be. He expects that nearly all of us view art through a lens distorted by experience and prejudice. He does not want our thoughts about art to be what someone else tells to think. He simply wants us to experience art as an expression “made by humans for other humans.”
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:39:11 am
Yes!! Art is made by humans for other humans! A great quote here, George…Art is a form of communication on a different level meant to inspire even if it inspires dislike or disagreement. Art puts us all into conversation; it's with those personal experiences, prejudices, and learned perspectives that we come to filter and understand ourselves and others through art, too. Thank you for that…
Danyella Daley
1/29/2024 02:19:58 pm
What I find most compelling about E.H Gombrich's discussions about art was when he said that when it comes to artists, there are no set of rules or regulations on how to create said art, and that a lot of artists may worry about things that the looker may not notice. "...Everything in the picture seems in its proper place, and the pose and harmony Raphael has achieved by his hard work seems so natural and effortless that we hardly notice them...", "...The truth is that it is impossible to lay down rules...because we never know in advance what effect the artist may wish to achieve."
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:43:59 am
What a wonderful perspective you offer us here, Danyella, in considering the hard work and training that an artist dedicates to creating a work of art, but also reminding us that when we look at art, we're looking at someone's creativity that doesn't necessarily following our expectations or rules. Imagine if all art looked the same and was made in the same way. How terribly boring and uninspiring. Art is exciting and ever evolving because it's always breaking some rule. A great reflection here…
Diane Donovan
1/29/2024 06:40:35 pm
I think that Gombrich gives the viewer permission, even encouragement, to like or dislike a work for his or her own reasons. There is no right or wrong. He reminded me that "beauty lies in the eye of the beholder." He also made me think of all that goes into creating a work (color, composition, harmony, etc.), that makes it appear beautiful to me. I also reflected on how that applies to me in my everyday life: what I wear, how I decorate my house, etc.
Valerie
2/1/2024 12:53:06 am
Gombrich's recognition and permission IS encouraging, Diane! You're so right. He suggests how we all come with the capacity to create, even if it's not a work of art in the traditional sense. You do so everyday. You communicate to others through your choice of clothes or your choice of interior design and decorating. What is it that you hope others will 'get' from these expressions of you? From that perspective, how much more enjoyable can a work of art be when we recognize that a human being is creating something for another human being. You resonated with Gombrich's words, and he says we can also resonate with a visual work of art.
Jacky Rivera
1/29/2024 07:02:04 pm
After reading "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich, it opened up an entirely new perspective for me as I read through the pages. When I look at art, simply because of the person I am, I'm able to find beauty through all of the things that my eyes glance at. There is a sense of liberation through every piece of artwork as they all tell their own stories and have their own explanations. Even if it isn't something that I may particularly understand or may take a certain interest in, I respect it, because, through someone else's eyes, that journey may be an absolute treasure. What you pick up on a piece of art, all comes down to how it makes you feel emotionally, and that is what Gombrich conveys in his written work. It is all within the eyes of the beholder.
Valerie
2/1/2024 01:00:21 am
What you're relating to here, Jacky, is such an essential component to our interactions with one another and to a work of art, too. We are emotional beings that gravitate to or turn away from things that we respond to. The point that Gombrich highlights is that we always have a choice on how we respond to art as well. You seem to be a person who responds with consideration, with an open-mind, and with freedom to explore. That definitely corresponds to a growth mindset that hopefully art will further enhance this semester for you and all of us :)
Sasha Lainez
1/29/2024 07:43:32 pm
After following the introduction to "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich, I was reminded of how often of an occurrence it was for me to look at paintings and reminisce about random memories from my childhood. As Gombrich explained in detail, there is some comfort people seek in art, which varies on the painting and the viewer. Everyone processes things either negatively or positively and that to me is fascinating about the human mind. What helped me best to understand this was Dobrich’s use of different versions of similar paintings as examples to elaborate on how an individual may perceive them. It was also quite relieving to know that the author was a huge advocate for free range when it comes to rules in art.
Valerie
2/1/2024 01:06:45 am
Yes, those comparisons of the same subject matter being depicted differently by different artists really is revelatory, Sasha, I agree. Comparisons like that really highlight the different perspectives we all have. To take your example, a work of art reminds you of your childhood and the same work could remind another person of their childhood. Both of you are experiencing memories of childhood but those memories and circumstances can be so vastly different. Together though that work of art has created a sense of communion between you and the other simply by the memories a work of art has tapped into. It's quite powerful, and as Gombrich explains, it doesn't have to be that complicated or snobbish either when it comes to looking at art.
Lizzie Menkes
1/29/2024 09:19:18 pm
While reading E.H. Gombrich's "The Story of Art" introduction, one artist's name came to mind and has since stuck. Vincent van Gogh is one of my favorite artist's and while his story from when he was alive was one of tragedy, I'm constantly reminded that his story is alive and well and can be told in his works of art available today because of the change in people's mindset toward art. Gombrich mentions that "some artists or critics in certain periods have tried to formulate laws of their art"(Gombrich 35). I believe that one of the main reason why van Gogh's artwork went underappreciated in his time was because of the "rules" that had been set in place by overarching figures in the art world at the time. I think it's incredible how Gombrich places value on the undervalued in his piece in allowing the reader to understand that art is not a form that is limited in any sense of the word.
Valerie
2/1/2024 01:14:28 am
Beautifully said, Lizzie! The great appreciation we have now for Vincent van Gogh is in the permission he gave to himself to explore his art and in the manner that spoke best to him. By doing so he fostered a revolution in the traditional art world. He broke rules just as his fellow artist friends did too at the time. And that's a constant in the world of art history-the breaking of rules. As human beings evolve and consider the world from different angles and experiences, so too will the art reflect that. In many cases art has served to change the world itself. With Vincent van Gogh we find that that kind of influence and change doesn't happen with celebrity alone but by the actions of a person who is passionate and sincere. Vincent van Gogh's art is just that…
Ewan Lima
1/29/2024 10:55:27 pm
As I delved into the introduction, Gombrich's engaging discourse urged readers to perceive art as an integral and inclusive facet of the human experience, motivating them to delve into the wealth of artistic expression across history. Additionally, his notion that there is "no such thing as art" proved enlightening, offering insight into the overarching theme he endeavors to convey in the initial pages of the book.
Valerie
2/1/2024 01:18:19 am
Agreed, Ewan, Gombrich's introduction, and the entirety of his book, in fact, is about encouraging us to look at art and to be willing to learn about it and from it. Do you believe that art is an integral or necessary part of life? Why did you find the quote, "There is no such thing as art…" enlightening? What are your perceptions about art and its purpose? Does Gombrich reflect your feelings about this in any other specific way?
Genesis Butler
1/30/2024 11:24:49 pm
After reading "The Story of Art", it made me look at art in less of an aesthetic kind of way and more of a historical and conceptual way of communicating. I never thought about it but when he mentioned cavemen in the beginning, I thought of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that I first learned about in my middle school history class. I always thought ancient Egypt was interesting, being that there were so many systems that had such strong presence such as the hieroglyphs and the pyramids. These were one of the earliest architectures and it still is here till this day as a way to show us that time can change but art is timeless and will always be interpreted based on not only time period, but everyone's own unique experiences and lenses that they view life through in relation to the artist.
Valerie
2/1/2024 01:23:51 am
Your reflection here, Genesis, is quite poignant. Art that was created hundreds of years prior to our own existence still is present in our time. Art has longevity even if the subjects that these works of art represent seem archaic or old-fashioned. Art is interactive reflecting its own original purpose but also shifting in its meaning based on the experiences and the culture that comes into contact with it, in the past and even in the future. Like many ancient societies, art served the purpose of commemoration, of remembering. Just think of the artist who created these ancient works of art knowing that, to a degree, their works would last forever.
Samantha Avalos
1/30/2024 11:57:47 pm
After reading E.H. Gombrich's, "The Story of Art" introduction, I opened a new perspective on the depth and understanding of art. Although I do not understand much yet, I have learned just from Gombrich's introduction how much effort goes into each work of art. The attention to detail has me in awe and gives me a great respect to all artists. Gombrich states, "I should like to help to open eyes, not loosen tongues." There is more to art than just analyzing the technicalities. With every piece there is a story we must follow and that is what Gombrich is trying to convey.
Valerie
2/1/2024 01:34:11 am
Oh my goodness, Samantha, that's such a fantastic quote! If only more of us in the world would stop to look and not rush to react or comment. Gombrich really communicates how much he loves art and appreciates the artist, part of the reason I enjoy sharing his book :) But for sure, all of your endeavors, whether in college or in your day to day life, is about expanding your perspective. Art can do that too. An essential component to that is acknowledging that we don't know, and that we want to know. Gombrich reminds us of that as well. Come to a work of art and see what happens. Don't worry too much about what others might expect from you or what you're supposed to know. I so appreciate your candor here. Nice…
gen caman
2/8/2024 04:00:07 am
"There really is no such thing as art. There are only artists. there is no harm in calling all these activities art as long as we keep in mind that such a word may mean very different things in different times and places." Comments are closed.
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