Rediscovering Beauty in Modern Art: A Personal Perspective

Assuming that beauty has been lost through Modern Art is a misconception that can hinder our appreciation of the rich tapestry of artistic expression it has produced. This essay aims to explore the persistence of beauty within the realm of Modern Art from the 1890s to the 1970s, highlighting some of the most prominent and beautiful works during this period. Whether it’s the brushstrokes of Van Gogh, the decisive captures of Manet, or the impressionistic elegance of Monet, it becomes clear that beauty is not alien to Modern Art.

Modern Art: A Broader Spectrum

Modern Art encompasses a wide spectrum of artistic styles and techniques. Artists such as Gerhardt Richter, Franz Gertsch, Andy Goldsworthy, and Olafur Eliasson, along with James Turrell, are considered modern due to the temporal nature of the term. Their works range from the conceptual to the interactive, inviting viewers to engage with them in unique ways.

Beauty, a subjective concept, varies from individual to individual. If one steps outside preconceived notions about Modern Art and critically investigates it, they will undoubtedly find beauty in it. Visual art, like all other artistic mediums, serves a dual purpose; it communicates emotions and thoughts. An effectively crafted piece of art should provoke thought and, at times, discomfort. By reflecting on the reasons behind this discomfort, one can gain profound insights about themselves and the world around them.

Exploring the Beauty of Still Life

Still life paintings have a rich history that spans centuries. During the Baroque period, Dutch vanitas paintings, although visually striking, always contained a subtle reminder about the fleeting nature of beauty. These paintings served as poignant reminders of mortality and the impermanence of time and change. For instance, consider the work Still Life with a Silver Ewer by Willem Kalf (1619-1693) and A Flower Still Life by Clara Peeters (1585-1655). These works highlight the transient nature of beauty, reminding viewers that time and death will eventually triumph over it.

Modern Artists Embracing Beauty

Even within the modern art era, artists like Ross Bleckner produced pieces that evoked both beauty and poignant themes. In the 1980s and 1990s, Bleckner created a series of floral and urn paintings reminiscent of Dutch Baroque still life works. These paintings were not only visually stunning but also contained a deeper meaning, referencing the loss of friends to AIDS. The images should not only be admired for their beauty but also for the emotional resonance they carry.

Conclusion

The assumption that beauty has been lost through Modern Art is a narrow view. It disregards the countless beautiful works of art created during the Modern Art period, from the early 1890s to the late 1970s. By diversifying our understanding and engaging critically with these works, one can truly appreciate the enduring presence of beauty in Modern Art.