Slow Down and Enjoy the Ingenuity of Art
Art is life. A subset of existence. Subjective or not, it is required and desperately needed. Whether it is a representation of something beautiful or meaningful, can make for a great debate. Allow the process to play out. Be accepting of different viewpoints. Not all visions offer an identical perspective. Many prodigious minds spoke freely on the meaning of art. Forming an opinion is a must. Give it a try!
“Art is a discovery and development of elementary principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for human use.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
“Art is a line around your thoughts.” — Gustav Klimt
“Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.” — René Magritte
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” — Pablo Picasso
“Great art picks up where nature ends.” — Marc Chagall
“The principles of true art is not to portray, but to evoke.” — Jerzy Kosinski
Brilliant verses from the past are relevant today and deserve to be restated. We must slow down and inspect these words.
Take a Trip, View it All
Wherever one’s residence, make it a point to devote time for art. This is not a suggestion; this is an appeal. In complete understanding that many places are not open for visitation during these demanding times so do what you can. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit The Art Institute of Chicago, consider it a privilege. It is a phenomenal place, with a wondrous staff. There is no rule for complete silence in a museum, so please say hello and thank the delightful staff who dedicate their time in order to make the guest experience as pleasant as possible.
I must give much credit and send love to Barbara Webster, who has given many years of service at the museum. A superb soul who opens the eyes of guests on a much broader level. Ms. Webster reminded me of the importance of mindfulness when it comes to visiting and to go deeper within. She demonstrates with simple choruses that steadily create a commanding movement. There’s always wisdom in straightforwardness. Thank you, Ms. Webster, for pushing me further to explore the scene for what it is, not what I wish it to be.
To See or Not to See
Camille Pissarro’s masterpiece, Peasant Woman Gathering Grass, is just one example why we must dig deeper to find the essence. We must be mindful to pick up on all the details. Do not rush from one art piece to the next without seeing the art for what it is.
There’s much happening within each brushstroke that it is worth a closer examination.
The details become more apparent as the focus stays directly on the canvas. Each simple brushstroke paints a new story, a new angle.
Inventiveness is often overlooked. Never rush in hopes of seeing the world. It is not constructive nor does the end result ever feel full-filling. Take the time to focus on the minor details and relish in thought. Using the power of mindfulness brings peace and tranquility. It slows down thoughts that are not important and shifts the mindset to the real. Do not wonder off, stay present.
Monet and Chicago
Many thanks to all the generous collectors who have donated their works in order to make the Monet exhibit magical. Here are just a few, please go see the real works in person if you can.
Please take the time to slow down and enjoy the ingenuity of art. It matters. It is life.
With love,
Vedran Agovic
