MoMA?
On my next adventure to discover art, I chose to learn what kind of art is around me. Unlike Medieval or Renaissance art, which has captions stating its significance, modern art is ungraspable. I asked myself, where could I find modern art? Where else than the Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA). During my trip to the MoMA, I was bewildered. I remember spending most of time looking at the artworks, trying to comprehend what is being displayed. The lack of understanding was simply dreadful to bear. Before stepping into the MoMa, I had the impression that modern art was easy to understand. I am living in a socially advance society, so art should be more coherent than artworks created centuries ago. I was wrong.
This was my first time being inside the MoMa so I decided to join the gallery talk to play it safe. However, after half an hour of waiting for Marianne Eggler-Gerozissis, the scheduled speaker, the tour group was disbanded. I took up the challenge to understand modern art myself, which was a complete failure. I walked through countless rooms filled with art pieces to which I had no understanding of what is being displayed or the author’s purpose. I remember coming across a display of a shredded piece of paper. I asked myself, “How is this it art?” According to my standard of art, some kind of thought or effort must be used in creating the subject. A rip piece of paper in a pile shows neither of these traits. After spending several moments hypothesizing about the significance, I ended in retreat to the next artwork.
When all hope seems lost, I encounter Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. These two were exceptional compared to the majority of artworks within the MoMA. The moment I glanced at Starry Night, I felt a sense of vague relaxation from the blend of soft colors and images. Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon was the complete opposite with the feeling of repulse with their rough colors and form. The best understanding I had would be Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans. By showing the different varieties introduced over time, Warhol shows society’s demand for new ideas and new taste. I had a special connection with the Campbell Soup because Warhol uses an ordinary subject from life, soup, rather than abstract terms. Campbell’s Soup Can gives me a sense of understanding because I drink soup often. Seeing something recognizable from daily life bestows upon me a sense of belonging.
From observing countless art pieces inside the MoMa, I asked myself, “Is there a meaning behind these “art works”? Or I just do not understand?” Whatever the case is, there is nothing I can do. My opinion of what is art and what is not does not change society’s perception of art. If people see a white piece of paper and call it art, then let it be so. I learned from this that modern art could have an abstract meaning or purpose; bringing me into further confusion about what art is used for. I appreciate seeing unique creations, but without a guide or artist to explain its significance, I do not feel the need to confuse my already puzzled mind. Lastly, I would recommend the MoMA to anyone whom has an imagination to give meaning to something that does not.
