Steve Martin on how to look at abstract art | MoMA BBC | THE WAY I SEE IT
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- čas přidán 8. 12. 2019
- In this episode of "The Way I See It," actor and comedian Steve Martin looks at paintings by two early pioneers of American abstraction and takes us on a journey of seeing-shape and color transform into mountains, sky, and water.
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
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Steve Martin was by far my favorite client when I worked at McKee Gallery. He is nothing like you'd expect if what you go on is what you see on screen, he is shy, retiring , somewhat serious, and even more intelligent than you see here. The humor is still there but it's not a "performance" type of humor. It is so like him to pick these artists to feature and that is why I liked him coming in because unlike many high end collectors he is not a "trophy hunter" he really does care about art and he knows painting better than any art historian or art critic I've ever met although he would not think so.
As an abstract artist myself I loved that Steve chose these particular paintings. Watching him describe how the peice affects him was intriguing and fun. One of my favorite things is observing the reactions of people as they try and articulate what they see and/or feel while viewing my abstracts. Like the therapist's inkblot test the viewer reveals some fascinating thing about themselves.
Seeing works in person makes a huge difference. I had a number of art history courses in college and had formed an idea of what Jackson Pollock's paintings were about from the small reproductions of them in art history books. Then, I saw a number of them in person and the physical size and depth created by the intricate layers of paint gave a three dimensional quality with an impression of enormous weight that the two dimensional, flattened perspective of a photograph could not convey. The same thing happened when seeing "Guernica." I think I stood in front of it for at least two hours simply overwhelmed by the work. I had no idea, from the photographs, that Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" was nearly six feet tall and four feet wide - it was a life size (or larger) portrait. You really can't understand a lot of art unless you are lucky enough to see it with your own eyes.
"Paintings reveal themselves over time" fantastic
How can you not love Steve Martin?
Brilliant!! When I was young our local Art Museum was open free on sundays. I would go every sunday. The museum was fortunate to own a Caravaggio painting (Young John the Baptist). I would sit for hours staring at the work. I was only 18 at the time but that piece changed my life. 20 years later I attended the Kansas City Art Institute where the Nelson Adkins Museum was across the street. I attended several lectures specifically on that painting. I never looked back. Art was my life. Now that I am at the end of my life it's profound to understand all the art that has inspired me through the lens of subjective interpretation. You never know who you will inspire . Maybe by pointing a subtle mark on a canvas or a wavy line on paper. Regardless it was an incredible journey. Thank you for what you do.
If a painting reveals something different to each person; over over time - that is art.
Pictures reveal themselves over time: how true.
No. You find out another level of the picture over time. The picture has already all the levels there, if you had the ability and capacity to see them all you would instantly. But if you don't then you keep discovering them.
This is why I’m an abstract artist. I truly enjoyed hearing how he sees these. ♥️
I think what Steve Martin mentioned briefly is actually a very fun exercise. Next time you have a moment, go to a museum or a gallery and sit in front of a painting for at least an hour. Just one painting. Look at this painting and see how much this painting changes over time, the more you study it. Discover the strokes of the artist. Look for the colors, shapes and the story that emerges from this piece. :)
This is great. I like Steve. He is a good guy. And he comes to the altar of Art with the clean countenance of honest inquiry ! He is thoughtful and mindful. Qualities I admire. With the conversation ! He has something worthwhile to share.
"A picture is stationary, it's immobile, and yet, it changes for you".
Oh my god!
I never expected to say this but....thank you Steve! That was fantastic!!!!
So refreshing to hear Steve Martin humbly, but thoughtfully walk through a genuine observation and consideration of a still, hand-made picture. He doesn't get hung up on ideas...or theories, as he puts it.....it's about looking at and appreciating the picture.
These are 2 very beautiful paintings....and I am not overly partial to pure abstraction. As he was getting into his revelation, I thought of poetry vs. prose. Representative paintings are prosaic - they tell you something outright and you take it from there. These are like visual poems, they convey feeling and elicit emotions in that way and the viewer goes on to completion in a much more personal way.
Being an abstract artist, I enjoyed this so much. What he says is so true (for me at least). His appreciation for art makes my heart smile. Thanks Steve!
two wild and crazy paintings
Best comedy he's done for years
Steve Martin is down to earth. Just appreciates the art for what it is. Very cool 👍🏼
loved steve's suit. really nice colours.
One of my favorite things about abstract art, is that I can turn it 90° and have a whole different art piece❤
I never used to be able to appreciate abstract painting but these days, i practically live it
"An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin will further expand your notion of who this man is...gifted in so many ways!
Love Steve Martin! Not only because his films are great, but also- he is so different than his roles would have you believe. He seems very inquisitive and sensitive, which make for an excellent actor, and a very interesting person in general. I especially appreciate his evident enthusiasm for art.
Living among artists ( actors, comedians musicians, writers, painters...) in southern California I can assure you that actors are typically nothing like the characters they play.
Characters have defined borders on what they can and cannot do and still be that particular character.
Well known actors/celebrities have marketed and cultivated images. Which are highly polished characters, not the real person.
Steve is so sincere and childlike. I love his infectious thrill. I still can't get away from the idea that he's taking a little piss and I love it.
I don't generally care about theories - they get in the way of looking at the pictures. Bless you Steve! That is how I like to go around museums and galleries.
Steve, the painting does not change, it is you who change, your vision changes. All the painting has to give you has always been there. You are the who change in order to see new things every time.
He's making a joke.
Is there anything Steve Martin cannot do? He is a modern renaissance man. Such a talent
Abstract art always has an element of Rorschach test to it. People see what they want to see in it--and that's OK.
Not always, some do but others have a very clear message or intention regardless of the limitless interpretations. Of course not all abstract art it's good.
Sometimes the artists intentionally put some subliminal parts in there that get picked up by some people their subconscious minds which is always rewarding to see.
I'm not a fan of artists that paint random noise (the mind will always find patterns, that's just how it works) and call it "abstract". Anyone can throw random shapes and colors on a canvas... Those "artists" are the reason why modern art's reputation is going down the drain. Its getting flooded with fast-food garbage. There needs to be a hint of creative smart/cleverness in there for it to deserve to get the "art" label/tag.
I LOVE Steve's suit and dress shirt!
This type of abstract post-modernist art coming from that time period in France makes so much sense when you know what was going on in history and the French intellectuals. To me, this is a philosophical expression using artistic techniques.
Respectfully, if I recall Art History classes, the philosophical perspective of postmodernism developed in the late 1960's.
Steve Martin should play Andy Warhol in his later years.
Abstract art is like looking into a mirror, it will reflect what is in the mind of every individual in a certain point of time.
Wow. Thanks.
Steve Martin is so cool.
An example of accepting the work is always open to the viewer having visions of their own in fact a good work encourages it 🌟
I love how Steve asserts his experience and is not interested in the academic elements of the painting. His observation is the meaning and it’s given room to change.
When I was very young I loved listening to Steve Martin's albums. Steve looks at art especially abstract somewhat the way I do it either makes me very happy or it doesn't.
Steve Martin is a time capsule of a man. His hair went white early on in his life and then his body was like “I think we’ll settle here for the next 30-40 years”
Step 1: point eyes towards painting.
Great comments ! And every people could feel his proposer feelings and emotion contemplating this painting ! ❤
Steve is correct, in that a painting evolves over time!! - As a visual Artist I recall, that within the earlier stages of my study, I would toss out the work I did not care for then one day I stumbled across a piece of work I did not care for and forgot to toss
it out - then something happened a colossal something - the piece in question was NOW A MASTERPIECE - YOU SEE, 'THE HEART KNOWS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THAT "conjunction box" that rests on your shoulders -
Often, great art reveals itself and its qualities over time....paintings, poems, music.
I like when he says about just looking at the painting without knowing the theory. We can see so much in a painting
Who is this Steve Martin? I think I like him as much as the Steve Martin I have heard of.
As an abstract expressionism artist, with my own unique (yes, unique) style, I truly appreciate art lovers within understanding of and an appreciation for abstract work!
Saw Steve Martin a couple years ago when he came to Dallas. Really love seeing the multi-faceted individual.
I love what he says, I also like watching a paint many times, because it really changes, or maybe WE change with it :) while we are watching...
He is Steve Martin. Steve Martin added depth to the painting. If make a show starring Steve Martin, in which he describes paintings. That would be an interesting show.
Steve has captured perfectly the appeal of abstract art for me. It is not about what the artist intended to convey. It is about the experience of the observer. Whereas representational art depicts something, abstract art only depicts itself. And, because of that, the observer is free to see whatever their mind reveals to their consciousness. Sublime is the best word for it because the experience is quintessentially subliminal.
Steve has very good taste in art. Obviously very informed.
I’m convinced there’s nothing more unbelievable than listening to people talk about art. Litteraly unbelievable.
It always comes down to each viewers perspective in that given moment when looking at anything.
Steve Martin had such insight. Loved how he's not limited by theory.
I believe that our minds can transform a painting and it’s the artist goal to keep the on lookers guessing .
Abstract art is more of a psychological landscape where the elements and principles of art become a unique language.
Abstract art is like the world, different for everyone and yet the same
This is one of Steve Martins best comedy sketch ever
Both of those paintings are wonderful, thanks for this clip.
I love abstract. I paint abstract. It is never wrong . It is what you perceive it to be.
Beautiful! Thank you 🙂
"I was going to say I saw a ducky and a horsie." ~Charlie Brown
I love hearing Steve's input on this piece. ❤️
A good painting keeps my interest and makes me want to look at it more.
I was blown away by Abstract Expressionism and the New York School in the early 60s, while working at LACMA as a museum helper.
I love that Steve loves art
1:26
This so perfectly describes my thoughts about Art and Art Theory in general.
The word 'aesthetic' poppes into my mind hearing that.
Enjoyed this!
Artist : what you can see in this painting
Steve Martin : *HAmBurgUr*
I've never met Steve Martin in my life but I feel like I know him. I feel like he's my great uncle or something. He's just so familiar
Absolutely amazing picture and reading too.
It's amazing. I saw dancers in both. Abstract art is cool it that sense.
Thank you so much for this video. It was amazing to see it whole. Greetings from the artist from the Czech republic ❤️
interesting to hear MR Martin talk about art, now rotate the painting in a landscape configuration, what do we see? I love the soft feel of this painting, the irregular edges, and it was done so long ago yet looks modern to me.
I think art is all bout the feeling the piece brings into you, it could be an inspiration, happiness, confusion, delight, sadness, joy, or some other feelings including those that can't be described by words, is not trying to find shapes, colors, or forms that remind you of something.
Beautiful 🤩
Thank you for this vignette of wonderfulness. The larger of the two paintings is stunning - warm and lively. Steve Martin says he sees a landscape. At that same instant (that I was watching) I saw a woman dancing. They are right. It changes. Most excellent.
I love Steve Martin. This one painting, that’s all I need.
The more anyone talks about art the more I'm convinced that no one should ever talk about art.
Steve has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid and he was just a wild and crazy guy.
Love Steve Martin so honest and loveable ❤️
I wasn't aware of Stanton Macdonald-Wright. I really enjoy this painting. Thanks Steve Martin: great choice!
Worthwhile abstract art is a journey. The artist takes a trip into the unknown, inexplicable, complex places of the mind, and hopes that the art takes you to those places and more. Sometimes you need to quietly take time with a work to absorb and discover meaning. When I was young, Mark Rothko was an enigma, what was he saying? Decades later, at a Rothko exhibit at the Smithsonian, the enigmatic bands of color struck an emotional chord in my psychic-his work now, has a special place among abstract artist.-CB
Oh shuttup
@@heyarnold1484 freedom of speech, dude
Its so nice to look at a picture and its something new every once in awhile!
The man is enjoying the artwork.
This is so cool!
Nice to know this about Steve.
Art is always subjective. You either like something or you don't. Love Steve Martin.
objectively this is trash
Not only you can see anything you want in it, but it can cost anything you want! That's what so great about modern art.
Love it!
That painting (the one they were hanging at the beginning) is not hanging straight! I love Steve's plum suit and chartreuse shirt! Now that is a work of art!
The beauty of colorful abstrcts is that they stimulate us differently at different times.
INNER LANDSCAPE! 🕊
It may sound cliche,
But art is in the eye of the beholder.
A hundred people could set and look at this painting, and it might lucky if two seen the same thing.
Thank You Steve for your honesty!
~Chuck
that's wild. and crazy.
Awesome 🙌🏻
Best comedy he’s done 😊
Interesting. "A picture is worth a thousand words." Everyone sees something different in an image based on their own unique perception of the world, their environment and life experience. If you tell me there's a stream and mountain, I would look again and see it, when before, I only saw a deep abyss or a chocolate sundae. And maybe, when we look at Van Gogh's Sunflowers and see only a vase of sunflowers, others may see something else in that thick paint ... anger perhaps, or greed and frustration. Art is so flippin' personal and I'm so grateful for the artists who move me to open my eyes and see.
True Abstract art should not represent anything but convey a emotional experience. Similar to Instrumental Music, it to is a form of Art that is not physical, cannot be represented in the physical. Music is in the Meta Physical, the emotional, the spiritual. You can't say what it is you just feel and experience. That is how Abstract should be looked at. Not overthinking not placing an interpretation or familiarizing it, Not thouched by Human history or earthly landscape, not tainted by politics.
It's not anything but beautiful colors and shapes just like a music is beautiful sounds. Both unexplainable but convey feelings.
umbrella
giving way
to the storm
overwhelmed
as if actually
relieved of
the burden
flying as a
torn apart
kite set free
buffeted colors
a ripple in time
Muito bom! Parabéns!
Love it. Love how it changes.
Well said, Steve. Only 3 discuss to discuss with any work of art or music. 1) Craft/tools - how was it made? 2) Structure/design. 3) Significance or meaning. #s 1 and 2 only matter when they don't work. #3 is what it's all about.