In Defense of Abstract Art
a dialogue
I don’t get it. As far as I can tell, there just isn’t any meaning.
What if you brought along the need for such existential gleaning?
But even I could make that. I think a toddler could’ve made it just as well.
What if some great stories are ones that anyone - everyone - can tell?
So put it on a fridge, perhaps - but not in a museum with an entrance fee.
What if some deep beauties are worth some change to see?
Keep preaching, Socrates; I think I just prefer artists with clearer vision.
What if instead of a statement, the abstract exists as an artist's question?
Sounds clever. But you still haven’t justified to me the admission toll.
What if, though you don't see it, there’s value perceived by some other soul?
Fine, I'll bite; What’s the point? What magic, depth-granting lens do I lack?
There it is, a glimpse of the true art - starting to ask some questions back!
Just tell me what it is you see; what message, meaning, artistic solidarity?
For one thing, I find comfort in celebrating a fellow messy, colorful mystery.
A nice sentiment. But I still don't see the purpose in this canvas that I face.
'Til clearer is our own, oughtn't we meet the 'purposeless' with a more curious grace?
*
*
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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Thank you so much for reading this strange poem! Alas, I did not finish it quite in time to submit it to the Dialogue Poetry challenge; but I thought it more important to get it to a satisfactory state than to rush it and enter a less-than-my-best offering.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed it! I hope to write an article/opinion piece on Vocal sometime soon, in which I can explore the concept and controversies of abstract art with more nuance, depth, and room for conversation. I would love to hear what any of you think/feel in regard to abstract art; please don't be concerned about offending me!! Despite the potentially preachy sound of this poem, I really am quite open to conversations and wildly varying perspectives on the matter.
Cheers, friends!
:)
About the Creator
Gabriel Huizenga
Twas for love of words that I first joined this site:
Poetry, especially, and dear short stories too;
For to live one's best is to read, and to write!
So find me in words here, and I'll find you 💙
Thanks for stopping by! :)
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Comments (23)
Love the debate on abstract art! Your poem captures the tension between seeking meaning and appreciating the mystery. 🎨✨
Great 👌
I like the back-and-forth of what feel like two friends standing in a modern art museum haha. Cleverly done Gabriel! I must admit I often find myself echoing the same objections that one of these characters does, but I appreciate the thoughtful answers that come back to him!
Thanks for sharing this, Gabriel. I can now understand the purpose of abstract art. What a Top Story? Congratulations!
Next time I'm in a discussion about abstract art, I'll show them this! I love the switch when the critic begins to ask questions back!
This is fascinating. I've never been much of a fan of abstract, but lately I've leaned to greater appreciation for it. I think being able to find your own meaning in someone else's piece is intriguing. Well done and congrats on the TS.
Congratulations on your top story.
Congrats on the Top Story! I've gone between hating and loving abstract art pretty much exactly like this dialogue. In the end, I decided to let the intention guide the interaction. Maybe it could be done by a toddler, but not with the same intention. Difficult to make or not, it lets us ask questions if we're open to it and that's good art! There's plenty of lifeless realism out there too. Anyway, that's my take! Great poem :)
I really enjoyed this ☺️ Congrats on Top Story!
Congrats on TS!
I like such weirdness congrats on your delay that destined you a top story!
Awesome work! I found myself agreeing with both speakers all throughout the work, back and forth 😂
Congratulations 🎉 keep up the fantastic work.
An artfully constructed dialogue!
A whole convo. Congratulations on top story.
Beautifully written Superv masterpiece Many congratulations on TS
Congrats on a fine Top Story!
I agree with the questioner in the poem - some podcasts, youtube videos, artwork - it does seem like any person can do them. We need that art degree to "get it," I guess.
Sometimes the abstract has its place, but to pay millions for something that I can do myself...that is the question. What is in a name...famous person does it it is art, I do it it's a mess on canvas.
Liked it so much!
Ahhh!! This is GENIUS! “There it is, a glimpse of the true art - starting to ask some questions back!” just so good! I’m having a hard time forming coherent phrases to express how much I love this! Let’s just say I’m dumbfounded and speechless! Kind of you to not submit it in time for the deadline so you don’t take 1st and 2nd place!
It's contentious but it certainly gets people talking. Personally, I like realism in my art although if something is colourful and abstract, I can appreciate it. Art, like literature, like music, is a very personal thing. We don't see, read, hear the same things.
I am by no means an art expert...but really just let myself be led what I like. I love abstract art, whether it's the easy-to-decipher or stranger stuff I've seen...like Pollack. I think all art is relevant and important, that sounds like a catch-all-on-the-fence statement but if I expect people to like or dislike my own written art...and I don't always follow a clear set of rules or format...then I shouldn't expect different of anyone else and don't. I like the mystery of abstract art...like...why they chose colours...or the why behind the strokes etc. I loved your interesting and intriguing poem, though, Gabriel and while it's a shame it didn't get there for the challenge, I'm glad you waited to make it just right before publishing! It doesn't feel rushed and offers a lot to think on by we get to the end. Great work.