WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ART?

I'll hopefully be able to provide you with some of the answers you seek. I'm a huge art lover. Actually, my love affair with all things artistic was sparked quite early. My father is an abstract sculptor. Thus, from birth, I have been heavily immersed in the world of art. Due to my father’s profession, I was constantly exposed by the many processes that go into creating a work of art. The initial concept, design, and planning stages at the outset of a new piece, to the accumulating of materials and the constructing of the various elements of the sculpture, and right on through to completion. The ‘behind the scenes’ world of an artist is impressively complex. Many elements must come together in concert, to culminate in the finished product that the public sees.
Because most of my father’s friends were fellow artists, I was also exposed to all sorts of creative types from many varied backgrounds. That's another aspect I find so enriching about the world of art—it’s open to all comers. Amongst my father’s closest artist friends is a woman named Adrienne Gonzalez. From my earliest childhood—rather than the typical accoutrements one might ordinarily see in a little girl’s bedroom, upon my wall was displayed a large piece of Gonzalez’ work. That painting—with its semi-abstract images of butterflies and dragonflies entranced me so, I frequently stared upon it for hours. Somewhat like getting lost within a dream, is how it made me feel. Presently, it’s hanging in the hallway of my parents’ home.
Work by Adrienne Gonzalez (unsure of the year, but probably mid-1960’s is pretty accurate). (I’m afraid my camera flash ruined the photo a little, but the overall magic of the piece is still very evident).
By providing a brief bit of background, I can perhaps illustrate some of the ways in which art has been so beneficial to my life. My father was an exceedingly difficult man, and, as I grew older, our relationship became increasingly strained. Art, however, was the one way we truly connected. Over the years we took many trips into New York City to visit the all the great museums and galleries. To be in those great art houses felt other-worldly and supremely comforting all at the same time. Massive buildings containing arts from all cultures and all eras, in so many differing presentations—from metal and wood sculpture, to oil and watercolor paintings, to murals and etchings, to ancient pottery and carvings, to African, Indian, and Egyptian artifacts, to high-tech video installations, and so much more, its all there for the seeking and finding. And, I must say, if there's a single place to go where one might fall in love with art, New York is certainly that place.
My deepest art connections with my father though, were forged in my youth, when I would at times assist him with the actual construction of his works. Some of my few fond childhood memories are of times I'd bring a cup of tea to my father’s studio, where we’d then consult over what shape I thought a particular sculpture of his ought to take. When I was older, I also assisted my father in gallery set-ups when he had public exhibits of his works. Another great experience came as a result of my father’s position managing the vast art collection owned by Vassar College, where I was able to access their holding of incredible works up close—even getting to take in my hands, art works by the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe, Rembrandt, and Leonardo Da Vinci. Perhaps, for some, that wouldn't sound too interesting. For me though, it was thrilling. The experience left me as giddy as a young teen might feel upon meeting their favorite pop star.
You mention that you are interested to know what in particular I like about art, and what—if anything, I dislike about it. With art, there is so much to love, and very little not to like. The art world is so fascinating because it is endlessly varied and diverse. Art changes from person to person and culture to culture. Too, from year to year and century to century, art has steadily evolved. But, most significant to acknowledge is the fact that all societies, all cultures must have art. Show me a culture without art and creativity, and I'll show you people who are soul-dead—empty, without meaning or purpose. That idea makes me think of the great Twilight Zone episode with Burgess Meredith (‘Time Enough At Last’; airdate November 1959) where his character is so desperately trying to discover a quiet spot in his busy, noisy world, so that he may read his beloved books in peace. After he finds himself as the sole survivor in a post-nuclear holocaust world, he is despondent and on the verge of suicide. That is—until he discovers the public library with their whole collection of books strewn out amongst the street. Alas, literature had saved his life. BUT, this being the Twilight Zone means there was probably not going to be a happy ending. Poor Meredith’s character accidentally broke his thick coke-bottle lens glasses. He was blind without them. Sans the tragic ending of that story, this is how it is with art—it enriches our life and our world view. It sustains us in unique, intangible ways. It reaches out to unite diverse peoples. In our present-day world we can also see examples of art and its political impact on society. It crushes me to know of historical art works destroyed as an act of vengeance or as a method to gain control over people. The Islamic State militants, for example, did such a thing when they tore down centuries-old structures, statues, and art works in Iraq. A modern-day prophet had apparently determined that these statues and artifacts represented their historical peoples worship of something other than God. To preserve these works of art was thereby determined to be heretical. Hence, they had to be banished. For me that action is utterly shameful, incomprehensible, and truly without excuse. A history destroyed is forever lost.
Art has, over time, been the source of much debate, controversy, even mayhem—and yes, I find that to be a good thing. There was nary a time in history when artistic styles began to shift significantly, that the critics didn't come out in full force crying foul and scandal. While we now appropriately revere impressionist and abstract art, at the time these styles first were being experimented with, the artists creating the works were derided and scorned. We view works by Monet today and call them masterpieces, but this was certainly not the case for him initially. To offer a more recent example—in 1999 an exhibit entitled “Sensation: Young British Artists From The Saatchi Collection”, was shown at New York's Brooklyn Museum of Art. There were several works in the 90-piece show that caused some debate. One work in particular—Chris Ofili’s painting ‘The Holy Virgin Mary’, impressively roused a great scandal and drove then-mayor of New York—Rudolph Giuliani, into an uproar. The painting, which depicted a black Madonna adorned with elephant dung and some sexually-explicit images, was deemed by Giuliani to be ‘anti-Catholic’. The city threatened the Brooklyn museum with the revocation of their lease, and the withdrawal of municipal funds, if they didn't remove the offensive work. Fortunately for the art world, the museum refused to back down. All of the controversial works remained on display, without censorship. From the museum director’s standpoint, these works were important—if controversial, and while they might be difficult or perhaps challenging to look at, they had real artistic merit all the same. As an ironic foortnote—it didn't turn out too badly for painter Chris Ofili. His much-derided work sold at auction several years later for $4.6M. I think the art world got the last laugh with this one.
Work by Chris Ofili: ‘The Holy Virgin Mary’ (1996. Constructed of: paper collage, oil paint, glitter, polyester resin, map pins, and elephant dung on linen. 243.8 x 182.9 cm)
The footnote I just mentioned, which describes the multi-million dollar sale of this painting, actually brings me to the singular aspect of art and the art world that I dislike. While I wholeheartedly agree that the masterworks we often witness being sold at auction for such exhorbitant sums generally do have great value, at the same time, it certainly skews for the average viewer, what it means for a work of art to be considered good or worthwhile. There are literally countless supremely talented artists from all across the globe—men and women that we may never hear of. Perhaps they are only able to show their works at smaller, lesser-known galleries, and thus, they remain essentially invisible to the power-brokers who dominate the highest end of the art market. But, these unrecognized artists are generally no less talented or capable, or deserving of the supreme adulation our world’s most recognized artists receive. I find this aspect of the business patently unjust. As with any other market, being successful in the art market has everything to do with who you know and the quality and quantity of exposure you get—primarily. Talent is, frankly, secondary.
In your subset of questions, you inquire if there is any specific work of art that holds special importance. In my attempt to offer a response, I'd first like to say something more broadly about art. The world of art, which for me encompasses not only the visual arts of painting, sculpture, photography, and the like, but also the artistry found in dance, in classical music and classic jazz, in literature, film and live theater—it all holds great significance for me. I truly believe art—all arts, enlarge vision. They allow us to not only exist within the physical world around us, but a more conceptual world as well. When one looks upon, say, an abstract painting, they might see a certain image in it. The next person to come along may interpret the work in a wholly different manner. Viewing these works stretches and challenges our perceptions of life around us. I find this quality of the arts to be of immense value—a value which can't be bought at any price. It's something intangible and utterly magical. If forced to identify one single work of art that I'd choose over all others, I'd be hard-pressed to do it. Certainly though, there is one artist that has a foothold in my soul, and it's a work he painted that has me thoroughly entranced. The artist is Edward Hopper, and it’s his 1942 painting Nighthawks that I love so especially (though the entirety of his creative output is sheer genius to me).
Work by Edward Hopper (1942. Oil on canvas 84.1 x 152.4 cm. Located at Art Institue of Chicago).
Regrettably the image I’ve provided, nowhere near does adequate justice—in terms of relaying the power this work truly exudes, the painterly skill of the artist, or the masterly way in which Hopper conveys intense emotion in a bunch of brush strokes on canvas. If at all interested, I would certainly encourage you to seek out some larger, clearer reproductions of the work, if not actually going to the Art Institute of Chicago to view the painting in person (something I went to Chicago specifically to do, myself).
‘What is art?’. I left this portion of your inquiry for last. For me, art is the ability to transcend. It's a way of creating something magical out of us mere mortals. Art is any creation that is soul-enriching, or soul-feeding. It's anything which demands for us to sit up and take notice in a way nothing else can as capably do. Art is beauty, ugliness, curiosity, pain, pleasure, joy. Art unites people. It tells a story, and creates an abstract new world. Simply put—without art we as people would have nothing, we would be nothing. At least, nothing worthwhile. We would have no spiritual link to our past, nor any reason to look to our future. Art is the physical, tangible incarnation of a philosophy for our life’s existence. At least, this is how I interpret it. Others may define art in very different terms. But alas, that is what makes art and the art world so valuable and so necessary. It belongs to each of us.
As a final offering, I've enclosed a few images of my modest little home. This is just a brief sample of the dozens upon dozens of works I have hanging on every wall of my home. I surround myself with art, because it constantly feeds me. I'd wither away without it.
Art and culture are integral components of human civilization, shaping societies and individuals in profound ways. From creative expression to cultural identity, these aspects play crucial roles in fostering diversity, preserving heritage, and promoting social reflection. This essay explores the multifaceted significance of art and culture and their impact on various aspects of human life.
Body:

1. Creative Expression: Art serves as a powerful form of creative expression, allowing individuals to communicate ideas, emotions, and experiences in unique and imaginative ways. Through diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, literature, music, theater, dance, and cinema, artists convey their innermost thoughts, pushing the boundaries of human imagination.
2. Cultural Identity: Culture encompasses the shared beliefs, customs, traditions, language, and values of a particular group of people. It influences individuals' sense of identity and belonging, shaping their worldview and guiding their behaviors. Cultural practices and artistic expressions are key elements that define a community's unique identity and historical legacy.
3. Diversity and Richness: Art and culture celebrate the richness and diversity of human experiences and perspectives. Different cultures produce a wide array of artistic expressions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human creativity. This diversity fosters appreciation for various cultural heritages, encouraging mutual respect and understanding among communities.
4. Historical Significance: Art and cultural artifacts serve as valuable records of human history and evolution. They provide insights into past societies, their beliefs, achievements, and challenges. By studying art from different time periods, researchers gain a deeper understanding of human progress and the collective journey of civilizations.
5. Social Reflection: Art often serves as a reflection of society, addressing social issues, cultural norms, and political events. Through its thought-provoking nature, art can become a catalyst for critical thinking and social change. It fosters dialogue on important topics, encouraging individuals to examine their values and beliefs.
6. Entertainment and Enjoyment: Culture contributes to various forms of entertainment, enhancing people's lives and providing leisure and enjoyment. Music, literature, theater, cinema, and other art forms create emotional connections, offering moments of joy, relaxation, and inspiration to audiences worldwide.
7. Preservation and Transmission: Cultural practices and art forms are passed down from one generation to another, preserving the heritage and traditions of societies. This transmission ensures the continuity of cultural identity and helps retain the wisdom of the past, nurturing a sense of cultural belonging.
8. Global Exchange: In today's interconnected world, art and culture facilitate the exchange of ideas, values, and aesthetics across different societies. This cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding and appreciation among diverse communities, fostering a sense of global unity.
9. Economic Impact: The art and cultural industries have significant economic implications, generating employment, tourism, and contributing to local and national economies. Artistic events and cultural festivals attract visitors from around the world, stimulating economic growth and promoting cultural tourism.

Conclusion: Art and culture are not merely decorative aspects of human existence; they are foundational elements that shape our societies, enrich our lives, and foster mutual understanding. From promoting creativity and preserving heritage to encouraging social reflection and driving economic growth, the significance of art and culture in human civilization cannot be overstated. As we continue to embrace and celebrate these aspects, we pave the way for a more harmonious and interconnected world.
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