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In a special feature, "Into the Arts," Mom & I have embarked on an exploration of the world's leading museums and galleries located in Manhattan. This initiative seeks to inform readers about the emergence of art, contemporary art forms, and provide insights into various artists, their perspectives, and the latest exhibition news. Through this segment, the aim is to allow readers to experience a "life with art," hoping to ignite a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.
In April 1917, New York's "Independents Exhibition" saw an unusual exhibit: a men's urinal signed "R. Mutt 1917," displayed under the name "Fountain." Even today, Marcel Duchamp's piece could leave audiences puzzled, but imagining the impact and shock it had on the public over a century ago is beyond comprehension. Works by Fauvist Henri Matisse, abandoning natural colors for bold primary ones, along with Cubist Pablo Picasso, disregarding perspective and shading, and Abstract artists Mondrian and Kandinsky, introduced unconventional forms that revolutionized traditional views on art. Meanwhile, Jackson Pollock's canvases and the pop art of Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol further marked pivotal moments in the history of modern art. For newcomers to these pieces of modern art, the reaction might be, "Is that really art?" or "I could make that myself."
However, is there a way to truly appreciate and enjoy modern art without feeling perplexed? Perhaps, at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, one might find the answer.
Since its establishment in 1929, MoMA has set the standard for making New York the center of modern art. Celebrating 90 years, the museum has doubled its exhibition space and reopened with an expanded collection, increasing from 1,500 to over 2,500 pieces. The core of the museum, the fourth floor, now features cutting-edge facilities for live performances and workshops, transforming it into an interactive space that enhances audience engagement. With shorter rotation periods of 6 to 9 months for artwork, the museum promises a wealth of opportunities for audiences to continually engage with new works.
Reimagined to focus on major 20th-century pieces, along with contemporary works, MoMA offers a comprehensive view of modern art from the 1880s to the present day. Before starting a tour, a moment in front of Duchamp's piece on the fifth floor offers insight into the flow of modern art. His works, like "Bicycle Wheel" and "In Advanced of the Broken Arm," showcase ready-made objects—industrial products such as a bicycle wheel and a shovel—framing them as art. This redefines the boundaries between everyday items and artworks, emphasizing that art can stem from the artist's choice alone. This message diverged from traditional painting focused on precise depiction and opened a new dimension of freedom and perspective for artists and audiences alike.
Breaking the fixed notion that only creation equates to art, Duchamp's works highlighted the significance of reinterpretation. Today, works that defy mimicry of nature and instead rely on the artist's emotions and subconscious provide the foundation for appreciating modern art. What was once merely depiction has transformed into unique, principle-driven interpretations.
Thus, perhaps your perception of "Is that art?" has been altered. If unchanged, remember, "When you weren't drawing it, they already had," and they offered pieces you might not have recognized as art. Enjoy the closer and more enjoyable experience of modern art embraced through this shift in perception.
