Art is a personal matter. Each of us perceives and interprets it differently. Our knowledge, our emotions, our culture, our associations with the elements have an impact on the way we view and appreciate a work of art. In this article, we will explore the different levels of appreciation of art to better understand how a work can arouse an emotion, a crush or a reflection.
The FIRST LEVEL of art appreciation is formal or surface perception. It is the intellectual level where we observe the work in terms of colors, shapes, textures, composition. One can appreciate the harmony of the colors, the balance of the elements or, on the contrary, feel a certain discomfort if the work is poorly balanced or clumsy. It is the basic level of understanding art, which can elicit a spontaneous reaction of pleasure or displeasure.
The SECOND LEVEL is based on associations one makes with the work. We look at the images, the symbols, the common elements and we try to interpret them. This level is associative, that is to say that we associate the work with other objects or images that have a meaning for us. One can also refer to personal knowledge or historical context to better understand the work. This level is more complex and requires more in-depth reflection.
The THIRD LEVEL is emotional. Art can release deep emotions, good or bad, in viewers. Some works can cause joy, happiness, love, or peace, while others can cause sadness, anger, pain, or injustice. Art can touch us in unique and personal ways because our emotions are tied to our personal history. The exhibitions are designed to offer a range of works that will appeal to different types of viewers, whether they are art novices or experts in the field.
Appreciating a work of art is a subjective and personal experience that takes into account our knowledge, our emotions and our culture. At Galerie Berthelet, we seek to create an artistic experience that will touch visitors on many levels, offering a variety of carefully selected works to create emotion and love.
