Modern abstraction always provokes a strong reaction from me. It could be either good or bad, but nevertheless it is always a strong one. I walked into the Willem de Kooning exhibit at the MOMA with two immediate thoughts: This is a big exhibit and This looks like rubbish. Big collections can either prove to be redundant and overwhelming or lavish and extensive depending on the proficiency of the curator. I became restless as I tried to size up the entire exhibit, genuinely trying to give each piece a chance as I moved robotically along with the flow of people.
Suddenly, I wasn’t actively giving the pieces a chance, but standing in front of them because I was mesmerized. Towards the end of the exhibit were the pieces that I enjoyed most. I often scoff at the wannabe art connoisseurs who talk about the art in front of the art for all to hear, using the characteristic hand motions to convey their moved emotions. But, I found myself along with Kat, discussing the pieces, trying to interpret the meaning behind the paintings that on the surface, could just be written off as scribbles and blobs. I liked how the paintings towards the end provoked an emotion from me. And with abstract art, the emotion cannot be quickly attributed to an element of the piece because you cannot explain if you don’t understand. So, I tried to figure out why each piece instilled feeling in me and suddenly came to somewhat of an understand of de Kooning’s art.
I sometimes found myself positioned like this, pondering yet perpetually confused.
Abstraction such as de Kooning’s can have meaning. Many meanings. Everything is open for interpretation. It can also have no meaning. And that is the beauty of his work. The purpose of each work is not known because de Kooning left the interpretation to the viewer. When an artist masters this technique of leaving interpretation to the viewer, he/she has become a master. The goal of every artist, in my opinion as an artist myself, is to be able to create an intimacy between the artwork and the viewer. The artist does this by conveying emotion in the work and thus, leaving the meaning of the work up to the viewer. This suddenly makes the art very personal. I believe that this is the point of art and that de Kooning is a master. This might be arguable, some might say that anyone can do what he does because he does not display the conventional techniques of a master. I can throw blobs of paint on a canvas. Sure, you can. I don’t doubt any of you skeptics. But, with those blobs, can you invoke feeling? Can you create an intimacy? Can you give infinite meanings to your work and yet have it remain elusive? It is my turn to be a skeptic and say that most of you can’t answer yes to these questions. But, I’m sure if you can, the MOMA would open its arms to such a master.