The last few weeks in Notable’s Art 101, you’ve learned about time periods, artists, and little known facts. You may have studied these essentials like a book, but are you ready for the pop quiz that is real discussion?
As previously mentioned, these conversations can turn up anywhere, from coffee shops to museums. However, it is important to understand how to tactfully address the art world, as it is known to be a touchy subject. Offending someone who is passionate about art can be detrimental to first impressions and business dealings, so have fun but approach with vigilance.
This week we have composed a list of things NOT to do and things TO do. As Clarence Thomas once said, “good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” You may not be an art history scholar, but you are a thriving young professional capable of making a good impression.
DON’T
Use ostentatious language to describe an artist or their work. The art world can be a bit pretentious, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Pretending to be an art snob can give a poor first impression, especially when the other person can usually tell you’re faking it.
DO
Be modest. Lend your thoughts and opinions, but don’t go overboard. Once you start talking like a pro, the questions will get harder – don’t dig yourself in a hole. Being casual and adding interesting facts should allow you to pass with flying colours.
DON’T
Poke fun at a work’s formal aspects – that is its lines, colours, shapes, etc. We get that Picasso didn’t paint the most realistic looking nudes, but stay away from immature comments about her oddly placed female parts. You are an aspiring, mature young professional, not a high school freshman.
DO
When discussing, consider the possibilities of why the artist may have depicted his work that way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as art should not be analyzed as something concrete. This makes the conversation and yourself more intriguing.
DON’T
Ridicule the demand and cost of fine art in today’s dealer market. You might rather purchase seven yachts for the price of one original De Kooning, but your conversation partner may have recently purchased one for his cherry wood-paneled office.
DO
Inquire about current trends in the art world. Discuss whether or not some older styles are valuable, and which new movements hold a profitable future. This may benefit your wallet if you decide to start collecting.
DON’T
Assume each artist battled with some sort of emotional pain or addiction while creating his or her work. Although brilliant pieces have been created as a form of release, never be the one to presume “it was the drugs that made this one.”
DO
In conversation, treat artists as professionals in their field. They may not hold degrees or white-collared jobs, but they are creative geniuses. Having respect for these professionals will lead to admiration from your discussion partner.
DON’T
Lastly, don’t appear to be closed-minded or antagonistic when approached with aesthetically charged topics. Art may not be your forte, and you may want to change topics quickly, but don’t do so abruptly or rudely.
DO
Embrace the art conversation. Just like any other discussion, the other person can surprise you. Take the phrase “you learn something new every day” to a new level and allow the art world to benefit your capacity for knowledge. Being a young professional is about learning and growing, so don’t turn down opportunities for this.