A while back I was messaging with another artist through IG comments regarding his statement that it is only art if the person(s) looking at a painting, or whatever an artist created, understands and connects to what the artist was saying through the piece. That is, the meaning or message behind the art piece must be “understood” by the viewer for it to be art. If not, then the artist has failed and it is not art.

I will note that he was very successful in showing at numerous galleries and museums in Europe. Had received many awards and recognition for his paintings. All large scale figurative and somewhat reminiscent of Dali. And had attended a prestigious German art school.

Okay, I appreciate that artists have something they want to say or whatever to the world – a statement on the condition of humankind for example – and for sure those looking at the piece might get it or not get it, so okay, they have succeeded or failed as an artist to communicate to the public what they are wanting to say. But does that mean that it is art or that it is not art?

Which is what I asked him. Along with the idea that perhaps the artist wants to leave the piece’s meaning open to interpretation. That the intent it to create the opportunity for the public to tell their own story or encourage the public to see what they want to see. That there is not an explicit meaning in the piece, but perhaps to simply “entertain” the public. A different way of engaging the public with art.

Oh, yeah… that is not art. There has to be an explicit meaning and the public has to see it. Has to understand what the piece is saying, for it to be art.

So then what about abstract art?

Not art.

What about constructions or installations that are open-ended as to what the public is to interpret?

Not art.

What about what I do?

Not art.

Unless you are specifically trying to say something with your art that the public understands… but you are not, so it is not art.

Okay, but I am specifically trying to say nothing. Or vaguely something. More inferring, than explicitly stating and the public understands that? More of a storyteller with prompts for the public to use for their own story? Or meaning? And they do? They react in the way I was looking for in the piece.

Not art.

And then he blocked me.