"Art is the concrete representation of our most subtle feelings".
Agnes Martin
I imagine this is most certainly true for Agnes Martin's work. Whatever she is representing it is subtle. It is not shouty, it does not appear angry, its isn't loud or obvious.
Oftentimes the closest one gets to understanding what some of her work may represent is the clues in the titles.
On a Clear Day, Praise, With My Back to the World, Faraway Love, I Love the Whole World...
Perhaps as well, what art can be is a way of making physical/concrete/visible, many of the things that are simply felt. For some these feelings may be subtle, for others, not.
Detail of a tapestry in St Magnus' Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney. A beautiful thing.
And the explanatory panel - the tapestry gives form to feelings...
Agnes Martin
I imagine this is most certainly true for Agnes Martin's work. Whatever she is representing it is subtle. It is not shouty, it does not appear angry, its isn't loud or obvious.
Oftentimes the closest one gets to understanding what some of her work may represent is the clues in the titles.
On a Clear Day, Praise, With My Back to the World, Faraway Love, I Love the Whole World...
Perhaps as well, what art can be is a way of making physical/concrete/visible, many of the things that are simply felt. For some these feelings may be subtle, for others, not.
Detail of a tapestry in St Magnus' Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney. A beautiful thing.
And the explanatory panel - the tapestry gives form to feelings...
beautiful words and tapestry
ReplyDeleteThe tapestry is a beautiful thing. We saw it a few years ago on a visit to Orkney. It was lovely to see it again - thank you
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad you have seen it Margaret! I went back the next day for another visit I loved it so much. And I do just love the cathedral anyway...go well.
DeleteOn the day we visited the Cathedral, it was full of fresh blooms set up for a flower arranging festival. So, in addition to the quiet dignity and peace of the Cathedral, we had the delight of the colours and the scent from the flowers. It was lovely.
DeleteThat sounds amazing Margaret - what a beautiful combination. I first saw the cathedral when they were building scaffolding to have have the ceramic red poppies pouring out of it, so the outside was busy, but the inside so peaceful. Always worth a visit.
DeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI so love this close up ... and I do wish I could find a book about Agnes Martin's work that would provide a similarly detailed view
ReplyDeleteYes Liz I can understand the desire to dig deeply into her world and her work...go well.
Delete