Nehaveigur

If, in order to understand a piece of art, I first have to study the artist’s intention, it’s like a joke that has to be explained. I may get it and I may even concede that it’s funny, but I won’t laugh. I’ll come away with the vague impression that I’m not educated or smart enough.

This is particularly acute for contemporary art. For ancient art, I naturally lack context and accept that I will not appreciate every subtlety, just like I don’t laugh about ancient Greek jokes. Even for contemporary art created by those who are culturally far from me, I understand that I will not fully understand. For everything else, there is no excuse.