Steve Martin on how to look at abstract art | MoMA BBC | THE WAY I SEE IT

Steve Martin was by far my favorite client when I worked at McKee Gallery. He is nothing like you'd expect if what you go on is what you see on screen, he is shy, retiring , somewhat serious, and even more intelligent than you see here. The humor is still there but it's not a "performance" type of humor. It is so like him to pick these artists to feature and that is why I liked him coming in because unlike many high end collectors he is not a "trophy hunter" he really does care about art and he knows painting better than any art historian or art critic I've ever met although he would not think so.

Seeing works in person makes a huge difference. I had a number of art history courses in college and had formed an idea of what Jackson Pollock's paintings were about from the small reproductions of them in art history books. Then, I saw a number of them in person and the physical size and depth created by the intricate layers of paint gave a three dimensional quality with an impression of enormous weight that the two dimensional, flattened perspective of a photograph could not convey. The same thing happened when seeing "Guernica." I think I stood in front of it for at least two hours simply overwhelmed by the work. I had no idea, from the photographs, that Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" was nearly six feet tall and four feet wide - it was a life size (or larger) portrait. You really can't understand a lot of art unless you are lucky enough to see it with your own eyes.

As an abstract artist myself I loved that Steve chose these particular paintings. Watching him describe how the peice affects him was intriguing and fun. One of my favorite things is observing the reactions of people as they try and articulate what they see and/or feel while viewing my abstracts. Like the therapist's inkblot test the viewer reveals some fascinating thing about themselves.

"Paintings reveal themselves over time" fantastic

Pictures reveal themselves over time: how true.

I think what Steve Martin mentioned briefly is actually a very fun exercise. Next time you have a moment, go to a museum or a gallery and sit in front of a painting for at least an hour. Just one painting. Look at this painting and see how much this painting changes over time, the more you study it. Discover the strokes of the artist. Look for the colors, shapes and the story that emerges from this piece. :)

If a painting reveals something different to each person; over over time - that is art.

"A picture is stationary, it's immobile, and yet, it changes for you".

This is great. I like Steve. He is a good guy. And he comes to the altar of Art with the clean countenance of honest inquiry ! He is thoughtful and mindful. Qualities I admire. With the conversation ! He has something worthwhile to share.

This is why I’m an abstract artist. I truly enjoyed hearing how he sees these. ♥️

So refreshing to hear Steve Martin humbly, but thoughtfully walk through a genuine observation and consideration of a still, hand-made picture. He doesn't get hung up on ideas...or theories, as he puts it.....it's about looking at and appreciating the picture.

Abstract art always has an element of Rorschach test to it. People see what they want to see in it--and that's OK.

How can you not love Steve Martin?

loved steve's suit. really nice colours.

Steve Martin should play Andy Warhol in his later years.

Steve Martin is down to earth. Just appreciates the art for what it is. Very cool 👍🏼

These are 2 very beautiful paintings....and I am not overly partial to pure abstraction. As he was getting into his revelation, I thought of poetry vs. prose. Representative paintings are prosaic - they tell you something outright and you take it from there. These are like visual poems, they convey feeling and elicit emotions in that way and the viewer goes on to completion in a much more personal way.

Being an abstract artist, I enjoyed this so much. What he says is so true (for me at least). His appreciation for art makes my heart smile. Thanks Steve!

Brilliant!! When I was young our local Art Museum was open free on sundays. I would go every sunday. The museum was fortunate to own a Caravaggio painting (Young John the Baptist). I would sit for hours staring at the work. I was only 18 at the time but that piece changed my life. 20 years later I attended the Kansas City Art Institute where the Nelson Adkins Museum was across the street. I attended several lectures specifically on that painting. I never looked back. Art was my life. Now that I am at the end of my life it's profound to understand all the art that has inspired me through the lens of subjective interpretation. You never know who you will inspire . Maybe by pointing a subtle mark on a canvas or a wavy line on paper. Regardless it was an incredible journey. Thank you for what you do.

"An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin will further expand your notion of who this man is...gifted in so many ways!