What is Good Art?

What is Good art?

This is a very difficult question to answer. But this is my take.

When we deal with Paintings (the main focus of this blog) or other mediums (i.e. prints, photos, sculptures...) we must remember that it is still visual/perceptual art, So the end result has to be aesthetically pleasing/beautiful or shocking/disturbing, either way it will be emotionally powerful. Even if the art is about process, the end result is the most important.
(unless you are talking about pure conceptual / intellectual art like Ang Song Ming's "You & I"  where there is nothing visual and the work has to judged based on concept alone. Or sound art which hasn't anything to do with visual art but a branch of music?)

The work also has to be conceptually powerful or there has to be meaning behind the piece, no longer is painting for painting's sake enough. And the two mentioned points should be intertwined without disconnect between meaning and the end visual result.

The work should also be perceptually dynamic and not static. (if you are not sure what this means precisely, you should refer to Rudolf's Arnheim's Art and visual perception.) Another way to interpret it, is that the work needs to have Impact, then rhythm and sequence. This is related to connoisseurship in art.

Another point which I have learnt is that when looking at art, another question to ask yourself, "Is this the best medium to relay the concept? Could a painting rather than a photograph be more ideal for this or vice versa?"

 So in summary what you should do in an assessing a work of art is to take some time to look at its visual aspect and make a decision on its quality/technical excellence. Then read up about the current body of work. Then about the artist and the artist's other body of works. Talk to the artist (if accessible) about the works and their practice too. Then go back and decide if this is good art.

But what is good art to buy then?

Look at the artist's pedigree. .And the piece in question is technically executed too. (artists will have their hits and misses)

Next, consider the originality of the body of work or the specific piece that you are thinking about. In other words, is the work fresh, something you haven't seen before or a new take on things.

The work should be ageless, something which any generation can appreciate.

The Artist should also develop an identity but yet not stay static. The artist should also be passionate about himself and his works, then you know the artist will still work hard to improve and be around for a long time and is serious about being an artist. Also look for artists who are not only interested in their craft/process but also take great pride in the object/art/end product. Because not only do you buy the art piece, but also the artist's 'brand'.

Still not confident? Then ask your collector friend, gallerist or art advisor, but I'm not sure how unbiased the answer will be though.