Modern Art: A Personal Journey through its Colors and Shapes

Ah, modern art! That artistic expression that, for many, is an enigma wrapped in mystery. But for me, Rubén Águila, it has been a life companion, a capricious lover that has led me down unsuspected paths. Let me take you by the hand through this journey, where I will tell you what modern art is from my experience and how it has shaped my vision of the world.

What the Hell is Modern Art?

Modern art is that artistic movement that emerged in the late nineteenth century and lasted until the mid-twentieth century. It is characterized by breaking with the traditions of the past and seeking new forms of expression. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Wassily Kandinsky decided it was time to stop painting fruit trees and bucolic landscapes and move into the abstract, the conceptual and, at times, the incomprehensible.

My First Encounter with the Incomprehensible

I remember the first time I stood in front of a work of modern art. It was a huge canvas, with blobs of color that seemed to have been thrown at random. I thought, "Is this art, am I being made a fool of?" But something in that apparent simplicity caught me. There was an energy, an emotion that I couldn't explain in words. And there, my friends, began my love affair with modern art.

The Beauty of the Abstract

One of the most fascinating characteristics of modern art is its abstraction. It is not about representing reality as we see it, but expressing emotions, ideas and concepts through shapes and colors. It is as if the artist is inviting us to see the world through his eyes, to feel what he feels.

The Power of Provocation

Modern art is also provocative. It seeks to shake us up, to make us question our perceptions and prejudices. Works like "The Fountain" by Marcel Duchamp, a simple urinal signed with the pseudonym "R. Mutt", challenge us to reconsider what is art and what is not. And boy, does it succeed.

My Adventure at the Santander Museum of Modern Art

A few months ago, I visited the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Santander and Cantabria (MAS). Since its reopening in May, the museum has received more than 45,000 visits, and no wonder. The collection is impressive, with works ranging from the abstract to the provocative. I came across pieces that made me laugh, others that made me think, and some that I honestly didn't understand at all. But that's the magic of modern art: you don't always have to understand it, just feel it.

The Importance of Women in Modern Art

I can't talk about modern art without mentioning the growing visibility of women artists. The FAMM Museum in Mougins, France, is the first European museum dedicated exclusively to women artists. There I discovered works by Frida Kahlo, Dora Maar and Marina Abramović that took my breath away. It's a reminder that modern art is not just a male thing, but a universal expression that transcends gender.

Modern Art in Spain: A Treasure to Discover

Spain is a hotbed of modern art. From the works of Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí to contemporary exhibitions in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the country offers an incomparable wealth of art. Recently, I visited an exhibition at the Fundación Joan Miró in Barcelona that explored the relationship between Miró and Henri Matisse. The fusion of styles and the conversation between the two artists' works was a jaw-dropping experience for me.

Why Should You Care About Modern Art

You may be asking yourself, "Ruben, why should I care about modern art?". Well, dear reader, modern art is a window into the evolution of humanity. It shows us how we have changed, how we have challenged the norms, and how we continue to seek new ways to express ourselves. It is a reflection of our creativity, our rebelliousness and our constant search for meaning in an increasingly complex world.

How to Enjoy Modern Art Without Losing Your Mind

Open Your Mind: Don't try to understand everything. Sometimes, modern art is more about feeling than understanding.

Research: Knowing the historical and personal context of the artist can give you a new perspective on their work.

Visit museums: The experience of seeing a work in person is incomparable. Look at the details, the colors, the textures.

Talk about it: Share your impressions with others. Art is an excellent excuse to start deep conversations.

My Misguided Conclusion

Modern art is like that catchy song that at first you don't understand, but then you can't stop humming. It's an invitation to explore the unknown, to challenge your perceptions and immerse yourself in a world of colors, shapes and emotions that, even if they sometimes seem to make no sense, always have something to say.

So the next time you find yourself in front of a work of modern art, don't frown or scratch your head. Relax, let yourself go and, above all, enjoy the journey.