Works of Art: A View From My Personal Experience

Hello, hello! Carlos Hidalgo here, an art lover who has spent more hours in front of a canvas than with a coffee in his hand (and believe me, I love coffee!). Today I come to talk to you about a subject that I have engraved in my soul: artworks of art. But don't worry, I'm not going to give you the typical boring lecture you got in school.... This is going to be different, I promise.

Throughout my life, I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by works of art in their various manifestations. From ancient paintings to modern sculptures, from impressive murals in the streets to graffiti that make you think. So if you've ever wondered what makes a work truly "art", you're in the right place.

What is a Work of Art?

Let me start at the beginning, because this is the million-dollar question: what the hell is a work of art?. I'll tell you what it isn't: it's not just a pretty picture you hang on the wall to match your couch. A work of art is an explosion of emotions, a statement and a challenge to the world. It's that thing that makes you stop in your tracks and say: wow!.

Works of art can take a thousand forms. We have the classic oil paintings, such as Velazquez's "Las Meninas," which immerses you in the Spanish court of the 17th century with its play of light and reflections. But we also have modern gems like Edvard Munch's "The Scream," which encapsulates human anxiety in a single shriek.

When I was young and a bit more headstrong than I am now (though that hasn't changed much), I became obsessed with understanding why certain works went down in history while others remained forgotten. What I discovered is that the best works of art are those that force you to feel, that stir something in your guts.

The History and Evolution of Art

Let me take you on a walk through history, don't worry, it won't be like those boring history classes that made you nod off. The works of art have evolved a lot. Let's take a step back a bit, shall we?

1. Classical Art: The Quest for Beauty

Did you know that centuries ago, art focused on perfect beauty? The Greeks and Romans were obsessed with the human body, with its proportions and symmetry. If you've ever seen the sculpture of "The Discobolus" by Myron, you'll know what I'm talking about. There is no room for mistakes here, only pure perfection.

2. Renaissance: The Artistic Revolution

Then we come to the Renaissance, the moment when artists said, "To hell with the rules! Let's paint whatever comes out of our souls". Here we have giants like Leonardo da Vinci with his enigmatic "Mona Lisa" and his smile that seems to hide a thousand secrets. And, of course, Miguel Ángel and his imposing "David," who seems about to leap from his pedestal to take a stroll through Florence.

3. Baroque and Rococo: Luxury and Drama

Baroque art was not shy. It is pure drama, an outpouring of emotions. Rembrandt and Caravaggio mastered the art of chiaroscuro, making every figure in their paintings seem to step out of the shadows directly into your living room. And if you like excessive detail and luxury, the Rococo with its pastel colors and romantic scenes is for you.

4. The 20th Century: Revolution and Avant-Garde

We come to my favorite part: modern art. There are no rules here. Picasso broke all the rules with his work "Guernica", a cry against war that still echoes on the walls of the Reina Sofia Museum. And then we have the surrealists, like Dalí and Magritte, who take you to a world where the impossible becomes reality.

My Encounter with Memorable Works of Art

I'll tell you an anecdote. Once, visiting the Museo del Prado, I was engrossed in front of "Las Meninas". What was Velázquez doing self-portraying himself in the middle of the court? It was almost as if he wanted to mock everyone. And that's when I understood that a work of art doesn't always need to be interpreted literally. Sometimes, its real power lies in what it makes you feel.

Another time, strolling through the streets of Berlin, I came across a giant mural depicting a weeping woman. I had no idea who painted it, but I couldn't stop looking at it. That's art too, you know?You don't need a museum to enjoy it.

How to Interpret a Work of Art (Without Going Crazy)

You don't need a Ph.D. in art history to understand a painting or sculpture. Here's my advice, and I'm giving it to you for free: go with what you feel. If you see a painting and it makes you laugh, cry or get angry, bingo!, that's art at work.

I recommend that you don't obsess over understanding every detail. Sometimes, the magic is in what you don't understand, in what your brain can't quite process.

The Value of a Work of Art

If you've ever wondered why certain works fetch astronomical prices at auction, here's the answer: it doesn't always have to do with technique, but with history and the impact they generate. Does the name Andy Warhol ring a bell? The guy took a simple can of Campbell's soup and turned it into a cultural icon. That's art at its purest.

Conclusion: What Makes a Work of Art Unforgettable?

If there's one thing I want you to take away from this article, it's this: art is subjective. What may be a doodle to some is a masterpiece worth millions to others. So the next time you find yourself in front of a work of art, do me a favor, don't ask yourself if it's good or bad. Ask yourself if it moved something inside you. If it did, then you've found a true work of art.

If it did, then you've found a true work of art.