The Soul needs Experiences — Annette H. Mann

Two days ago I started to investigate a new line of work. At this stage I am in discovery mode which combines excitement about a new idea, a trembling heart about all the uncertainty it involves, sturdy attention in following the process, awe sometimes, rejection sometimes, small episodes of exhaustion and depression, doubts, fears and joy. Actually I think that every piece of art, every expression of art should include all of it and more. Art is the expression of soul and the soul wants to have experiences.

Visiting art galleries I often ask myself what makes a piece of visual art “good”. This can be very tricky to determine because there seems to be an almost random ingredient to it. Apart from elements like context (often the place) and intellectual manipulation (often the verbal capacities of the presenter) there is also an inherent component of the piece of art, which makes it good or not. Does it move the heart or not? I think that some very intellectual art can enchant the heart as well – but when it is only brainy, who is moved?

It is true that contemporary art is very different from all the other art forms. Music, architecture, literature, theatre, ballet, poetry, film - all need very good technical skills as a base. Contemporary art does not necessarily, although in my opinion, it helps. Even now there are more traditional art schools but students don’t usually go to an art school to learn skills. It is more about having a good idea and be able to defend it. I find it sometimes disconcerting how visually uninteresting an artwork can be and still find its way to the public. Usually a lengthy exposé comes with it which seems to be able to seduce certain people. My soul has very little patience with these kind of creations. She needs to be intrigued visually first and it is all the better if she is intellectually as well.