» Looking at art

Why art matters

When we look thoughtfully at art made by another person or culture, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Alejandro Cesarco, What does looking mean?

What work of art inspired you?

Elements of art

By learning to understand the visual elements used to create works of art, we become better able to understand the messages they contain, and we become more receptive to the perspectives of those who made them.

Angel, Albrecht Dürer, The Four Horsemen, from The Apocalypse,1498, woodcut, 38.7 x 27.9 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Line

Moko (photo: James Heremaia, license information)

Shape and form

Color

Space

Jeff Koons, Balloon Dog: installation view with silver balloon, 1994-2001, transparent color coating, stainless steel, 320 x 380 x 120 cm (photo: Kim, © Jeff Koons)

Texture

Surface and depth

Light and shadow

Principles of composition

Looking—slow, careful looking—is not as simple as it seems. Close visual analysis, and an understanding of compositional elements, can be used to unlock structures and meanings, even in works of art that are unfamiliar.