‘Three Candles’ by Marc Chagall
Pablo Picasso was quoted as saying, "Art is lie which makes us realize the truth." Art is an ever-controversial term. The beauty of the word itself is that though it cannot be defined in a universal sense, it's meaning is no less important. Not only is the definition of art ever evolving, it will always have it’s own definition to the artist, the critic and most importantly the viewer. Picasso states that art deceives the viewer into believing that a particular image is reality; however, what I find I must remember not only as an artist, but as a viewer/lover of art - is that what we are creating or viewing is a perceived reality – that of the artist. Modern art, beginning with the Impressionist movement and those pioneers who began to interpret their own realities ever to subtly as the way light might move across the canvas – to the Expressionist and Post-Modern art of later years go even further to deceive the viewer – yet what is really being portrayed is not necessarily reality – the interpretation and personal perception of that reality is what finds its way upon the canvas. As such, this acuity plays a significant role in what we as individual viewers are attracted to - the most intriguing and fascinating pieces are those that force the viewer to alter their perception of their own reality and ask questions – what does this piece mean to me – how does it affect me and my own life? One of the pieces that I personally find most moving is Chagall’s Three Candles – it has created a separate plane in my own mind where floating lovers – just joined in a lifetime union – are my reality – it speaks of hopes and endless dreams… what is your favorite piece of art – what does it whisper to you and what reality (surreal or otherwise) does it impress upon you?
