Steve Martin on how to look at abstract art | MoMA BBC | THE WAY I SEE IT 

Steve Martin was by far my favorite client when I worked at McKee Gallery. He is nothing like you'd expect if what you go on is what you see on screen, he is shy, retiring , somewhat serious, and even more intelligent than you see here. The humor is still there but it's not a "performance" type of humor. It is so like him to pick these artists to feature and that is why I liked him coming in because unlike many high end collectors he is not a "trophy hunter" he really does care about art and he knows painting better than any art historian or art critic I've ever met although he would not think so.

Seeing works in person makes a huge difference. I had a number of art history courses in college and had formed an idea of what Jackson Pollock's paintings were about from the small reproductions of them in art history books. Then, I saw a number of them in person and the physical size and depth created by the intricate layers of paint gave a three dimensional quality with an impression of enormous weight that the two dimensional, flattened perspective of a photograph could not convey. The same thing happened when seeing "Guernica." I think I stood in front of it for at least two hours simply overwhelmed by the work. I had no idea, from the photographs, that Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" was nearly six feet tall and four feet wide - it was a life size (or larger) portrait. You really can't understand a lot of art unless you are lucky enough to see it with your own eyes.

As an abstract artist myself I loved that Steve chose these particular paintings. Watching him describe how the peice affects him was intriguing and fun. One of my favorite things is observing the reactions of people as they try and articulate what they see and/or feel while viewing my abstracts. Like the therapist's inkblot test the viewer reveals some fascinating thing about themselves.

"Paintings reveal themselves over time" fantastic

How can you not love Steve Martin?

I think what Steve Martin mentioned briefly is actually a very fun exercise. Next time you have a moment, go to a museum or a gallery and sit in front of a painting for at least an hour. Just one painting. Look at this painting and see how much this painting changes over time, the more you study it. Discover the strokes of the artist. Look for the colors, shapes and the story that emerges from this piece. :)

This is why I’m an abstract artist. I truly enjoyed hearing how he sees these. ♥️

If a painting reveals something different to each person; over over time - that is art.

Brilliant!! When I was young our local Art Museum was open free on sundays. I would go every sunday. The museum was fortunate to own a Caravaggio painting (Young John the Baptist). I would sit for hours staring at the work. I was only 18 at the time but that piece changed my life. 20 years later I attended the Kansas City Art Institute where the Nelson Adkins Museum was across the street. I attended several lectures specifically on that painting. I never looked back. Art was my life. Now that I am at the end of my life it's profound to understand all the art that has inspired me through the lens of subjective interpretation. You never know who you will inspire . Maybe by pointing a subtle mark on a canvas or a wavy line on paper. Regardless it was an incredible journey. Thank you for what you do.

So refreshing to hear Steve Martin humbly, but thoughtfully walk through a genuine observation and consideration of a still, hand-made picture. He doesn't get hung up on ideas...or theories, as he puts it.....it's about looking at and appreciating the picture.

Pictures reveal themselves over time: how true.

This is great. I like Steve. He is a good guy. And he comes to the altar of Art with the clean countenance of honest inquiry ! He is thoughtful and mindful. Qualities I admire. With the conversation ! He has something worthwhile to share.

"A picture is stationary, it's immobile, and yet, it changes for you".

Steve Martin's body language speaks of humility. So nice to see in a person at his level of fame.

One of my favorite things about abstract art, is that I can turn it 90° and have a whole different art piece❤

Being an abstract artist, I enjoyed this so much. What he says is so true (for me at least). His appreciation for art makes my heart smile. Thanks Steve!

Abstract art always has an element of Rorschach test to it. People see what they want to see in it--and that's OK.

Steve Martin should play Andy Warhol in his later years.

Oh my god! I never expected to say this but....thank you Steve! That was fantastic!!!!

These are 2 very beautiful paintings....and I am not overly partial to pure abstraction. As he was getting into his revelation, I thought of poetry vs. prose. Representative paintings are prosaic - they tell you something outright and you take it from there. These are like visual poems, they convey feeling and elicit emotions in that way and the viewer goes on to completion in a much more personal way.

Steve Martin is down to earth. Just appreciates the art for what it is. Very cool 👍🏼

"An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin will further expand your notion of who this man is...gifted in so many ways!

Step 1: point eyes towards painting.

I don't generally care about theories - they get in the way of looking at the pictures. Bless you Steve! That is how I like to go around museums and galleries.

loved steve's suit. really nice colours.

Steve is so sincere and childlike. I love his infectious thrill. I still can't get away from the idea that he's taking a little piss and I love it.

Love Steve Martin! Not only because his films are great, but also- he is so different than his roles would have you believe. He seems very inquisitive and sensitive, which make for an excellent actor, and a very interesting person in general. I especially appreciate his evident enthusiasm for art.

two wild and crazy paintings

Best comedy he's done for years

I never used to be able to appreciate abstract painting but these days, i practically live it

Is there anything Steve Martin cannot do? He is a modern renaissance man. Such a talent

Steve Martin is a time capsule of a man. His hair went white early on in his life and then his body was like “I think we’ll settle here for the next 30-40 years”

I LOVE Steve's suit and dress shirt!

Who is this Steve Martin? I think I like him as much as the Steve Martin I have heard of.

An example of accepting the work is always open to the viewer having visions of their own in fact a good work encourages it 🌟

This type of abstract post-modernist art coming from that time period in France makes so much sense when you know what was going on in history and the French intellectuals. To me, this is a philosophical expression using artistic techniques.

It's upside down

I would love to know what Steve Martin thinks about my abstract paintings...

He is the perfect person to reveal these works of art, as both his art, and that he put on display here, will make people laugh.

Steve, the painting does not change, it is you who change, your vision changes. All the painting has to give you has always been there. You are the who change in order to see new things every time.

Abstract art is like looking into a mirror, it will reflect what is in the mind of every individual in a certain point of time.

Saw Steve Martin a couple years ago when he came to Dallas. Really love seeing the multi-faceted individual.

I love how Steve asserts his experience and is not interested in the academic elements of the painting. His observation is the meaning and it’s given room to change.

As an abstract expressionism artist, with my own unique (yes, unique) style, I truly appreciate art lovers within understanding of and an appreciation for abstract work!

I like when he says about just looking at the painting without knowing the theory. We can see so much in a painting

Steve is correct, in that a painting evolves over time!! - As a visual Artist I recall, that within the earlier stages of my study, I would toss out the work I did not care for then one day I stumbled across a piece of work I did not care for and forgot to toss it out - then something happened a colossal something - the piece in question was NOW A MASTERPIECE - YOU SEE, 'THE HEART KNOWS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THAT "conjunction box" that rests on your shoulders -

"I was going to say I saw a ducky and a horsie." ~Charlie Brown

When I was very young I loved listening to Steve Martin's albums. Steve looks at art especially abstract somewhat the way I do it either makes me very happy or it doesn't.

It always comes down to each viewers perspective in that given moment when looking at anything.

He is Steve Martin. Steve Martin added depth to the painting. If make a show starring Steve Martin, in which he describes paintings. That would be an interesting show.

Steve has very good taste in art. Obviously very informed.

Steve Martin is so cool.

I love what he says, I also like watching a paint many times, because it really changes, or maybe WE change with it :) while we are watching...

Steve has captured perfectly the appeal of abstract art for me. It is not about what the artist intended to convey. It is about the experience of the observer. Whereas representational art depicts something, abstract art only depicts itself. And, because of that, the observer is free to see whatever their mind reveals to their consciousness. Sublime is the best word for it because the experience is quintessentially subliminal.

Often, great art reveals itself and its qualities over time....paintings, poems, music.

Abstract art is more of a psychological landscape where the elements and principles of art become a unique language.

Artist : what you can see in this painting Steve Martin : *HAmBurgUr*

Steve Martin had such insight. Loved how he's not limited by theory.

Great comments ! And every people could feel his proposer feelings and emotion contemplating this painting ! ❤

The more anyone talks about art the more I'm convinced that no one should ever talk about art.

1:26 This so perfectly describes my thoughts about Art and Art Theory in general. The word 'aesthetic' poppes into my mind hearing that.

A good painting keeps my interest and makes me want to look at it more.

I've never met Steve Martin in my life but I feel like I know him. I feel like he's my great uncle or something. He's just so familiar

I was blown away by Abstract Expressionism and the New York School in the early 60s, while working at LACMA as a museum helper.

This is one of Steve Martins best comedy sketch ever

I believe that our minds can transform a painting and it’s the artist goal to keep the on lookers guessing .

"wild and crazy" should be called kaleidescape, kaleidoscope and Landscape.

I’m convinced there’s nothing more unbelievable than listening to people talk about art. Litteraly unbelievable.

Abstract art is like the world, different for everyone and yet the same

I love hearing Steve's input on this piece. ❤️

Steve has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid and he was just a wild and crazy guy.

That painting (the one they were hanging at the beginning) is not hanging straight! I love Steve's plum suit and chartreuse shirt! Now that is a work of art!

The big painting looks very inspired by Kandinsky and Marc from a few years earlier.

Thank you so much for this video. It was amazing to see it whole. Greetings from the artist from the Czech republic ❤️

Beautiful 🤩

I love that Steve loves art

Interesting. "A picture is worth a thousand words." Everyone sees something different in an image based on their own unique perception of the world, their environment and life experience. If you tell me there's a stream and mountain, I would look again and see it, when before, I only saw a deep abyss or a chocolate sundae. And maybe, when we look at Van Gogh's Sunflowers and see only a vase of sunflowers, others may see something else in that thick paint ... anger perhaps, or greed and frustration. Art is so flippin' personal and I'm so grateful for the artists who move me to open my eyes and see.

Bad title: should be “Why Steve Martin likes abstract art”

The man is enjoying the artwork.

interesting to hear MR Martin talk about art, now rotate the painting in a landscape configuration, what do we see? I love the soft feel of this painting, the irregular edges, and it was done so long ago yet looks modern to me.

I think art is all bout the feeling the piece brings into you, it could be an inspiration, happiness, confusion, delight, sadness, joy, or some other feelings including those that can't be described by words, is not trying to find shapes, colors, or forms that remind you of something.

Beautiful! Thank you 🙂

I love abstract. I paint abstract. It is never wrong . It is what you perceive it to be.

It's amazing. I saw dancers in both. Abstract art is cool it that sense.

Both of those paintings are wonderful, thanks for this clip.

I wasn't aware of Stanton Macdonald-Wright. I really enjoy this painting. Thanks Steve Martin: great choice!

Enjoyed this!

I love Steve Martin. This one painting, that’s all I need.

Steve Martin's curatorial painting acumen is excellent. He also associated with Cindy Sherman who is perhaps one of the best contemporary artists living today.

Absolutely amazing picture and reading too.

Love Steve Martin so honest and loveable ❤️

Thank you for this vignette of wonderfulness. The larger of the two paintings is stunning - warm and lively. Steve Martin says he sees a landscape. At that same instant (that I was watching) I saw a woman dancing. They are right. It changes. Most excellent.

Painting like music or words they are just another communication form. The best art is the one that makes you want more of it. The best art does not need words to explain why you should like it. Some people think the best guitarist is the one who can play the most difficult music the fastest. But the best is the one who plays music you want to hear again and again.

Not only you can see anything you want in it, but it can cost anything you want! That's what so great about modern art.

umbrella giving way to the storm overwhelmed as if actually relieved of the burden flying as a torn apart kite set free buffeted colors a ripple in time

Its so nice to look at a picture and its something new every once in awhile!

Worthwhile abstract art is a journey. The artist takes a trip into the unknown, inexplicable, complex places of the mind, and hopes that the art takes you to those places and more. Sometimes you need to quietly take time with a work to absorb and discover meaning. When I was young, Mark Rothko was an enigma, what was he saying? Decades later, at a Rothko exhibit at the Smithsonian, the enigmatic bands of color struck an emotional chord in my psychic-his work now, has a special place among abstract artist.-CB

Steve Martin is deep and sensitive and thoughtful and brilliantly talented in so many areas, what a guy. Personally not my fave pictures though.

that's wild. and crazy.

The beauty of colorful abstrcts is that they stimulate us differently at different times.