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

In this episode of "The Way I See It," actor and comedian Steve Martin looks at paintings by two early pioneers of American abstraction and takes us on a journey of seeing-shape and color transform into mountains, sky, and water.
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
#TheWayISeeIt #SteveMartin #StantonMacdonaldWright #MorganRussell #art #museumofmodernart #moma #museum #modernart

[@bonsaitomato8290]

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.

[@buckhorncortez]

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.

[@jacklangley861]

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.

[@LarryLawfer]

"Paintings reveal themselves over time" fantastic

[@bruceneeley1724]

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.

[@morganrussell6335]

Pictures reveal themselves over time: how true.

[@TheGoodContent37]

No. You find out another level of the picture over time. The picture has already all the levels there, if you had the ability and capacity to see them all you would instantly. But if you don't then you keep discovering them.

[@jazziered142]

How can you not love Steve Martin?

[@lamecasuelas2]

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

[@johnhastings462]

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.

[@ArtfullyJonesy]

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

[@hippietothehop]

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. :)

[@joygatewood8028]

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

[@ArgoBeats]

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

[@Princeteradeth]

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.

[@laurapickman9415]

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!

[@hang-sangitch]

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

[@BobPagani]

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

[@TheGoodContent37]

Not always, some do but others have a very clear message or intention regardless of the limitless interpretations. Of course not all abstract art it's good.

[@Capeau]

Sometimes the artists intentionally put some subliminal parts in there that get picked up by some people their subconscious minds which is always rewarding to see. I'm not a fan of artists that paint random noise (the mind will always find patterns, that's just how it works) and call it "abstract". Anyone can throw random shapes and colors on a canvas... Those "artists" are the reason why modern art's reputation is going down the drain. Its getting flooded with fast-food garbage. There needs to be a hint of creative smart/cleverness in there for it to deserve to get the "art" label/tag.

[@1202906]

loved steve's suit. really nice colours.

[@laurencewhite4809]

Steve Martin should play Andy Warhol in his later years.

[@vuuvovuuv]

two wild and crazy paintings

[@sharonriley4137]

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.

[@meechipeachi]

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

[@juliehogan7876]

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

[@JonnyInfinite]

Best comedy he's done for years

[@artgeometrix6346]

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

[@keatsgipsy9991]

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

[@robertarisz8464]

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.

[@giri.goyo_yt]

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.

[@k8marlowe]

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.

[@bellezavudd]

Living among artists ( actors, comedians musicians, writers, painters...) in southern California I can assure you that actors are typically nothing like the characters they play. Characters have defined borders on what they can and cannot do and still be that particular character. Well known actors/celebrities have marketed and cultivated images. Which are highly polished characters, not the real person.

[@jansimacek5084]

Step 1: point eyes towards painting.

[@frankhuitzi5123]

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.

[@annetteyoung8343]

Wow. Thanks.

[@evettegoldstein9546]

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!

[@MotiviqueStudio]

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

[@CarrieSketches]

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

[@thepochade5992]

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

[@jude1515]

Steve Martin is so cool.

[@robsierra516]

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

[@professionalcommenter]

I LOVE Steve's suit and dress shirt!

[@julioocano1547]

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.

[@annwilson6333]

He's making a joke.

[@MiiPaintings]

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

[@laurensouthgate2458]

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

[@DKGifford19608]

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.

[@jeffhreid]

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

[@renzo6490]

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

[@Jen-zk9se]

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

[@BeautifulCityVisits]

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

[@annetteyoung8343]

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

[@KonichiWawa]

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.

[@ScoriacTears]

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

[@lauralunaazul]

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...

[@violahamilton782]

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

[@MrDumbeldore1000]

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

[@filipaperris7177]

Absolutely amazing picture and reading too.

[@CharlieTooHuman]

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”

[@JonathanStephenHarris]

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

[@JULIEI1000]

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

[@demarcusharrison3609]

Beautiful! Thank you 🙂

[@sophiechandler955]

Love Steve Martin so honest and loveable ❤️

[@eldermillennial8330]

He’s lying; all he sees are banjos, everything is banjos...

[@wadeguidry6675]

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

[@taydrabrookshire347]

I love that Steve loves art

[@treborsirrah7916]

It's upside down

[@ljc.youtube]

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.

[@lisawhittington4]

Love it. Love how it changes.

[@Lori-xt2lf]

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.

[@v3student]

Respectfully, if I recall Art History classes, the philosophical perspective of postmodernism developed in the late 1960's.

[@iglooo102videos]

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.

[@Hands2HealNow]

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

[@SC-fj2zp]

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

[@coachace123]

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

[@perigoldcreation2323]

Enjoyed this!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

This is so cool! Nice to know this about Steve.

[@claudiocorleone7856]

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

[@o.l4890]

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

[@Mary-mx4fx]

I got healed!!! I just prayed!!!

[@welfevans5678]

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

[@stellamantikou4978]

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

[@secretAgentRandyBeans11]

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

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

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

[@euearte-galeriadearteonlin8722]

Muito bom! Parabéns!

[@bobe3250]

Love it!

[@michellem3050]

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.

[@killawhatt8620]

Thanks Steve.

[@ricks7469]

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.

[@AngelasMixedMediaArtist]

Beautiful 🤩

[@afonsocosta6227]

So cool and amazing talking. Thank you for it!!

[@cchemmes2096]

I love Steve Martin!

[@lawilder2059]

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

[@stereoadvisor791]

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.

[@finddeniro]

A passion for Art. .Thanks Ms Bailey . . Ohio University. .Late 1980s.

[@ArtByCater]

It may sound cliche, But art is in the eye of the beholder. A hundred people could set and look at this painting, and it might lucky if two seen the same thing. Thank You Steve for your honesty! ~Chuck

[@yaboobayyaboobay8191]

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.

[@MichaelAuthorAllAges]

This looks very interesting. Tonight, after I am finished with errands and daily music recordings, I will check this out and listen. Steve Martin is such an interesting fellow. Liked, shared and subscribed. :-)

[@sabrinanascimento1267]

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

[@paolagrando5079]

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

[@ilahjarvis]

Even his choice in clothes show his love of art. That plum suit with a kiwi colored shirt are a daring color combo and they look great together.

[@danielsaeger7303]

that's wild. and crazy.

[@ShaktiStudioShop]

Oh So Affirming!

[@nurulridha834]

💚 it's amazing

[@BrianShine7582]

This calls to mind the museum scene in L.A. Story. I loves me some Steve Martin.

[@caseyhansencb6114]

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