Why Learning Art History Has Changed My Life

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks for watching! Why do you like art history?

[@chinesecabbagefarmer]

It gives me a tingly feeling.

[@gerardo-ibarra]

I found this video because I work with a young graphic artist, just out of college, who says she absolutely HATED having to take Art History class. She said she slept through most of it and couldn't wait for the class to end. It was disappointing to hear that from her, especially since she is quite talented, but also because I was BLOWN AWAY by my art history class (we studied graphic design at the same school, some 20 or so years apart). So I found this video because I was looking for something to share with her, to see if I could change her perspective. But your video reminded me of an experience I had. Over 20 years ago while a college student studying design, I volunteered at the local art museum (pretty big one), leading group tours. The museum had a Rothko exhibit at the time. One Saturday morning, a group of elderly people came in for a tour, about 8 of them. Immediately, this skinny, tall old dude wearing jeans and a trucker cap started going off about how he doesn't like art. "I don't get it, never have. I'm only here because my wife dragged me. I'm 73 years old, don't think I'll ever get it" and so on. Instead of fighting with the man, I just said "well those are all valid points. There is a lot of art I don't understand or don't care for too much." He seemed surprised that I was on his side. Then he walked up to a Rothko, and said "take this for instance, it's just a block of red, anyone can do that. How is this art?" So I decided to challenged him. I told him to take a good look at it. Look carefully at the brushstrokes, the way the paint sort of fades at the edges, the other shape on top. Just examine it for a little while. He was quiet for a while, and then just softly said, "it's...beautiful..." Then I told him a little history of Rothko, how his family escaped a war in Russia, how he suffered from alcoholism and depression, how he committed suicide. I asked the man what was Rothko trying to tell us with this piece. Why those shapes? Why those colors? He got tears in his eyes. So then I walked over to the rest of the group and said "OK everyone, let's get the tour started. Follow me." But the old man wouldn't move. He just stood in front of the Rothko. So I said to him "sir, the tour's about to start, let's get going." And without even turning to face me, he just said "actually, I'd like to stay with this one a little longer..." So I said OK, and started the tour without him. He actually never even joined the tour, but I could see him from a distance walking from piece to piece, with this solemn, slightly sad look. At the end of the tour, he came up to me and shook my hand and said thank you very much. His wife thanked me too. :) It looked like he had more to say, but he just kinda nodded at me, and they left. I'd like to think he finally "got it" that day. This is one of my favorite memories. :)

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. The power of just sitting with a Rothko painting...

[@tsochengkimo]

When I heard you say art is the human experience in the video, I suddenly realised that I was watching a piece of art work, and it's very moving. Your channel has taught me not just how to appreciate art but more importantly how to feel it and enjoy the emotion whatever it is. It's been a priceless journey. Thank you.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thank you so much for sharing ☺️ art just keeps getting better!

[@ojos-de-sofi]

I'm currently packing all my stuff to start college and I will study art history, I'm a little nervous about my decision and that is why I wanted to find a video like yours, thank you for sharing your experience and helping me find peace. I'm excited about these new generations of art historians. If you have any advice for starting college specifically in this area of art, I would be grateful to hear it.

[@love4hyun.e]

this video was so beautiful and when you were talking about your students i really wished you were my teacher 😭🫶🏼 anyways thank you for filming this video

[@theartshole311]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, empathizing with people from other times and places is definitely a huge part of why I enjoy art history. In terms of early experiences I remember going to the National gallery in Dublin on a school trip and being blown away by Caravaggio's Taking of Christ and a very dramatic Piece called the Opening of the Sixth Seal by Francis Danby, as well as being creeped out by Francis Bacon.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

You're welcome, and thanks for sharing. I can see how those pieces and Francis Bacon can be memorable art. Thanks!

[@stevelake8216]

I just finished a book about the finding of Caravaggio's Taking of Christ - The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr. It's a quick read and quite engaging.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

@@stevelake8216 thanks for sharing, I will take a look

[@chinesecabbagefarmer]

Those students talked about art, listened about art, and felt accepted because of you. It may be the shoulders of giants holding you up, but you alone are standing there speaking your truth.

[@sovaliska]

“Pollock” is pronounced “Paul-luck,” not “Pole-lock” 👍

[@ivansaric90]

Just a comment for the algorithm. Great video.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks, Ivan! Hope you enjoyed ☺️

[@phildimuro150]

Can't wait for u to keep producing videos. Excellent job enthralling your audience. U're students are lucky so lucky

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thank you, Phil!

[@bamarc]

Love your videos! Please keep making them 🙏

[@John-wx3zn]

You have pretty hair and I like the way it frames your face.

[@rukhtaj5164]

OmGod this video and you are just ❤

[@carbonc6065]

😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@marvihs23]

Very Original

[@laflame4473]

I didn’t understand art until I saw a Rothko last year, I understand it much more and I love it now. Rothko is probably my favorite can’t explain why he just forces you to feel things. Goya’s darker works are some of my favorite I love the flight of witches and the sabbath

[@ArtwithSai]

Awesome upload. Joined you find. Greetings from Sai.👍❣️❣️

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks!

[@anambitiousfellow200]

Actually ur expressions while telling are osm👌

[@ariunism]

Dear Alder, I am glad to find your videos on youtube. They are so educational and informative. The talk is very well organized and well spoken. thank you again for your effort!

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks for the message. You are most welcome!

[@anambitiousfellow200]

Can i ask any doubt of history?? will u answer?

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Happy to answer your questions!

[@anambitiousfellow200]

@@ArtHistorywithAlder thanks..n where should i ask will be better, in fb or here?

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

@@anambitiousfellow200 here is great!

[@anambitiousfellow200]

@@ArtHistorywithAlder thanks a lot alder... love ur support 👍

[@anambitiousfellow200]

Btw there is a map of Paris behind u..

[@abdeslamtioutiou9169]

I thought YOU were like 16???ur telling me ur a teacher??them anne hathaway genes

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

😂

[@weihongyan]

I love your program, dear!

[@tchaivorakfauresohnsieg9532]

Hi, are you a professor or a student and in which university?

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

I am a high school AP art history teacher in the US

[@dileeshawithanage5620]

🌹

[@shokhnigorulmasova9155]

Thank you for your video it was awesome .

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks, so glad you enjoyed 😊

[@syl-viebe3599]

Nice video!

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks!