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Challenging artworks in the Bernice collection

How a Russian artist challenged his viewers in 1915

Art can be difficult to understand. A black square painting by the Russian Sovjet artist Malevitsj caused a revolution in 1915. It caused a radical break with the past and with traditional art forms. It challenged viewers to think about art in new and different ways, and not everyone was ready to make that leap at the time. (image under: Kazimir Malevitsj – Black Square – 1915 – Oil on Linnen)

It’s important to remember that the interpretation of art is subjective, and what one person finds difficult to understand, another may find clear and meaningful. Art is meant to provoke thought and emotion, and its meaning can be open to interpretation. Ultimately, understanding art is a matter of personal experience and perspective.

We are aware that not every piece in our collection is easy to “read”. But why not take the challenge? Great art (music, literature, visual arts,…) is sometimes difficult to comprehend but it also stands the test of time.

How Bernice helps you to understand art

By providing context and information about every artwork and every artist in our collection, we can help our customers to better understand the chosen art.

We give background information about the artist, their style, and their influences. We can also explain to you the cultural context of the artwork, which can help you understand its meaning and significance.

Our business clients can book a free guided tour for the employees who need some extra information about the paintings on display. This can be a great way to learn more about the artwork, get the employees involved and get insights into the artist’s creative process.

Bernice can provide you with resources such as books, catalogs, and articles about the artist. These can help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of the artwork.

Overall, we’re happy to provide valuable insights and information that can help you appreciate and engage with artwork in a more meaningful way.