In Defense of Abstract Art

I don’t get it. As far as I can tell, there just isn’t any meaning.

What if you brought along the need for such existential gleaning?

But even I could make that. I think a toddler could’ve made it just as well.

What if some great stories are ones that anyone - everyone - can tell?

So put it on a fridge, perhaps - but not in a museum with an entrance fee.

What if some deep beauties are worth some change to see?

Keep preaching, Socrates; I think I just prefer artists with clearer vision.

What if instead of a statement, the abstract exists as an artist's question?

Sounds clever. But you still haven’t justified to me the admission toll.

What if, though you don't see it, there’s value perceived by some other soul?

Fine, I'll bite; What’s the point? What magic, depth-granting lens do I lack?

There it is, a glimpse of the true art - starting to ask some questions back!

Just tell me what it is you see; what message, meaning, artistic solidarity?

For one thing, I find comfort in celebrating a fellow messy, colorful mystery.

A nice sentiment. But I still don't see the purpose in this canvas that I face.

'Til clearer is our own, oughtn't we meet the 'purposeless' with a more curious grace?

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you so much for reading this strange poem! Alas, I did not finish it quite in time to submit it to the Dialogue Poetry challenge; but I thought it more important to get it to a satisfactory state than to rush it and enter a less-than-my-best offering.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed it! I hope to write an article/opinion piece on Vocal sometime soon, in which I can explore the concept and controversies of abstract art with more nuance, depth, and room for conversation. I would love to hear what any of you think/feel in regard to abstract art; please don't be concerned about offending me!! Despite the potentially preachy sound of this poem, I really am quite open to conversations and wildly varying perspectives on the matter.

Cheers, friends!

:)