I believe that contemporary art is like a language. It has its own vocabulary, grammar and syntax. It is possible to teach it and it is possible to learn it. Once one had learned how to speak and think in that language, he or she may also understand what people (artists) want to say and he or she may engage in a dialogue with them.
As it is the case with all languages, the language of contemporary art also allows different levels of communication. One may choose to express simple, even banal everyday things using this language, (something like: "Sweety, don't forget to throw out the garbage") but, on the other hand, one may also use it to communicate a complex set of thoughts and deep personal feelings. Those who speak it well can write poetry.
In my teaching experience, I have noticed that being able to understand, enjoy or make contemporary arts is not necessarily always connected to a knowledge of the 20th and 21st century art history. Expanding knowledge in art history could be helpful and refreshing, but in my opinion is not sufficient to make solid foundation for independent high quality creative expression of high quality. I realised that in order to be able to write poetry in the language of contemporary arts, one needs to know how to speak the language, how to think in that language and above all one needs to allow, sometimes even dare to be radically genuine about who and what he or she is.
It has been my deep desire to share the knowledge and the experience I have acquired during the years of studying, teaching, making and exhibiting art. I enjoy assisting others in their efforts to start using the language of contemporary art and supporting them to open up and explore the creative side of their personality. But above all I receive the most pleasure from watching my students grow in their independence and self confidence about their artistic expression.
