UGLY BEAUTY: HOW TO VIEW MODERN ART

Cinemavixion Review

In 'Ugly Beauty: How To View Modern Art', art critic Waldemar Januszczak embarks on a compelling quest to redefine our perception of contemporary artistic expression. Januszczak posits that beauty, often subtle and elusive, is indeed present in modern art, challenging the viewer to adopt a new lens. He argues that even seemingly unconventional pieces—from LCD sculptures and light installations to more provocative works like Damien Hirst's 'pickled shark' or an unmade bed—hold the potential for profound aesthetic or emotional resonance. The film suggests that any perceived lack of beauty may stem not from the art itself, but from our own preconceived notions and viewing habits. Januszczak encourages a deeper, more open engagement with art, asserting that beauty can be found in the unexpected, even in deformity or stark industrial materials, if we only allow ourselves to truly see.