(edited)
Can great work happen with zero knowledge of art history?
23
Art Debates
84 Comments
Sort by:
Absolutely. True genius can emerge when someone doesn't "know" something can't be done.
7
Buongiorno sono il Maestro Salvatore Cilio, ricercatore di Arte pittorica applicata alla meccanica quantistica, una piccola intoduzione per potere dare una risposta alla domanda “È possibile realizzare opere straordinarie senza alcuna conoscenza di storia dell'arte?”, la prima insegnanza dell'Arte della pittura mi fu impartita da un anziano decoratore dei famosi "Carretti Siciliani". Certamente questa fu una esperienza significativa che mi portò da giovane ad una passione per la pittura. Alla età di 10 anni ho partecipato in varie manifestazione artistiche, organizzate nelle scuole Elementari con risultati positivi. Ma la vera attività inizio negli anni della scuola Media. Quando constantemente ero guidato e stimolato dal professore di Educazione Artistica, il quale mi animò ad iscriversi nell'Istituto Statale d'Arte di Comiso, città natale del Maestro d'Arte contemporanea Salvatore Fiume e dal quale capto l'influenza Mediterranea dei colori. Ottienngo il Diploma di Maestro d'Arte alla età di 19 anni, con una valutazione eccellente nell'artistica. Mi capitò un cosa particolare all'inizio del primo anno il porof. Di disegno dal vero, conoscendoci chiamo cinque suoi allievi e ci disse, in voi vedo che avete veramente la passione per la pittura, se voi volete , vi farò fare degli studi sulla pittura in base alla mia esperienza di professore, visto che se seguiamo il progamma ministeriale asini siete e asini rimmarrete (1970). Che vuol dire che una certa conoscenza della storia dell'arte ci vuole, socondo me per poi confrontarsi con i grandi artisti del passato, per altro lo aveva detto anche Leonardo Da Vinci . Agli arbori della scienza moderna, durante il Rinascimento, Leonardo da Vinci affermò che il pittore è colui che, con filosofia e sottile speculazione, riesce a percepire tutte le qualità delle forme. Egli insistette sul fatto che l'arte della pittura dovesse essere sostenuta dalle conoscenze scientifiche del pittore, dalla sua conoscenza approfondita delle forme viventi e dalla sua comprensione intellettuale della natura intrinseca e dei principi fondamentali delle medesime.
3
According to my Italian to English translator, he said:
Good morning. I am Maestro Salvatore Cilio, a researcher in the field of pictorial art applied to quantum mechanics. By way of introduction—and to answer the question, "Is it possible to create extraordinary works without any knowledge of art history?"—I should mention that my first lessons in the art of painting came from an elderly decorator of the famous traditional Sicilian carts (*carretti siciliani*). This was certainly a formative experience that sparked a passion for painting in me at a young age. From the age of ten, I participated in various art events organized by my elementary school, achieving positive results. However, my serious artistic activity began during middle school, under the constant guidance and encouragement of my art teacher. He urged me to enroll in the State Art Institute of Comiso—the hometown of the contemporary master Salvatore Fiume, from whom I absorbed a Mediterranean influence regarding color. I obtained my diploma as a Master of Art at the age of nineteen, achieving excellent marks in artistic subjects. A memorable incident occurred at the start of my first year: my life-drawing teacher singled out five of us—myself included—and said, "I see a genuine passion for painting in you. If you wish, I will guide you through studies based on my own experience as a teacher; after all, if we simply follow the official ministry curriculum, you are donkeys now and donkeys you will remain" (1970). This implies that some knowledge of art history is indeed necessary—in my view, to engage in a dialogue with the great artists of the past—a sentiment also shared by Leonardo da Vinci. At the dawn of modern science, during the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci asserted that a painter is someone who, through philosophy and subtle contemplation, is able to perceive all the qualities of forms. He insisted that the art of painting should be underpinned by the painter's scientific knowledge, his profound understanding of living forms, and his intellectual grasp of their intrinsic nature and fundamental principles.
2
Italian
Ciao Salvatore. Grazie per aver condiviso questo pensiero. Ho la fortuna di avere una cara amica che, dopo aver conseguito un master in Storia dell'Arte due anni fa, è andata da poco in pensione e si è trasferita proprio di fronte a casa mia. Ho intenzione di invitarla a fare escursioni con me e la mia macchina fotografica, e di chiederle di raccontarmi praticamente tutto ciò che ha imparato.
English
Hi Salvatore. Thank you for sharing. I'm fortunate in that a good friend who obtained her Masters in Art History two years ago, recently retired and moved in across the street. I will be inviting her to go hiking with my camera and myself, and ask her to tell me nearly all she learned.
1
@Turycilio Grazie per il tuo contributo! vorrei portare avanti la questione. Secondo te e' un pensiero che va trasportato anche alla fotografia? Personalmente e senza nessuna velleità, la mia opinione e'che c'è una certa differenza tra pittura e fotografia. Nella pittura c'è comunque bisogno di un talento innato , un dono nelle mani. Non mi considero un artista , ma nonostante non abbia un background accademico, fotografare mi insegna a cercare di vedere le "le cose" in maniera diversa, un innato bisogno di scovare il bello dove sento che ci puo' essere un senso nel fotografare un determinato soggetto in una determinatta circostanza. Quindi in breve, cio' che per me ha maggiore influenza e' l'istinto e il voler trasmettere un emozione attraverso un immagine.
0
Sì, secondo me questo pensiero si trasporta benissimo anche alla fotografia — ma con una differenza importante.
Nella pittura il gesto nasce spesso da una materia che si costruisce lentamente: mano, tecnica, tempo, memoria, sensibilità. Nella fotografia , invece, il talento non sta tanto nel “creare” tutto da zero, quanto nel vedere prima degli altri : scegliere il frammento giusto, l'attimo giusto, la luce giusta, la distanza giusta. In questo senso, la fotografia è un'arte dell'istinto, dell'attenzione e della rivelazione.
E quello che hai scritto è molto vero: il cuore della fotografia non è solo riprodurre ciò che esiste, ma trasmettere un'emozione attraverso una visione personale . Quando un'immagine riesce a far sentire qualcosa, allora non è più solo documentazione: diventa sguardo.
Quindi sì: anche nella fotografia conta il dono, ma forse quel dono si manifesta meno nella “mano” e più nell'occhio interiore .
E il fatto che tu dica di cercare il bello dove senti che ci sia un senso è già una forma autentica di linguaggio artistico.
1
Absolutely! For me, creation is about following your own truth. My creation is often a long process, starting with a thought that is processed in the head and then travels to the heart. From the heart, the painting flows through the arm, the hand to the canvas or the paper.
3
The answer is clearly yes, but I nevertheless believe that a knowledge of art history is extremely important.
3
I think yes, I believe that God puts the "artist" in us. With that said, I know that all of the studying and reading and putting what I read and studied into the photography that I create, helped in a greater way for my Photography Art.
3
@taylor2-sinople Yes! There are so many incredible Outsider artists -- Martin Ramirez, Bill Traylor, Howard Finster, Bessie Harvey, to name a very few -- who had no contact with the art world that made ground-breaking work without any training or really any access to the art world.
3
Yes.
Although saying that, I'm not too sure that one can get to any age - I'm on my 62nd lap - without exposure to some art history. However, exposure doesn't equate to knowledge.
Stuart
1
Yes without a doubt!
You do not need to know about the art created by other artists from the past or the present, in order for you to produce an amazing artwork...... that said, it is interesting, insightful, useful and inspiring.
1
As always, definitions are important, and in this case— what is the definition of “great art”? Who is doing the defining, and from where, and for what purpose?
I’d say that anyone who thinks ‘knowledge of art history is necessary in order for an artist to make “great work” has a very narrow view of what could or should be considered to be great work, and would likely be disregarding any artist who falls outside their very narrowly and specifically European and/or other Empire based determined Art World.
I do think that some knowledge of art history benefits many artists in that they may be able to contextualize their work for themselves and/or for others, but unless someone thinks there is no great work among any number of entire genres of art where most artists make work without any knowledge, consideration, or care of some specific European (or other Empire) based art history, then the answer is a solid no.
1
It seems to me it's unlikely that at some point a creative person would not be interested in what has been created before. So, even if you begin your artistic journey without formal training, curiosity will lead you to discovery of historical work.
1
Sure, the younger generations bring new knowledge and fresh ideas...it's good to know what happened before but it isn't necessary if you're an artist...real artists do their thing
1
The answer to this question is yes. The problem is, if you do not know art history, how would you, the creator, ever be aware of what you created? The answer is that only "time" can judge great art, and it is "time" that creates history. Great art and art history feed off each other. WARNING. Do not expect your art to be judged as Great, in your own lifetime. Commercialism would have you believe otherwise.
0
I think knowing art history is not essential for making good art. But it is essential for understanding it and analysing it.
You can create art that deals with your own personal life and history. But to understand what any artist is trying to do or convey you do need to know in what context they are creating it.
0
Translated from Español
According to my experience of years of work, both in the workshop and in teaching, added to the years of learning in academia, sometimes rigorous and sometimes freer, BFA, MFA, PhD, and Postdoc, it would be somewhat irresponsible to assert that no prior knowledge is needed for Art History, although I believe that the knowledge gained through study, observation, readings, and attendance at exhibitions, museums, debates, conferences, and visits to artist studios and everything related to the learning from the experience that Art History records, is very important. Reflection, critique, and professionalism are very important.
Bela Gold
0
I sure hope so. If I need to know 'art history' to create art - then I am lost. I'm not sure what 'great work' is as such ("Beauty is in the eye of the beholder") so that is open to interpretation. So as far as art history... well, I am not an expert in that area.
I try to create what looks pleasing to me (whether it is through photography or digital painting). And hopefully there are opthers that will appreciate it too!
0
No! Not in this world where everything is reproduced and represented in advertising and film etc. No one lives in a vacuum. We are all influenced by art that exists, consciously or unconsciously we have seen a lot of art. Everything touched by humans isn't great. Can great work happen, like an accident, yes. But if you have no knowledge of art, you have no sustainable ideas to contribute. You can't put your work in the context of art that already exists.
0
Translated from Español
Of course. Talent can be strengthened by a variety of knowledge, but it is not indispensable.
0
Translated from Español
Can a great work be made without knowledge of art history?
0
I don't believe you have to know history of art to express your soul. But having see old masterpieces and contemporary works allow you to understand the forms in the surrounding world. I believe that visiting museums and galleries open your mind regarding the meaning of art and how to approach it.
0
Translated from Português
Yes, great work can emerge without formal knowledge of art history. But knowing art history can broaden our understanding, enrich our visual language, and help us engage in dialogue with those who came before us.
0
Art history can be helpful as any other reference point can but I believe great work is generated through ones relationship with nature.
0
Translated from Português
The history of art is part of an artist's basic knowledge.
0
I have no art knowledge or did any art school . I just started creating my own vision my creations. Inspired by nature life emotion chaos vs peaceful etc .
But its harder to become known by the art establishment
.
0
Disabled UserJun 19, 2026
I think the question hinges on what you mean by "art history". If you mean a scholastic knowledge of movements and artists that have preceded us, I would say "yes". If you mean a knowledge or awareness of art in the abstract, I would say "NO" because all of us have been exposed to art in various forms and we, as artists, build on this foundational awareness.
0
For me, yes, but that doesn't mean that a person who is interested in art wouldn't want to look at lots of photos of art and read what they could. One thing I noticed about myself was when I consciously made the decision that my creative urge should have free reign and I should not be concerned about whether people would think it "good" or not, the confidence made a difference in being able to be spontanious and receptive without thinking.
0
I don’t know much about art other than what I learned about it in history classes about the Renaissance and the great houses and families that were patrons of art of Europe. I remember I used to play a game called Masterpiece that was an art forgery game, but it had many of the great paintings of western Culture. I just remember a few (I always wanted either the ballet dancer or the sunflowers, but I loved looking at them.
I am completely self-taught through the wonders of video. I know what attracts me, I really don’t know about great works, but definitely popular work can be great.
0
When I was young, I firmly believed that art history had no relevance in my pursuit of being an artist. Older and wiser, I now know that this attitude was just youthfulness, arrogance, ignorance, and a total lack of knowledge and understanding of the language of art. You would not be able to communicate verbally without knowing the meaning of words, and you have a greater knowledge through reading books and learning from authors how they tackle their language.
This also applies to the visual language, although the visual language is far more complex than any other language because it not only deals with shape and colour, but it also deals with the subconscious mind and emotions of the creator and the viewer in a far more powerful way than any words can describe.
When it comes to the visual language, you never stop learning. This is the fuel that drives an artist to develop his own style. This cannot be achieved without foundations, and those foundations can only come from a knowledge of the past.
If you think that you can start with a clean sheet and ignore what has gone before, then you are doomed to fail.
0
Definitely! Art is something that comes from within. One puts on canvas the beauty that caught the eye. It has nothing to do with the knowledge of art history. This will be very useful, though, when one wants to deepen the artwork analysis and get to a specific style (realism, neo-realism, etc).
0
Translated from Français
I allowed myself to paint intuitively in 2005, upon discovering the work of #Kandinsky. I had tried figurative painting that seemed to me to "copy" what already existed at the time. Since then I let go and welcome whatever comes onto the canvas, and I live it and share the magic ✨ I think art history provides references that can be useful for understanding, for references.... And at the same time, thank you, my Divinity, for having granted me all this incredible freedom to create 🙏
0
I believe that you can however to paraphrase Picasso it is best to know the rule so that you can break them with intention. The history of art is full of inspiration that informs my practice everyday. I once did a painting and then went to the Watts museum and say that I had reproduced the composition of a painting I had seen years before and forgotten about. My painting was still different and my own but it was really cool to see the through line from it to mine. Also the titles were almost identical which blew my mind.
0
Art creators are supposed to be naturally curious about art and its history. That said, it is art history itself that shows us how sometimes an overwhelming impulse to create something totally “useless” only to communicate thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. can emerge randomly, without any previous formal education or training. Cave art, Basquiat, Judy Scott and lots and lots of others come to mind.
0
I’m sure it can - but there is so much inspiration there. I have studied art history all my life - and once I found the Impressionists and Sorolla everything changed for me. Now my art is all about light and movement, whether I’m painting a seascape, clouds, animals or dance. The way the Impressionists and Sorolla csuggested those fleeting light effects - en plein air, no photography- is pure genius.
0
Being an artist lays in your perspective on LIFE, NATURE, EVERYTHING that surround us . So to me Yes absolutely.
0
I ask you but my artwork has trasmitted in you one emotion or not?
I am an artist that produce artworks because I have learned art in school, but that is important is if this painting is good for you or not and if you have received one good sensation or not!
0
Translated from Português
For me, art history matters. I love art and beauty and how it evolves through time. I also love learning and being so curious; of course, all knowledge is welcome. For example, Greek mythology and how it influences art movements. The Venus of Botticelli is timeless, so it matters to me.
0
I studied art history for 2 years at school and 3 years at university, and although that gives me a great background art evolves daily
0
Yes...I am proof of this. I am a self-taught photographer that has received recognition and awards for several of my images— long before I went to school to get my photography degree and study art.
0
Techniques can (and should) be learned. But creativity is using the best techniques, learned from others, in a new combination. My first career was as a lighting designer. And I learned from some of the best creators on Broadway, in my youth. I was taught how to think "conceptually" to give my art a firm foundation upon which I could create and justify (even if only to myself) why I made the choices of color, intensity, direction and angle of each light. And I learned perspective from scenic designers. I take the whole of that theatrical experience and use it in my photography. So, yes, great work is possible without in-depth knowledge. But knowledge of an artform is never a waste of time.
0
Great artwork doesn't happen knowing art history. Great artwork happens knowing design laws. Shape making, symbol collecting, values and size relationships are a good start! Understandable by any teenager!
0
I think it's possible.
I wasn't particularly fond of history, but when my art history professor started telling fascinating stories about the past, I became interested.
Your work is very impressive!
Congratulations! ❤
0
Only by inspiration, otherwise, but once cognitively was sparked from the beginning there of, so we began the ground foundation of memory of form, math, Visual perspective, presence. History in creativity has been brought on by, ideologies of basically testing 1+1=2, or can it be 1+1=1+1/2+1/4+1/8+1/16........... Not in just the visual material, but written form, stimulating cognitive utilizing of a series of symbols cognitive form, what we LEARNED early on to Communicate. Art History is a metamorphosis of change in development of "The Spark" Anew.
0
Like a lot of things we discuss, “it depends” Theoretically “yes” but it sure helps to know what’s been done before. As a lot of responses here are yes— the true inspiration comes from within. Maybe a better way to explain would be to compare it to another art form. IF, I wanted to be the greatest jazz sax player(I know do you have to consider yourself the greatest to make art - another discussion. I could theoretically sit on top of a mountain and develop my art alone and produce something unique and inspiring. But realistically I would buy and listen to every recording I could get my hands on to reproduce first and then branch out from that to develop my unique style. Now the comparison of art to music may not be fair. But I think it would be helpful to view what others are doing before doing one’s own art. But again, theoretically one could be really original without any influence of others. It depends.
0
I got a D in art in the 7th grade, then never studied it again. I wouldn't call it 'art history', but my favorite "photography class" was a graphics art class required for a web design curriculum 20 years ago.
Along the way ("my journey"), I saw a photo of the night sky, with fall color in the forest leaves. My hero, David Muench, on a photo workshop with him, said it looked like a blend. Three years later I tried such a blend, and it hung on 30x45 metal at the Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition. It didn't win an award, but our most prominent local artist in the Joshua Tree area, a former art director for NASA during Apollo, pointed at it and called it the best photograph in the show.
I feel like that qualifies as approaching "great work". Oh, and "The Traveler" was recently chosen to appear in an upcoming online art exhibit.
I love the photograph seeing the milky way. It is hard to see the milky way with a naked eye but your photo brings it to life. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations! It's a really powerful picture!
Beautiful. I have never had a good art class. But there are some paintings instructors online. I like your photo
Sleeping chimp rock. Pretty cool.
Your work is its own kind of classic! Keep doing what you do, Mitch. It's worthy!