CPE Reading Part 7

Which person gives each of these opinions about modern art?

1). Some practices have been going on for hundreds of years.

• Corinne

• Michael

• Robert

• Janet

Answer explanation

The passage reflects Robert's perspective on the misconception that all modern artists are talent-less fraudsters and emphasises the value of abstract art. Robert argues that great art collectors and museums would not be deceived into paying large sums for abstract works if they were truly worthless, drawing parallels with the initial reception of impressionist and abstract works by artists like Picasso and Rothko. The passage suggests that Robert appreciates the subtlety and effectiveness of abstract art, and he sees it as a canny investment that helps raise the profile of modern artists.

2). Some people may not have the knowledge to understand a work of art fully.

• Corinne

• Michael

• Robert

• Janet

Answer explanation

The passage reflects her perspective on art. In particular, Janet holds the opinion that some people may lack the knowledge to fully understand a work of art. The passage discusses how the media often raises controversy over the interpretation of art, especially in the context of the Turner Prize shortlisting. Janet argues that art, over decades, has moved away from realism towards abstraction, and artists aim to convey a pure idea rather than an exact replica of the subject. She acknowledges that some works of art may be obscure and require an understanding of the theory behind their creation, which is often provided in art galleries. Janet uses Picasso's "Guernica" as an example, suggesting that a full understanding of the painting may require knowledge of the historical context and the techniques of abstraction used by Picasso. However, she also argues that the impact of abstraction, even without such background knowledge, adds to the overall effect on the audience compared to a realistic portrayal of the scene. Therefore, the passage reflects Janet's belief in the potential lack of knowledge among some individuals in fully comprehending certain works of art.

3). Certain aesthetic qualities can be invisible until brought to our attention by the artist.

• Corrinne

• Michael

• Robert

• Janet

Answer explanation

Corrinne expresses the view that certain aesthetic qualities in art can be invisible until brought to our attention by the artist. The passage emphasizes that art is the result of an artist using skill or creative imagination for a purpose, whether it's to give pleasure through aesthetic qualities or to address broader issues beyond the artwork itself. Corrinne challenges the emphasis on traditional notions of "skill," noting that the value of art also lies in creative imagination—the ability to see beauty or value in something seemingly unremarkable, which may go unnoticed by the untrained eye.

Corrinne suggests that much of modern art possesses this quality of creative imagination, allowing viewers to reflect on something they might not have considered otherwise. She describes leaving a modern art exhibition with a sense of engagement, impact, and new perspectives, indicating her appreciation for the ability of artists to bring attention to hidden aesthetic qualities and prompt viewers to think differently about the world. Therefore, the passage reflects Corrinne's belief in the importance of creative imagination and the artist's role in revealing otherwise unseen aesthetic qualities in art.

4). Picasso is an example of an artist who proved his craftsmanship.

• Corrinne

• Michael

• Robert

• Janet

Answer explanation

Michael is the correct answer because the passage reflects his perspective on art, particularly regarding the importance of craftsmanship and skill. Michael expresses skepticism about much of modern art, describing it as "second-rate junk" that he believes a 4-year-old child could create. He questions the justification of considering works like Tracy Emin's slept-in bed or pieces by Damien Hirst as art, especially given the high price tags attached to them.

Michael emphasizes his preference for artists who have honed their skills and learned the craft of drawing or painting over the years. He criticizes the art world for seemingly ignoring extremely talented individuals in favor of what he considers less skillful and abstract works. He believes that the emphasis on such abstract art can alienate the general population from appreciating visual arts, leaving them with the impression that modern art lacks value.

The passage also indicates that, for Michael, the first measure of the worth of an artist is the degree of skill exhibited in the work. He cites Picasso as an example, noting that Picasso had a pedigree of fine art before producing more abstract pieces. Therefore, the passage reflects Michael's belief in the importance of craftsmanship and skill as criteria for evaluating the worth of an artist and their work.

5). Appreciation of the work itself is not always the artist's aim.

• Janet

• Corrinne

• Michael

• Robert

Answer explanation

The statement "Appreciation of the work itself is not always the artist's aim" aligns with Corrinne's perspective on art, as reflected in the passage. Corrinne emphasizes that art is the result of an artist using skill or creative imagination for a purpose beyond merely creating an aesthetically pleasing work. She notes that the artist may seek to give pleasure to the viewer through aesthetic qualities or evoke a reaction from the audience related to broader, more significant issues.

Corrinne challenges the conventional emphasis on "skill" in the anti-modern art camp, suggesting that while skill is important, creative imagination is equally crucial. She argues for the ability to see value or beauty in something unremarkable, a quality she believes much of modern art possesses. Corrinne describes leaving modern art exhibitions with a sense of reflection on something she wouldn't normally have considered, highlighting the engagement and impact of the art.

In essence, the passage suggests that Corrinne appreciates art for its ability to go beyond traditional notions of skill and aesthetics, allowing for a broader range of creative expression and impact on the viewer. Therefore, the statement aligns with Corrinne's perspective on the multifaceted aims of artists and the potential for art to engage and provoke thought in ways that may not be immediately apparent.

6). The purpose of Art has undergone change.

• Robert

• Janet

• Corrinne

• Michael

Answer explanation

The passage discusses the evolution of art away from realism towards abstraction over the decades, particularly since the invention and popularization of photography. Janet acknowledges the challenges artists faced in redefining their purpose as patrons no longer needed perfect representations, leading to a shift in focus towards capturing the essence rather than external appearances.

The passage highlights the emergence of abstract art with the aim of conveying a pure idea rather than creating exact replicas. Janet further discusses the potential obscurity of some works, suggesting that understanding the theory behind creation may be helpful, as exemplified by Guernica by Picasso. This painting is presented as a case where historical context and knowledge of abstraction techniques enhance appreciation, yet Janet emphasises that the impact and horror can still be felt without extensive background knowledge.

In essence, Janet's perspective suggests an acknowledgement of the changing purpose of art, particularly in the shift towards abstraction and the evolving challenges faced by artists in conveying meaning and impact. The passage reflects an understanding that art serves different purposes and engages viewers in diverse ways compared to traditional realistic portrayals.

7). People don't always appreciate the works of great artists initially.

• Corrinne

• Michael

• Janet

• Robert

Answer explanation

The passage discusses the initial lack of appreciation for certain works of modern art, particularly abstract art, and draws parallels with the historical reception of great artists like the impressionists or abstract works of Picasso and Rothko.

Robert challenges the notion that all modern artists are talentless fraudsters and argues against the idea that art collectors and museums would be deceived into paying large sums for worthless abstract pieces. He acknowledges that some of these works may not initially appear to have artistic merit, similar to the initial reception of great artists in the past.

The passage suggests that, like great poetry, abstract art has the potential to engage with the audience in more subtle and effective ways than more realistic art. Robert acknowledges that there might be occasional setbacks or misunderstood works, but he doesn't believe that art collectors like the Saatchis will regret their investments in abstract art. Instead, he suggests that such investments contribute to raising the profile of great modern artists over time.

In essence, the passage reflects Robert's belief that initial lack of appreciation for certain works, including abstract art, does not diminish their value or impact in the long run. This aligns with the idea that people don't always appreciate the works of great artists immediately.

8). Abstract art is generally overpriced.

• Michael

• Janet

• Robert

• Corrinne

Answer explanation

Michael expresses skepticism about the modern art world, describing much of it as "second-rate junk." He questions the value and price tags attached to certain works of modern art, citing examples like Tracy Emin's slept-in bed or pieces by Damien Hirst.

Michael finds it galling when extremely talented artists with years of skill and craftsmanship are ignored, while what he considers less skillful and abstract works are highly priced. He criticizes the art world for potentially overvaluing abstract art, leading to a situation where the masses may view modern art as lacking value. Michael suggests that this perception may even contribute to alienating people from the visual arts.

In essence, the statement aligns with Michael's view that certain abstract art is overpriced, and he questions the justification for the high prices associated with these works compared to what he considers more traditionally skillful and crafted art.

Abstract art isn't always a good investment.

• Janet

• Robert

• Michael

• Corrinne

Answer explanation

Michael expresses skepticism about the modern art world, particularly regarding abstract art. He questions the value and price tags attached to certain works, describing much of modern art as "second-rate junk." Michael finds it galling when he believes extremely talented artists are ignored in favour of what he considers less skilful and abstract works, indicating a more negative view of abstract art as an investment.

While Robert, in the given passage, expresses a positive view of abstract art as a canny investment, Michael's perspective seems more aligned with the idea that abstract art isn't always a good investment, given his scepticism and criticism of certain works within the modern art world.

10). We can be touched by a work of art without knowing the context.

• Corrinne

• Michael

• Janet

• Robert

Answer explanation

Janet discusses the example of Picasso's "Guernica," suggesting that while appreciating the historical context and understanding abstraction techniques may enhance the understanding of the painting, most people viewing the masterpiece would still be struck by the horror it depicts without extensive background knowledge.

Janet's perspective emphasises the immediate emotional impact of a work of art, even if the viewer is not fully aware of the historical or theoretical context. She implies that the ability of art to touch individuals is not solely dependent on knowing the context, aligning with the statement that we can be moved by a work of art without knowing the context.