1.7 Vocabulary

A. Read the quotations about art. Then discuss in pairs what you think each quotation means. How far do you agree with each one? Explain why.

1 Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.
2 Modern art»‘ I could do that + Yeah, but you didn’t.
3 Advertising is the greatest art form of the 20th century.
4 Art is what you can get away with.
5 The urge to destroy Is also a creative urge.
6 The more minimal the art, the longer the explanation.
7 Art never responds to the wish to make it democratic; it is not for everybody; it is only for those who are willing to undergo the effort needed to understand it.

B. Look at the definitions below and discuss which adjectives describe the painting on this page.

1 If a painting has a somber mood, it looks serious and sad. 2 If a painting is lifelike, it looks very realistic. 3 If it’s pretty, it is nice and pleasant to look at. 4 If a painting is dramatic, it contains a lot of exciting action. 5 If it looks dated, it is no longer fashionable or relevant. 6 If it’s atmospheric, a painting creates a special mood — such as a feeling of romance or mystery. 7 Abstract paintings show an artist’s feelings or thoughts — rather than realistic objects or events. 8 If it’s ambiguous, the meaning of the work isn’t clear — it’s open to interpretation. 9 An intimate painting shows private moments in  someone’s life.

С. Which of these sentences about the painting above do you agree with?

1 The dark colors create a somber mood.
2 She looks as if she’s pulling her hair out.
3 She’s obviously crazy.
4 She seems to have just woken up.
5 The man in the corner appears to be praying.
6 They both look very upset. I get the impression someone’s died.
7 They look like a couple. They could well be lovers.
8 It must be night-time because all the colors are so dark.

D. Complete these sentences about other paintings using words from exercise above.

1 I think it could ……………………… be Spain or Italy in this picture.
2 Everyone looks ……………………… they’re having a really good time in this picture.
3 I get the ……………………… they’ve been arguing. They ……………………… really fed up with each other.
4 They’ve ……………………… just moved in and are redecorating the whole flat, from the look of it.
5 They ……………………… all be students. That looks ……………………… a university canteen to me.
6 Everyone in this picture ……………………… to be queuing or waiting for something.