A viewer can approach difficult art by using observation skills and critical thinking. The first two steps for understanding complex art pieces are to look and see and examine the details, the materials, and the small elements of the work. Critical thinking skills are needed to analyze the observed details and think about the purpose and idea behind an art piece. This may require a viewer to use their previous knowledge and understanding of the culture and time during which a piece was created. Things such as the medium, the material, and the technique in which this art piece was completed also matter when examining art. Also, it is important to observe and see the symbols and details the artist has included in the piece to interpret its meaning. One can also use the cues in the art gallery or other medium where the art piece is observed, such as the text explaining the work’s details, the author’s name, the date, and other information.
The Panpiper Vessel is intricate artwork. It might be challenging for me to understand it because it belongs to a culture that differs significantly from mine and because this object is from an era I am unfamiliar with. I would approach the examination of this difficult art piece by examining it in detail, noting that it is made out of metal and the piece is in the shape of a man holding an instrument. The second step would be using the cues, such as the text near this figure to familiarize me with the object. Finally, I would use my critical thinking skills to synthesize what I have seen and read. Still, this art object is an example of difficult art because it encompasses many details.