Engage Your Emotions and Imagination
Modern art often invites you to go beyond analysis and connect emotionally or imaginatively with what you see. Allow yourself to notice your initial reactions—whether curiosity, discomfort, joy, or intrigue—and explore why you feel that way.
Use your imagination to interpret symbols, colors, or abstract forms, creating your own personal meaning. This active engagement can make encounters with modern art more rewarding and memorable. For tips on interpreting art through personal experience, visit The Met’s guide to engaging with art and Smithsonian’s Artful Connections.