Beyond "I Don’t Get It": What to Say Instead When Talking About Contemporary Art

How Contemporary Art Transforms Business Mindset and Cultural Intelligence

Imagine this: You're at a high-profile gallery event, surrounded by influential executives and dazzling works of contemporary art. Someone asks, "What do you think of this piece?" You glance at the abstract painting—squiggles, splashes, maybe a weird shape or two—and you freeze. Sound familiar? For many professionals, contemporary art can feel like an unsolvable puzzle. We've all been there, caught between admiration and confusion. But here's the fun part: what if diving into that confusion could actually make you a sharper, more innovative thinker in business?

Why It Matters

Did you know that in 2023, the global art market was valued at $65 billion, demonstrating resilience despite a 4% contraction? Post-war and contemporary art remain market leaders, with online sales growing by 7% to $11.8 billion( Art Basel & Artsy ). China surpassed the UK to become the world’s second-largest art market, expanding by 9% to $12.2 billion.

What does this mean for you? Art has become a vital component of wealth management and cultural capital, extending beyond galleries (source: Art Basel & Artsy)

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." – Edgar Degas

Beyond Understanding – Towards Engagement

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Many executives avoid contemporary art because they feel they don’t “get it.” But it's not about “getting it”; it's about starting conversations that can enhance cultural intelligence and shift your business mindset. Imagine the possibilities if you could leverage art to inspire innovation within your team or change how clients perceive your brand.

What to Say Instead

Ready to turn that awkward silence into engaging conversation? Here are some fun things to say when faced with a perplexing piece of contemporary art:

• "Did you know Joan Mitchell's painting sold for over $16 million? Maybe we're looking at the next big art investment!"
• "They say every piece has a story. I wonder if this one has a twist like Banksy's self-shredding artwork at auction!"
• "Did you know Basquiat's painting 'Untitled' sold for $110 million? It's fascinating how art collecting has become a significant part of wealth management."
• "This challenges my usual way of thinking. Maybe it's like how Warhol turned everyday objects into art—what's the Campbell's Soup can of our industry?"
• "If art reflects life, this must be the abstract version of my inbox!"
• "I’ve heard that understanding art is like appreciating fine wine—it gets better with time and a little insider knowledge."

Embrace the Unknown

Contemporary art encourages us to embrace ambiguity, much like the uncertain environments business leaders navigate. Engaging with works by artists like Anish Kapoor or Yayoi Kusama can stretch your ability to think beyond the obvious.

I once stood before a Kusama installation, completely puzzled. Instead of walking away, I delved into her story and vision—how she transformed personal struggles into a unique artistic journey. It made me think differently. Kusama’s success shows that it’s not about finding quick answers but about embracing exploration and change.

The Numbers

According to the Deloitte Private and ArtTactic Art & Finance Report, 89% of stakeholders support including art in wealth management services. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals' (UHNWIs) art wealth was estimated at $2.174 trillion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $2.861 trillion by 2026, emphasising art's role in wealth diversification and financial security. (Deloitte United States & Corporate News Lux )

Quotes to Inspire You

"The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers." – James Baldwin

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." – Thomas Merton

Moving Forward

Next time you see a contemporary piece, don’t just say, “I don’t get it.” Instead, dive in, explore, and let it spark new ideas. What will you do when you face contemporary art? Share your thoughts, a fun fact, or just start a conversation. Art is all about the experience. To learn more, visit exhibitions or talk with contemporary artists.

By Yuliya V.

#ContemporaryArt #Culture #BusinessMindset #ArtInvestment #ArtIntelligence #Leadership #YuliyaVladkovska

Notes On Art Intelligence is a series where I share how art inspires creativity, fuels innovation, and shapes cultural influence. Tailored for business leaders and collectors, it provides insights and practical guidance on navigating the art world—from collecting and investing to leveraging art for leadership and vision.

Have a story about how contemporary art has influenced your business mindset? Share it in the comments below! Let's start a conversation on how art is shaping our professional lives.

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