A Fun, Honest Guide for Normal People Who Like Cool Stuff
Let’s be honest: talking about art can feel like walking into a room full of people who already read War and Peace twice and think “liminal” is an everyday word. But here’s the truth — you don’t need a degree in art history or a scarf that costs $200 to have good opinions about art. You need to talk like…yourself.
This post is for people who want to vibe with art without turning into a walking thesaurus. Let’s break down how to sound intelligent and human when discussing art—whether posting on IG, wandering through a gallery, or chatting at a dinner party.
Table of Contents
- A Fun, Honest Guide for Normal People Who Like Cool Stuff
- How to Talk About Art Without Being That Pretentious Person
- Related Questions
How to Talk About Art Without Being That Pretentious Person
Let’s be honest: talking about art can sometimes feel like entering a secret club where everyone casually drops big words and references obscure painters like it’s no big deal. But here’s the thing — you don’t need an art history degree or a designer scarf to have something meaningful (and cool) to say about art. You need to be yourself.
First Things First: Art = Opinion
There are no correct answers. Art is made to make you feel something — not to test if you can use the word “juxtaposition” in a sentence. If something moves you, weirds you out, or looks sick on a wall, that’s enough.
What Not to Say (Unless You’re in a Performance Piece About Being Annoying)
❌ “The chiaroscuro is quite masterful.”
❌ “This piece interrogates the postmodern condition.”
❌ “It’s a visual metaphor for the liminality of existence.”
❌ “The brushwork is reminiscent of early Rococo, but subverted.”
Dial it down unless you’re writing a thesis or trying to win Scrabble. There is no shade to art speak, but let’s keep it conversational.
What to Say Instead (AKA Sound Smart Without Being That Guy)
✅ “I like how the light makes it feel dramatic.”
✅ “It kind of gives me a haunted-but-cool vibe.”
✅ “This reminds me of a dream I had after watching too much Netflix.”
✅ “It feels messy but on purpose, which I like.”
✅ “It’s weird, but in a good way.”
✅ “This would look sick in my kitchen.”
Boom. You’re officially someone who talks about art in a way people want to hear.
Words to Use Less (or Swap Out)
| Pretentious Word | Swap It For |
|---|---|
| Juxtaposition | Contrast, side-by-side |
| Liminal | In-between, kind of dreamy |
| Aesthetic | Vibe, style |
| Evocative | Makes me feel |
| Ethereal | Dreamy, floaty |
| Visceral | Gut-level, intense |
| Palimpsest (why tho?) | Layers, history |
If you wouldn’t tell your friend it in a text, maybe skip it.
Tips for Keeping It Real
- Start with how it makes you feel. Emotion is a great entry point: confused, hyped, calm, weirded out.
- Don’t overthink it. Your first reaction is often your most honest and engaging.
- Make comparisons. “This reminds me of my grandma’s wallpaper but in a good way” is gold.
- Ask questions. “Why do you think they made it this way?” gets people talking.
- Own your opinion. You don’t need to back it up with a museum tour guide’s voice. Say what you mean.
Final Thought: Art is for Everyone
You don’t need permission to talk about art. You don’t need to “get it” to like it. And you don’t need to sound like someone reading a museum plaque out loud.
Say what you see. Say what you feel. That’s how honest conversations about art start.
And honestly? That’s way cooler than using “zeitgeist” in a sentence.
Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We love art that uplifts and inspires. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!
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Related Questions
What Is The Difference Between Fine Arts And Visual Arts?
Fine art is a broad term used to describe many different types of art; one of the arts under the umbrella of fine art is visual arts. Fine arts can include arts such as music, theatre, dance, literature, and art forms. In contrast, Visual art is about only visual arts such as painting, sculpture, or filmmaking.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading What Is The Difference Between Fine Arts and Visual Arts?
Is Procreate Easier Than Photoshop? What Should An Artist Learn?
Procreate is a much easier computer program to learn than Photoshop, especially if you are new to the Adobe program. The Procreate program is a great computer program to lay out your artwork before painting on the canvas. Photoshop can also design your artwork, but as it is a more robust program than Procreate, it will take much longer to master.
You can discover more by reading Is Procreate Easier Than Photoshop? What One Should An Artist Learn? by clicking here.
Where Did Art Come From?
Many historians believe art started first in Africa; many ancient art forms have been found worldwide. Cavemen art is one of the earliest forms of art. Many cultures put art on their bodies through tattooing and other art forms.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading Where Did Art Come From?
