[atlaw]

As an antidote to Victorian sentimentality, I suppose it deserved its hour on the stage. But modernism (and even post-modernism) is getting pretty long in the tooth.

Perhaps, as with other identifiable styles, it is limited in its capacity to portray and provoke response due to repetition and consequent saturation of its audience. Then again, I find it odd that certain works continue to captivate long after a given "style" has passed from the stage, undoubtedly due to the skill of the practioner.

Also, I wouldn't agree that instability in abstract expressionist/impressionist imagery conveys only emotion. The "ink blot" effect (not unlike cloud watching) provokes shifting visuals in works of note in much the same way that the well-rendered written word provokes shifting visuals. I would go so far as to say that expanding visual associations on repeated viewings is what sets apart the successful work from the poseur.

[Republicanprofessor]

I would go so far as to say that expanding visual associations on repeated viewings is what sets apart the successful work from the poseur.

Well said.