Is it necessary to know the artist's inspiration to appreciate an artwork?

In many artworks the message that the artist is trying to communicate is obvious even to the uninformed viewer. Take the work of one of my favourite artists Jo Bunce. Her highly detailed approach to painting flowers needs no explanation – she simply wishes to portray the beauty of the flowers she paints.

But in many other works the viewer can appreciate the skill of the artist, find the image evocative or disturbing but may not really know what message the artist is trying to convey. This is particularly true of abstract art.

This is where some background on the artist's inspiration for a specific piece can greatly add to the appreciation of that work. By background, I do not mean the Artist's Statement that most artists seem to produce under duress and with great difficulty. I believe that the reason many artists statements sound somewhat false and stilted is because artists, by their very nature, are skilled at communicating visually. This does not always make them good communicators via words. And does a viewer or potential buyer of art really want to read all about the artist, their work, how and why they create art in the way they do?

I believe a viewer is attracted first and foremost by the image itself. Then a few sentences giving them some insight into a particular work can be used to simply enhance their enjoyment of the work.

Art is not just about creating something visually appealing but about a dialogue between the creator and the viewer. The artist communicates a message and the viewer responds emotionally. Without that dialogue a piece of art has no meaning and can it really be classed as art if it is no more than a decorative image with no meaning behind it.

Unfortunately in today's throw-away society so-called "art" with no meaning and little merit is mass-produced for the masses. Instead of being something to treasure it is often bought simply to match the décor and discarded when the décor is changed with little thought about the meanings of colour in visual art.

This is such a shame when there are so many fantastic artists producing art that can bring another dimension to a living space, provide a talking point for years to come and, yes, can also be beautiful.

EUROPEAN HOTELS FOR ART LOVERS

Art’otel, Berlin

The Art'otel Berlin City Centre West has a permanent exhibition of over 200 signed prints and original works of art by Andy Warhol. Originals by the pop art genius hang in all of the rooms. A tour of the hotel offers guests an overview of the stages of Warhol's artistic development.


Hotel des Académies et des Arts, Paris

Semi-abstract figures by the French artist Jérôme Mesnager adorn the walls of this boutique hotel in the Latin Quarter. The artist is best known for his striking depictions of “white bodies”.


One Aldwych , London

Over 400 pieces of contemporary art and sculpture can be found at this hotel. At least one original painting hangs in each room. The collection includes work by rising stars such as Emily Young and Justine Smith as well as work by established artists such as Richard Walker.


Gallery Hotel Art, Florence

Throughout the year the hotel's public areas and the Bar and Restaurant host exhibitions of photography and contemporary art.


Hotel Estela , Sitges, Barcelona

Nine rooms at this port-side hotel have been transformed by a group of contemporary artists who include Josep Maria Subirachs, who is working on the façade of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.


Broomhill Art Hotel, Barnstaple, Devon

Broomhill's Sculpture Park displays one of the largest permanent collections of contemporary art and sculpture in the South West of England. A collection of 300 bronzes and stone sculptures by over 60 sculptors are sited in the 10 acres of garden.

There is also an art gallery inside, an organic restaurant and six B&B rooms.