You're suggesting that art can only be interpreted aesthetically and any deeper meaning is nonsensical pretention?
I like art to look at, not think over.
If it looks cool, is pretty, or just a generally really good portrait of someone/landscape piece then it's gravy
None of that "ooh here's a yellow circle and it means i'm sad"
There can be deeper meaning, but I don't search for it, enjoy it or care to be exposed to people discussing it. I don't mind so much if it's something clearly represented, but once it gets abstract and the tiniest stroke is interpreted in some fanciful way that makes it sound profound...
Yeah, I agree to a degree. There's a lot of bullshit out there which represents essentially nothing but could fill a book with the amount of 'hidden depths' attributed to it. But at the same time, the most interesting things about paintings are found when they're studied and examined. What does this mean, why is 'x' doing this or 'y' doing that? etc.
Ah right, yeah. As I said above I agree with you there.

I always get annoyed when people ask 'why he painted this?' etc.
The answer always gets looked into and is never just 'cos he felt like it'.
Seriously though?
I'm totally serious.
For example, I queued for over two hours to get into the Picasso museum in Barcelona. I then spent the entire time walking around looking at the pictures and thinking "this is absolute ****e, a moderately talented child could do this so what is the big deal about Picasso?".
Now I know that my thoughts on this are in absolute opposition to the accepted opinion of the worlds art experts. Most of the other visitors seemed to be appreciating his art too.
Therefore I am happy to accept that I either don't understand or appreciate the finer points of art. I'd also add that I don't think I have ever looked at a picture and thought "wow" and only have two pictures up in my home and they are there to make use of picture hooks I couldn't be bothered to remove.
While on the subject of graffiti (banksy picture) can someone please explain tagging to me?
Like the guy who went all over Newcastle and wrote "iNCH" on basically every surface he could find. What purpose does this serve?
None what so ever. Tagging is just a yobs way of showing they were there. (in my opinion anyway) A lot of people consider Banksy paintings to be graffiti but it's not like it's everywhere, only in chosen places and the picture is usually linked in some way to that location.
I think it's tastefull unlike what you saw (What does it even mean anyway?)
I 100% echo your opinion of Picasso by the way. I think a good way to begin 'getting' more out of art than simple aesthetics is by looking at lesser works or sketches by good artists. I love many Goya sketches because of the feeling and atmosphere I get from them and because they look pretty great too.
Pictures like Turner's Great Western Railway:
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or Gilbert's Market Day:
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To give a few contrasting examples, give a real sense of atmosphere and can influence a person's mood, something which is a lot more than simply pleasing the eyes.