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4 Artists to Introduce to Young Artists

By Gabrielle Mizrahi

It’s never too early to start loving art.

1 - For infants - Andy Warhol

According to research by the Toledo Museum, “A stimulating environment is important for young children, and much of a child’s brain develops during the earliest part of life…. In addition to looking at themselves, infants are attracted to high contrast visuals, bold images, colorful objects, and faces”.  Therefore, surprisingly, works by Andy Warhol are perfect to introduce to your infant.  They may not know who Marilyn Monroe or Chairman Mao is, but the colorful faces will hold their attention and stimulate the development of their young brains.

 

2 - For toddlers - Jeff Koons

According to the same research by the Toledo Museum, “are drawn to looking at animals, shiny objects, and familiar items that are part of their world”.  These criteria match almost exactly to works by Jeff Koons.  The famous balloon dogs are both an animal and very shiny, while works such as Three Balls 50/50 Tank or New Hoover Convertibles introduce everyday items from their world (basketballs, vacuum cleaners) in a new and interesting way that will hold a toddler’s interest and spark their curiosity.

3 - For elementary school age - Jackson Pollock

It’s no secret young kids love to make a mess.  So take them to the closest museum that has a Jackson Pollock then go back home, get out a tarp and canvas, and let the kids go crazy with some splatter paint.  Best part, you won’t be met with groans of “This isn’t art, I can make that,” but rather with enthusiastic cries of “Look, I can be an artist too!”

4 - For teenagers - Kazimir Malevich

For the angsty teen in your life, take them to visit “The Black Suprematist Square” by Kazimir Malevich.  At an age where young people are struggling with trying to fit in, leaving the ease of childhood behind, and asking what exactly the point of learning organic chemistry is, the simple black square may speak to them more deeply than bright, easy pop art ever could.