Realism in Abstract Art (and Vice Versa):

In my distant youth, I was militantly in favor of all sorts of abstract art. I've come to my senses over time, but I still love the way that realistic art can be abstract and unreal, while abstract art can 6igve us unusual and realistic views of reality. Here's one of my favorite examples: Next time you're near one of Auguste Rodin's statues -- they ARE realistic, aren't they -- try putting your hands in the position of his statue's hands. You'll find it's impossible. Rodin gets great strength and emotion into the hands of his statues by putting them into horribly abstract positions that only seem realistic.