Abstract Art

　　Abstract art used to be controversial. On one hand, the artists stopped painting delicate figures but attempted to adopt special techniques to give people different visual impacts. On the other hand, their works, including sculptures carved out of marble or fragile clay, were all with a specific aim of showing feelings. Some conventional scholars who were allergic to abstract art said it was evidently ridiculous and neither art nor geometry. Their Traditional Art Committee predicted its soon disappearing.

　　But nowadays, abstract art has become part of the permanent possessions of contemporary civilization. Galleries along the Madison Avenue give scores of superb exhibitions on typical abstract works, appealing to many people who have a preference for abstract art. The Shadow of Egypt, a café in this district, has become the home to those aggressive abstract artists. Consequently, it is not a coincidence for you to meet one of these artists of great reputation in the flesh. They are asked for signatures and given bunches of fragrant flowers plus they are given a great deal of praise by their faithful fans.

　　抽象艺术

　　抽象艺术曾经颇受争议，一方面，抽象艺术家们不再画精致的画像，而是试图采用特别的技巧给人们以不同的视觉冲击；另一方面，他们的作品，包括用大理石和易碎的黏土雕刻出来的雕像，都以表达感情为其明确的目的。有些对抽象艺术反感的传统学者说抽象艺术是极其明显地荒谬可笑，说它既不是艺术，又不是几何学。他们的传统艺术委员会还预言了它的迅速消失。

　　但是到了今天，抽象艺术已经成为当代文明永久财产的一部分。麦迪逊大道的画廊为典型的抽象艺术作品举办了许多出色的展览，吸引了许多对抽象艺术有偏爱的人。在这个区有家叫埃及之影的咖啡馆已经成为那些有进取精神的抽象艺术家们活动的根据地。所以，亲眼见到一位名声极大的艺术家本人并不是什么巧合的事。他们被忠实的崇拜者索取签名，并被给予成束的芬芳花朵和大量的赞扬。

　　加餐练(一)　完形阅读组合练

　　Ⅰ.完形填空

　　Why is setting goals important? Because goals may 1 you to experience everything you want in life. 2 just letting life happen to you, goals allow you to make your life happen.

3 people imagine how their life should be and set lots of goals. By setting goals you are 4 your life. It's like having a map to 5 you where you want to go. Think of it this way.