The Definition of Art: wiki/art: A topic regularly disputed and changed over time, a general description mentions an idea of imagination or technical skill stemming from human agency and creation.
All before the advent of Modernism. It’s a lot to think about before coffee.
It has often been said that one man’s trash is another’s treasure. In today’s postmodern, contemporary world, it seems evermore difficult to discern Pop from Post from Fine from Crap Art. Or is it just such an elitist appreciation, aside from being economically elitist, as Larry Gagosian, world renowned art dealer, asks, “Not just who’s buying but who’s really seriously engaged in art . . . How many people read poetry?” He says his job is “. . . making sure that important art feels important.” As individuals, however, we know what we like and what we don’t, so who is the authority? The controversy over what may be labeled “art” has flourished as long as humans have lifted the charcoal. History is rife with criticism of the greatest artists of all time: Michaelangelo’s Last Judgement offended his Catholic patrons with nudity, side-stepping the decorum of the times. Manet’s Le Dejeuner sur l”Herbe was rejected by the Salons of Paris because the women were nude but the men were clothed in modern day dress. Cy Twombly’s ground breaking oeuvres were criticized as “This is just scribbles – my kid could do it”. And then there is the infamous Andre Serrano’s Immersion (Piss Christ), which offended anyone who respects religion. Yet, despite popular trends and harsh rejection, the artist endures the uphill journey. When asked what makes an actor great, the brilliant Lawrence Olivia said, “The humility to prepare and the confidence to pull it off.” I salute all artists in any medium for having the will to pursue, the humility to study, and the courage to reveal their works of art, even if some one else denies its importance. Cheers to you! – Kathy
