Western Civilization's collapse can be traced through its art, that's for sure.
I think a good deal of it is elitism as well. The most common of common laborer's can appreciate the works of Rembrandt or Michelangelo, but it takes a "first-rate" mind to marvel at the genius of Pollack's paint drippings, Rothko's color swatches, or Twombly's scribblings.
Refrigeration, air conditioning, foreign travel--things that once separated the elite from the hoi polloi--are now available to all. Admiring modern art is a marker of one's elite status.
Upon reflection, The Great Reset--which plans on stripping most in the West of the aforementioned amenities of modern life--might bring about a renewal in art since the elites, having maintained their conveniences and freedoms, could stop pretending that they enjoy these monstrosities and fund artists with talent. That is, if there are any artists around who did not inject themselves with poison...
Jan 15, 2023·edited Jan 15, 2023Liked by Peachy Keenan
That's what you get when city/state/federal governments are writing checks on the taxpayer dime - disgusting trash labeled as art. Just like NPR, let "art" sink or swim on its own merits.
Jan 15, 2023·edited Jan 15, 2023Liked by Peachy Keenan
* The large-scale contemporary “art” they install means nothing, has no purpose, and creates only one thing: a crushing sense of defeat in anyone forced to see it. “We gave up on life. Now it’s your turn.” *
That truth speaks volumes!
I always say, "It's not "art" if I can do it without trying."
I remember seeing some "art" on display in a downtown building. It was plywood, that appeared to be streaked with paint -- that was applied with a broom. It depicted nothing. It was total nonsense. However, it was priced at $6,000!
My favorite though has to be this guy.
* According to reports, Danish artist Jens Haaning had received 534,000 Danish krone from the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg with the expectation that he would recreate two of his previous works that literally framed the bank notes themselves as an artistic depiction of the relationship between art and working life.
Instead, however, Haaning seemingly did a runner with the money in protest over what he described as "miserable" working conditions and low pay.
Having returned two empty picture frames to the museum, he took things one step further by declaring that his theft of the money was itself a work out art he had entitled "Take the Money and Run."
"No, it's not going to happen," Haaning was quoted as saying when approached about returning the stolen money to the museum. "The work is that I have taken their money." *
Art is the manifestation, through many media, of the Divine through mankind for the sole purpose of the elevation of humanity. When the people are godless, art disappears.
Peachy - Great essay! There is so much for us to discuss about art today. You and Mary Harrington have done a great job on this topic. I discovered you on Alex Kashuta's podcast. Where can I read your Domestic Extremist Manifesto you talk about during the show? Thank you!
Western Civilization's collapse can be traced through its art, that's for sure.
I think a good deal of it is elitism as well. The most common of common laborer's can appreciate the works of Rembrandt or Michelangelo, but it takes a "first-rate" mind to marvel at the genius of Pollack's paint drippings, Rothko's color swatches, or Twombly's scribblings.
Refrigeration, air conditioning, foreign travel--things that once separated the elite from the hoi polloi--are now available to all. Admiring modern art is a marker of one's elite status.
Upon reflection, The Great Reset--which plans on stripping most in the West of the aforementioned amenities of modern life--might bring about a renewal in art since the elites, having maintained their conveniences and freedoms, could stop pretending that they enjoy these monstrosities and fund artists with talent. That is, if there are any artists around who did not inject themselves with poison...
Well, I suppose even artists are phallible.
"Let them eat (urinal) cake!"
That's what you get when city/state/federal governments are writing checks on the taxpayer dime - disgusting trash labeled as art. Just like NPR, let "art" sink or swim on its own merits.
* The large-scale contemporary “art” they install means nothing, has no purpose, and creates only one thing: a crushing sense of defeat in anyone forced to see it. “We gave up on life. Now it’s your turn.” *
That truth speaks volumes!
I always say, "It's not "art" if I can do it without trying."
I remember seeing some "art" on display in a downtown building. It was plywood, that appeared to be streaked with paint -- that was applied with a broom. It depicted nothing. It was total nonsense. However, it was priced at $6,000!
My favorite though has to be this guy.
* According to reports, Danish artist Jens Haaning had received 534,000 Danish krone from the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg with the expectation that he would recreate two of his previous works that literally framed the bank notes themselves as an artistic depiction of the relationship between art and working life.
Instead, however, Haaning seemingly did a runner with the money in protest over what he described as "miserable" working conditions and low pay.
Having returned two empty picture frames to the museum, he took things one step further by declaring that his theft of the money was itself a work out art he had entitled "Take the Money and Run."
"No, it's not going to happen," Haaning was quoted as saying when approached about returning the stolen money to the museum. "The work is that I have taken their money." *
Looks like someone picking up a dog turd.
The dumbing down of our country continues...this time vis a vis artistic endeavor.
Boston is evidently morphing into a communist utopia, sad to witness.
Art is the manifestation, through many media, of the Divine through mankind for the sole purpose of the elevation of humanity. When the people are godless, art disappears.
It really is that simple...
The MLK statue doesn't just look like it's having oral sex. It looks like it's having oral sex with itself!
well....white men can't jump either.
Have to add the Cristiano Ronaldo statue here
..lol
Peachy - Great essay! There is so much for us to discuss about art today. You and Mary Harrington have done a great job on this topic. I discovered you on Alex Kashuta's podcast. Where can I read your Domestic Extremist Manifesto you talk about during the show? Thank you!
Wasn't....wasn't that sculpture at the top a gag on "Everybody Loves Raymond"?
To Her Lips from God's Rear
"If that is art; I'm a Hottentot!" - Harry Truman
Long winded, but necessary, expose of the rot being passed off as "art"!
Society is certainly on a downward spiral to a base and sick end! God help us!
So much garbage art in the public sphere. Talent or creativity no longer required.