It seems as though since the dawn of recorded history someone has always had something to say about art. Energetic commentary seems to hurl forth from every direction from unknowns, such as myself who originally thought didn’t know enough to even have an opinion on art, to noted individuals who have spent years cultivating an eye for great work, a mind for profound analysis and a language for opinionated criticism. T.S. Eliot, Tristan Tzara, Harold Rosenberg on through Marcel Duchamp, Peter Schjeldahl and Peter Plagens have each had their turn to passionately expound on issues they feel relevant to the art world, and, rightfully so. Why shouldn’t they have an opinion? After all, this is their work. Their chosen profession. In some cases, their lives.
What strikes me, however, is that even though they may each spew out good points to solidify their arguments for, or, against any given issue, it’s the common denominator hidden within the debates that gets me. Now, granted I’ve been out of the art circle for quite some time now but, I think my fresh eyes have observed a pattern that has been weaving itself into a tapestry of some sort. You see, I have stood back and taken a look at all the readings I’ve done in the last two weeks, not only for this class, but for 3 other art history courses, and they’re all saying the same thing in different ways. With every turn of a page the words practically scream “Art is changing”…and, it is.
The definition of art is evolving (or de-evolving depending on who you’re talking to)…the point is its not the same today as it was, let’s say, 15, 10, heck, even 5 years ago, and because of that the content of art history is changing and because of that the function of art criticism is changing and because of that the role of art analysis is changing and so on, and so on. See where I’m going with this? It is a continuous cycle that all starts with the practice of art itself. No fears, folks, art is not ever going away; however, it will never just resign itself to simply being a stagnant cesspool of the same ‘ole, same ‘ole. It couldn’t even it wanted to, by virtue of its purpose alone (to reflect) art will forever be in a constant state of flux compelling whatever it touches into transformation. It is this force of energy we call life that will keep art alive.
The question is…Can we deal it?
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