Though I do like to think myself as an “artistic” human being, I will come clean in that I do not have much experience in creating or even analyzing the world of fine visual art; this is especially true for conceptual art and other forms of visual display that portray abstract or complex idea, such as art styles that Drucker elaborates on.
One thing is for certain, though (at least in my opinion), and that is the fact that the meaning of art, and even the very practice of it, are starting to dwindle; this is especially true for the United States. In this ever-changing society emphasis on the arts, both visual and performance, have given way to science and mathematics, and in a way art has almost started a marriage with the world of science, technology, and media in which blinds people of its true nature. Drucker briefly discusses this as well. In the world of academia fine arts programs continue to see funding reductions, especially in this specific economic era, and so the minds of America see less exposure to the arts, causing them to lose sight of the significance and importance the arts play in our society.
With this said, Drucker seems to push the idea that conceptualism can be considered an attempt to break the chains in which art’s traditional purpose has become imprisoned by. Instead of a colorful painting laid upon a canvas, conceptualism takes this many steps further and takes an idea or concept, and makes it into something that one can actually observe visually. I chose the piece that I posted because I feel as though it is the epitome of conceptualism, “Art as Idea,” as well as beautiful.
This is so true. In relating your thoughts of the falling appreciation of the arts, I think that an art form such as Conceptualism creates a bridge that connects laypeople and artists when they look at the same piece. When the idea itself is exposed, everybody knows it, and it is not an unconquerable feat to try to decipher the piece of art. And that's why I think there has been a sharp decrease in the upholding of the arts in this country. If you have to be an expert -- when most of us aren't -- what's the point in giving an opinion of any kind?
ReplyDeleteI feel that an emphasis on math and science shouldn't be associated with the dwindling of emphasis put on art by society. This is because to those that practice science or math, they do so because they are passionate for those fields and, trying not to sound too cliche, see them as a form of art. Afterall, I feel that Drucker stressed that what inspires an idea is art, and those who practice math and science do so because that is what inspires ideas in them.
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea of science and technology merging with art is an interesting topic. However, the way I see this is that every new art movement began with an unheard of idea. Art would not be where it is today if there weren't people willing to take a chance and think outside the box. I think there is still an appreciation of the old fine arts, however, the merging of technology with art opens up a whole new field which is newer to artists, and therefore more inviting.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree, I think it is disappointing to see the gradual downward spiral of art and the rapid shift of focus to sciences and technologies. I think it is good to occasionally stray away from the concrete ideas and concepts supported by the sciences and technologies into the depths of abstract ideas brought on by the arts. Art opens the door for more critical thinking about abstract concepts that I feel are beneficial to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree that society has placed more emphasis on academia, with a heavy emphasis on science and math. However, I also agree with Manuel that science and math can be forms of art. I don't think art has to be made with paint, or stone, but it can also be made in mixing chemicals together or thinking of a new math formula. It's the idea of art.
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