Today our class had the pleasure of engaging in a fundamental and philosophical conversation with the director of Adult and Academic programs of MoMa: Pablo Helguera. He presented his lecture in a private area, in which museum employees hold conferences. The space felt small, intimate and confidential. He started by asking our class, "What is art?" It seems that the more involved with art one becomes the less that question arises. Why would it, if we can reference artists in conversation and identify works of art from various time periods? Well when the big question was asked, the room was silent for about thirty seconds but felt like a lifetime.
This question is subjective and can be attacked from various angles. However, I feel that the most important aspect of the question is not to answer it but to engage in a conversation around it. The conversation began when Mr. Helguera showed a abstract painting and asked if it was art. All of us in the room agreed and he proceeded to explain how this painting won first prize in a juried art exhibit. The next slide contained the painting next to a photograph of a four year old child who painted the work. The child's mother had entered the painting as a joke and it won first place. After the judges found out that child had created the painting they revoked their decision. Mr. Helguera asked, "do you still think the painting is art?"
That was the beginning of a two hour conversation that could have lasted all afternoon. Even though we never came to a conclusion it was important to have that conversation. We debated issues with aesthetics, ownership, and conceptual aspects of art. I don't think anyone could actually come to a conclusion but it raised interesting issues dealing with art.
The creator's intention versus our interpretation has been an ongoing component in the history of what is defined as art. For example: weapons, artifacts, pottery and furniture that have been found, preserved and placed on display at a museum is now seen as art. We see it as an art because the objects are documents of history, time and culture. We cannot go back in time, therefore we must rely on evidence and make our own narratives about the past. Museums, in my opinion, created the idea of art. Museums are the attics that we roam and often visit to appreciate the human experience. It is almost safe to say that the definition of "art" evolves with us, politically, socially and technologically.
Hundreds of years from now, if this planet is still here, who knows what the future generations will consider as art.
It is the evidence we leave behind.
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