In a previous post, I wrote about the novelty of realism: how appreciating the ability of an artist to produce something realistic was akin to the joy we feel when we see the world's tallest man, largest piece of gum, or other gimmicky equivalent.
Now, I would argue that realism is dead. Consider the following: While the rate at which you can produce a realistic painting, for example, might demonstrate a gift, the irony is that your ability to mass produce realistic art will ultimately increase the supply and detract from the exclusivity of the piece likely making it less valuable. At the same time, we, as artists, have powerful tools at our disposal that make the manufacturing of realism child's play. Such tools include cameras, grids, projectors, PhotoShop, and even printers.
Now, more than ever, we are forced to place emphasis on the concept behind the art, rather than its physical production quality. If we are going to produce art that is heavily weighted toward the concept, however, why don't we just write an essay or short story instead? What value is the visual medium really adding? For one: the visual medium, at least in the case of a painting, has an immediacy to it. Unlike a film or written piece, it does not require a heavy investment of time on the part of the viewer.
More to come in another post. For now: agree? disagree? discuss in the comments below.
Now, I would argue that realism is dead. Consider the following: While the rate at which you can produce a realistic painting, for example, might demonstrate a gift, the irony is that your ability to mass produce realistic art will ultimately increase the supply and detract from the exclusivity of the piece likely making it less valuable. At the same time, we, as artists, have powerful tools at our disposal that make the manufacturing of realism child's play. Such tools include cameras, grids, projectors, PhotoShop, and even printers.
Now, more than ever, we are forced to place emphasis on the concept behind the art, rather than its physical production quality. If we are going to produce art that is heavily weighted toward the concept, however, why don't we just write an essay or short story instead? What value is the visual medium really adding? For one: the visual medium, at least in the case of a painting, has an immediacy to it. Unlike a film or written piece, it does not require a heavy investment of time on the part of the viewer.
More to come in another post. For now: agree? disagree? discuss in the comments below.
