[MD] The Quality of Art

[Ham Priday]

Peter and Platt --

I find myself in agreement with what both of you are saying about the
"experience" of art, but I think there is some disagreement about its
purpose.

For example, Peter described how


> Hello Peter,
>
> > do you think those cavemen who did the Lascaux  animals were seeking
> > transcendence or merely  diversion? We'll never know for sure.
>
> We're told that the paintings had religious meaning in that by painting
> the animals the cavemen felt they magically exerted some control over
> them. But, as you say, we'll never know for sure.
>
> > You say Guernica is more social statement  than art; I say most fine art
> > is just technical craftsmanship and composition skill, often indicating
> > the neurotic mindset of the artist or commissioner.
>
> For many, so-called fine art just sits there having no effect. Others
> are profoundly moved by it, and by that I mean it shatters their static
> patterns so that the Dynamic shines through. The technique, the
> composition and other elements of the work don't have to be superior
> for the effect to occur, though they help. As for the mindset of the
> artist or her sponsor, who can say?
>
> > The Beatles were
> > accomplished musicians, entertaining and often with a strong, sometimes
> > political, message;  they were artists, but you are entitled not to like
> > them.
>
> I don't think to be popular and entertaining has a lot to do with
> artistic merit though fine art can sometimes be both.
>
> > Art is about more than beauty; mainly it is about triggering
> > fresh associations in the minds of the audience.
>
> Don't think that is the main purpose of art. A small plastic crucifix
> emerged in urine is a fresh association, but hardly inspiring.
> Advertisers constantly create fresh associations, like two cavemen
> discussing FedEx, but its hardly what I would call fine art.
>
> For me beauty is the lodestar of fine art which can apply to almost any
> worthwhile activity. Of a quality mechanic such as described in ZAMM,
> one can say legitimately say of his work, "Beautifully done."
>
> Platt
>
>
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