[MD] Art to me is....

[Steven Peterson]

Hi Arlo,

Talking about a painting is like dancing about architecture and all
that, but talking and dancing are nice, too, and they may compliment
the painting. So maybe a better question for the artist to replace,
"what does this painting mean?" is, "is there anything you could tell
me about this painting that may help me to appreciate it?" or
something like, "what wine do you think would most enhance my
experience of viewing this painting?" I suggest that that last
question is no more nor less valid than asking about the painting's
meaning.

Best,
Steve




On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:56 PM, ARLO J BENSINGER JR <ajb102 at psu.edu> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Was watching an interview with Marilyn Manson this evening, and something he
> said kinda resonated with Pirsig's reconceptualized "art". Maybe I'm wrong, but
> here's what he said.
>
> "Art to me is a 'question mark'. I don't think it should ever be an answer. You
> know, people ask you what your painting 'means', what your essay 'means'...
> that [the painting or essay] is your answer... that is your response." (Manson)
>
> Many have pointed in this direction, but I thought Manson's words were good.
>
> Arlo