Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Intent and Observation


We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize truth, at least the truth that is given us to understand. The artist must know the manner whereby to convince others of the truthfulness of his lies. ~Pablo Picasso

In class we briefly mentioned the intent of the artist when creating a work of art. From this view, art is created on purpose. For what reason? Most artists create with the hopes of portraying some sort of message. To whom? In Wartenberg´s introduction (in which the play "Art" is described), Serge acknowledges the different tastes that his two friends have for the same white canvas with diagonal lines. One appreciates the intent and organization of the piece while the other does not consider it art. Since Wartenberg acknowledges the differences in taste, is art subjective? I can´t be. The philosophical approach to art seeks to define it objectively. The subjective/objective debate over art has been pondered by great thinkers like Kant and Hume. Interpretation (subjectivity) is essential in the artworld as a way to absorb what has been created. Every painting, musical or dance performance, book, poem, or sculpture needs an audience. How then, do we objectively define what art is if we acknowledge that each viewer has his or her own "taste"? Are only the opinions of the art experts valid? Is there perhaps a difference between liking something and considering it art? What is that difference and who determines where it begins and ends?

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