Response to Kim

How much impact do you think theory has on art?

In the article that Kim posted, Storr writes, "...even though you may share a vocabulary, you don’t share at all the same kind of generative process or goals." In response to Kim's question, I think that theory is separate from application in any field, including art, for just this reason. The process of art is creation. It is physical. The process of theorizing about art is thinking about how and why, not necessarily just the creation. Artists work to produce a product. Yes, their ultimate goal may be cognitive in that they desire an emotional reaction or thought-provoking result, but art is art is art. And theory is theory is theory. While theory does help explain art, I don't think all consumers of art consider theory. Actually, those who do consider theory are likely to be the minority. Theories change just as art does. So what is considered art in one context, in one place, at one time, may not be considered art in another. I'm not sure that art and theory will ever be parallel because of the temporal nature of both.