What’s the most important subject in the arts that needs to be talked about and why?

Question

This question was asked at the Dropping Knowledge event on 9th September by Layna Francisco, 22, Manila, The Philippines. To find out more about Dropping Knowledge check out our blogs:

Dropping Knowledge in the UK: http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-qT1KKPQoRKdVT4lowpJCljbFokkuIzI8?p=1048

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Answer 1

I think it might be not so much the question as to its relevance - then we have to go and define what art is and that in itself has become something of a minefield - but why do those who come to experience (by this I mean view, watch, interact, listen to, etc.) the art react the way they do? I think that people's engagement with art in general is an interesting topic for discussion.

Over the past couple of years I've done a fair bit of travelling, and as an artist myself, I've always gone to the big museums and galleries of various countries. For me, looking at the artworks is like meeting old friends and doing the research at the same time, but I have always watched reactions of those non as actively engaged in the arts with great interest. Last year I was in Florence, Italy, in the Galleria d'Accademia (forgive the spelling) and there was a contemporary exhibition on that was based around Michelangelo's David, which is something like 500 years old now. This exhibtion included posters of nude older men, installations with piles of rubble in them, contemporary drawings, films and sculpture. The people coming in to look at the David were a bit flummoxed at all this, but due to the location, they were not inclined to say that they didn't like it, or didn't get it, or didn't understand it - the location and its grandeur and association with Art was already kind of intimidating to them, and all the stuff in there they were supposed to appreciate as 'Art'. Only they didn't. I got talking to some of them - two girls from Australia - and they whispered to me that they thought all this was weird. I asked them why, and they really couldn't say why, so I pointed them to a poster of a naked older man and suggested that maybe the man in the poster was supposed to be some sort of comparison to the beautiful shape of the boy David, Michelangelo's sculpture. They agreed, tentatively, so I suggested that maybe they felt they couldn't say they didn't get it because of the fact that this is a big and famous art museum, and that even if you don't like what you see, you have to go along with the notion that it's art, right. They visibly brightened at that, and agreed with me immediately. Then I suggested that maybe people have different ideas about what art is, and they both went um, and the conversation ended there ...

So perhaps how art speaks to people might be the most important subject today? I mean, in order for it to survive, people have to want to experience it, but if it isn't accessible, then that makes it a bit difficult, doesn't it? Plus we have a quandary - an aura of exclusivity does the art (ergo the artist) no bit of harm, but then how do you reach the masses? On the other hand, art is about people and society, but if you can't get the people and society to engage in the art, how are they ever going to see themselves?

Answer 2

the way arts courses are run at uni. Creativity would benefit from not following set briefs and been allowed to interact more with other arts disciplines. Many university's have libraries but don't spend enough each year on updating the collection.

I think arts education needs to be taught in a multi research style setting where artists have chances to mix with other students from a different academic area. This would enhance the experience of learning and provide a much needed open discussion among many people those who participate in the arts and those who do not.

For example my work is based on scientific findings and discussions, i would greatly appreciate in talking part in open debates in science and would welcome criticism both good and bad from the scientific community.
I have work on a collaboration project with genetic scientists and had an exhibition which encouraged people to ask questions and formulate their own opinions.

In short the arts needs to be included in main stream education and not treated like a fanciful pastime.

Answer 3

Arts are the measure in disclosure and the end to inhibitions. It lies beneath the appearance or measure of disdain and sorrow, therefore it is not taken seriously by smart and corageous people, so it should be that art is the assorted flower arrangement in the delussion and the hatred.
The most important subject regarding art is guilt, as the unintended measure of understanding esthetics and plasticity, evading the whole subject of architecture and paranoia to intelligence, something also called Whispering Syndrom or Crying Game. The most common offence on art is believing it demonstrates mental states and that felony forms it and missconstrues its reality as a paralel universe for diminishing cultures. Serendib and humor await.

Answer 4

I think funding in schools is the most importaint thing. Right now kids are lucky if they get one small class a year in art... and they're usually only learning cheezy stuff like glueing cotton balls on a popcicle stick. I remember using paints and everything way back in 2nd and 3rd grade! And it's not just about visual arts, the musical arts are getting the shaft too. I'd like to see kids be encouraged to expand they're love of music (ie:instruments), and even dance too! Some kids (like myself in school) are much better at art skills than regular classes. If it weren't for my great art classes, and great art teachers I had, I wouldn't have made it through school!

Answer 5

I have no idea. That it not be diminished and allowed to fade out of the school system. The arts are very crucial to developing young minds. Children's creativity needs to be stimulated. Too much is structured and regimented and not enough time and money is concentrated on subjects like art and music.

I truly believe it's the arts that inspire young minds to flourish and fly, to question and challenge. Everyone has resources inside that they have not tapped into. You never know until you explore them. From such passion comes inspiration and ambition.

Answer 6

I am not an artist, but I love and appreciate all forms of art. I think the most important subject in the arts is keeping it alive. Public schools will cut art programs first in the face of declining revenue. The next generation of artists are threatened by a much too relaxed attitude of the importance of art in our culture, and in our world.

Answer 7

To me the most important knowledge I could walk away with from the arts is to know where the artists inspiration comes from - why were they inspired to create the way they did? what is the symbolism here? what is the meaning of it all? I think if we could capture the essence of an artists inspiration then the arts could become a mainstream part of worldwide culture.

Answer 8

Why the "art world" considers technique to be passe and things like "concept" and "insight" to trump actual skill.
Implied is the larger question: what is art? Is art what the artist says it is? And what makes one an artist? Claiming to be one? Being called one by the so-called "art community?"
We are at a point where the content of modern art has become so remote and esoteric that the bulk of humanity feels alienated from it and regards the whole idea of art as a bunch of nonsense. How does the "arts community" respond to that?

When paint thrown randomly at a canvas, canned feces and piles of hard candy are regarded as art, one has to ask.

Answer 9

The most important subject to be talked about is why you are using 360 to peddle your wares. You are scamming and you need to find another method of advertising your nothing websites. I have reported your abuses of the Guidelines already now I am telling you to quit using this Q and A unless you have a specific question that you want to ask

Answer 10

I didn't look at your links, but based on your question I'd say that the subject of "What is art?" Needs to be talked about. Most people think if they can't draw, then they can't be artists. People dont' know what art actually is.