Where have all the artistic giants gone?

Question

Answering a question the other day, I realised that I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on the subject. So...
Cast your mind back across the 20th century and think of an art form. Theatre, dance, film, fine art, music - classical / popular - comedy, the novel, you name it, and see if you can think of leading figures in that medium. Easy, isn't it?
Now think of those same mediums today and think of any great leading figures who are still working at the height of their powers. Hard, isn't it?
I suppose my question is in three parts.
!. Do you agree with my proposition?
2. If so, what's going on here?
3. Does it matter? I would argue that it does. The works of, say, Picasso, Olivier, the Beatles, Brando etc. were important in and of themselves, but just as important was the effect they had on other artists working in their mediums.
I'd even apply this idea to other areas of life. Politics, sport, science;choose your own.
Let me know what you think on this.
Thanks.

Answer 1

It is true that there is no steady supply of talents through time. That is why we conceived the idea of renaissance. There is a boom for some time then there is a lean period. I think we are going through that draught. Note that it depends partly on the political situation also. (Second world war has given us many brilliant scientific discoveries). Moreover, true talents are often recognised and appreciated much after their death, examples are numerous. Who knows, some little-known fellow may turn out to be an artistic giant in future.
As for the 3rd part, I think it certainly matters. The more the number of talents, the quicker will be the advancement of civilisation.
I appreciate Jamjan100's comment and agree with him that the question is too intellectual to be posted in yahoo! Answers.
I will further suggest that the rapid advancement in computer science may also be partly responsible for those "missing giants". Painters are now-a-days using computer and not canvas, film-makers are using animations, musicians are using similar techniques ..... this is a hindrance to develop the basic skill of an artist.

Answer 2

This is a very interesting question to which I agree to some extent. The cause is probably due to two reasons. First, the vast majority of today's artists are more interested in getting rich quickly than in true art. The second reason could be simply that the mass media is only interested in what the masses want to see, hear or read, leaving little or no coverage to true art. We must remember that we leave in an age where quick gratification is the norm. I'm sure if one was to move in the right artistic circles, away from the clutter of mass media and the mundane, one will find many budding true artists that will one day leave their mark on this world.

Answer 3

Every Genius Needs At Least One Century to Be Recognised/Discovered/Admired

I dont think that the state of Art and Culture is so gloomy as you tend to portray. Look how many great writers we have, musicians,painters. I would not have a problem enumerating a few.
I think you tend to look on the dark side too much, it is true, however, that Britney and Paris appear far too often in the media.

Answer 4

The jacuzzi method should work, however, I will need to be there to supervise the work being completed. Or, we could build you a mold where you are standing, completely nude (doing!), while the plaster is pumped in and smoothed over for maximum relief and detail. Of course, if such an undertaking was to done I would personally apply the plaster myself to ensure a quality application.

Answer 5

1. Yes
2. Stupidity is a deadly epidemic
3. Yes, but are we really any match for the masses of stupid people that happen to have subtly taken over the modern world?

Just don't get sucked into the trend, and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

yes i agree with you entirely but don't you also agree they become more of an idol when they're dead. i love Beryl Cook paintings and although shes making a nice living out of it when she dies the prices will rocket. i also think the biggest paid author has to be J K Rowling she has defiantly done well for herself.

Answer 7

Mt dear chap. Don't you know that this question is FAR too intelligent for us ignoramusisisisisisis (Sorry about my stutter).

Try asking something like.....er " How far is London from England" and you will be inundated with replies......

The answer to your question by the way is um....Yes.