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Winterwanderer So called "intellectual" value. There is a group of people who believe that idea always predominate over visual representation. Thinking predominates over feeling. Philosophy/religion predominates over individual expression. The most radical form was conceptual art when followers rejected any visual representation and used words instead. This concept is nothing new. The best example is regression of visual forms caused by Christian iconoclasm.
How could have we got from this:
To this?:
I believe that we are in a similar stage of regression now. Regression caused by philosophy that supports supremacy of theory, over-intellectualization and concept over craft.
Nowadays, craft is seen as something inferior. Toilsome work is often seen as pointless waste of time. (Why should we paint a realistic picture if we can make a photograph instead?) Postmodern art follows motto that everything has been already done so we can only reproduce and combine preexisting art forms.
And in regards to consumerist art, I wouldn't say it necessarily even has to be sold or mass produced, what's so frustrating about it is that many of such pieces seem to created almost exclusively for controversy & (demented) modern aesthetics, but there seems to be some lack of genuine expression of anything significant or powerful, it's just art because it can be.
I totally agree. It's all about the money and the power of Artworld that sets the prices and takes care of PR. I'd say Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst are exemplary products of the Artworld.
I can't understand how can so many people advocate and support such philosophy and I wonder if they really see beauty in these absurd forms of art.
I am a visual type and prefer sensuality. I see value in craft and I don't accept this conceptual snobbism that tries to persuade me that idea is ALWAYS more important and that if something was accepted by Artworld it is automatically art.
There is no way I can identify with this over-intelectualization and blending of real life with art.
However, there are too many people who conform to this way of thinking and that means that art is subjective. And if they can see beauty in it, then beauty is subjective as well.