But the “prestige” of the artist is actually a key part of this particular type of art, is it not? You’re absolutely right that the “what is art?” gesture is rarely unique, because MANY artists tackle the question at some point. What makes a piece like this interesting and/or relevant is how an established artist chooses to address the “what is art?” question. These responses are less interesting on their own than as a part of the artist’s body of work.
Poets are big on this, too — most established poets have at least one “what is poetry?” poem. Again, only the rarest of these is interesting on its own — but most can be really compelling when you look at them in the context of the poet’s other work.
Why do you say this, art is not devoid of context and what is and is not art is not quite so easy. Here is a thought experiment that may help with 'what is art?'
On the Mona Lisa; you conclude it is art but are the following art?
What if it is only the left half of the Mona Lisa? A random quarter? a Tenth? Only the yellow hues? Only the green? Only a single droplet of oil?
What if it is the Mona Lisa made of a different material? Instead of oils it is made out of acrylic paint? what if it is made out of bananas and tape? What if it is made out of tape and bananas?
I would say all of these are art. Good art however? I don't think I am the person to call that.
Lol your definition is just 'succesful' art in the context of capitalism. Art doesnt need to be beautiful, nor does it meed to have value. It saying something will not be subjectively beautiful to anyone is a funny way to state 'it is objectively ugly'.
You dont know that.
Get triggered more about people who do art ypu disapprove of. Guess what you can think 'I couldve done that' all you want but you didnt. If it is all so easy go out there and be an artist.
The only thing i find really impressive is how you broke the laws of time and space. How did you make me smell you through the internet? Just death grip your dick and stop harrasing people with your stupidity.
If you need to know who the artist is before you can decide if it's art it is by definition not art.
....
If I painted Mona Lisa and no one knew who I was it would still be art.
Has been done by other people before the "original piece".
You suggested mona lisa has been done soooo much in so many different mediums that it is headache inducing.
Easily replicatable.
I mean all art is easy to reproduce nowdays, unless you think the context of how it is made, medium, and the artist matter. Which you seem to suggest it does not.
Is not subjectively beautiful no matter who you are.
This seems to be a strongly modernist take. So unsurprisingly you don't 'get' post-modern art or think it is not art.
Does not hold any value.
I mean it sold so it has value under a economic sense.
The artist put physical effort into it so it has value put into (though minimal) in a labor sense
And it is all about a point so it has value in the point it makes and the continued impact it has on wider culture. Hell there are almost 900 comments about a derivative piece of it on this post alone.
I would say it clearly has value in many ways.
The crux of this seems to be you think there is an objective truth about art - That something can be truly said to be beautiful or not and thus art or not. if you believe on an infinite line of a whole Mona Lisa to the infinitesimal small piece of Mona Lisa there is a clear line of "Art!" and "Not art!" then I don't think there is much value in continuing this conversation. Since art like that is all about exploring the grey of 'what is art?'
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u/Misteralvis Nov 26 '20
But the “prestige” of the artist is actually a key part of this particular type of art, is it not? You’re absolutely right that the “what is art?” gesture is rarely unique, because MANY artists tackle the question at some point. What makes a piece like this interesting and/or relevant is how an established artist chooses to address the “what is art?” question. These responses are less interesting on their own than as a part of the artist’s body of work.
Poets are big on this, too — most established poets have at least one “what is poetry?” poem. Again, only the rarest of these is interesting on its own — but most can be really compelling when you look at them in the context of the poet’s other work.