Is it Art? Why?

[Alex Bragi]

Cheeseburger, I could not have said it better myself.

Art is always such a controversial thing, isn't it? Often, it has me thinking back to one of my favourite childhood stories, Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes". Someone who's supposedly knows about art, says it's 'art', so then it's art.

I think too, much of it has to do with how much publicity an artist is able to generate for their work.

It's like last September when British artist, Marc Quinn's winning plinth sculpture of his friend, eight months pregnant Alison Lapper - who was born without arms and with shortened legs was unveiled in Trafalgar Square. Well, Quinn, who came to prominence in 1991 with a cast of his head made with nine pints of his own blood, sure hit the jackpot with this one. People were talking about him and his 'art' for months later. It seemed like everyone in the media and art world was raving about it. It was like no freaking idiot would dare to critise him or it for fear of offending Alison Lapper, or disabled people generally. That damned hunk of marble had people everyone bending and falling over themselves in an effort to seen as being politically correct.

Personally, I think Marc Quinn is simply brilliant, however, as an artist, he's much like many.

And, Ozme52, getting back to your original post, I'm wonder if you, as an hetrosexual male, would still class that picture as "more than just a risque photo" if it featured a naked man instead of a naked woman?

[Tojo]

And, Ozme52, getting back to your original post, I'm wonder if you, as an hetrosexual male, would still class that picture as "more than just a risque photo" if it featured a naked man instead of a naked woman?

Ouch!


Tojo

[Ozme52]

Ouch!


Tojo

LOL, Your pain moves me Tojo.

[VixeyandPhoenix]

art1 n.

1. Human effort to imitate, supplement, alter, or counteract the work of nature.
2.
1. The conscious production or arrangement of sounds, colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a manner that affects the sense of beauty, specifically the production of the beautiful in a graphic or plastic medium.
2. The study of these activities.
3. The product of these activities; human works of beauty considered as a group.
3. High quality of conception or execution, as found in works of beauty; aesthetic value.
4. A field or category of art, such as music, ballet, or literature.
5. A nonscientific branch of learning; one of the liberal arts.
6.
1. A system of principles and methods employed in the performance of a set of activities: the art of building.
2. A trade or craft that applies such a system of principles and methods: the art of the lexicographer.
7.
1. Skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation: the art of the baker; the blacksmith's art.
2. Skill arising from the exercise of intuitive faculties: “Self-criticism is an art not many are qualified to practice” (Joyce Carol Oates).


Just had to add to my previous description. I was wrong, many things evoke great emotion, but that does not make them art. I would not feel comfortable calling most pornography art. Bondage on the otherhand most of it is an artform. I have to also point out that if a man were presented in this manner I would most definately say that it is art, especially considering men are not typically portrayed with the depth and beauty that is present in this photo. What does the photographer and subject think of this conversation?

[Ozme52]

And, Ozme52, getting back to your original post, I'm wonder if you, as an hetrosexual male, would still class that picture as "more than just a risque photo" if it featured a naked man instead of a naked woman?

Actually, I probably would if it had been brought to my attention as had the original picture. I'd probably be more inclined to think so however if it were an illustration.