Among a flurry of rabid debate—social, economic, political—the threads of American sanity are being pulled apart. So, too, is culture. America struggles with what story to tell itself—what story to tell others about itself. This is seen through the lens of many institutions, and no less through the arts.
I talked about this you before brother. I think it deserves repeating. While art school can hone the skills of these kids attending it dulls their thinking. They get wrapped up in their identity or their victimhood. The skills increase but the free thinking is beaten to death.
The print kids fill the walls with eat the rich prints while the rich art lovers sit on the board of directors and dole out large sums of money that pay for over a 1/3 of their scholarships. Kids whose parents are prominent professionals in their fields pay the expensive tuition. Photog kids then offer up a print of their work for $500 or more.
Their art doesn’t expand outside who they identify as, all BFA thesis are the same.
It’s a look into being: insert label—
Gay
Black
Trans
Queer
…
…
…
The art improves but the growing stops.
They give up on realism. They don’t look at other truly marginalized people. But does art have to be like that? I feel as if the news took the place of voicing for the marginalized? Who are they?
Art used to be a vessel for those without a paddle. Or a way to bring the beauty of the mountains to those on the plains.
But there are those out there that still ride against current and rage against the machine instead of with it.
I have no real experience with arts value. In my own area, where arts main subject is waterfowl and all things related I've seen the artist name more important than the art. It's a pretty narrow avenue but with similar outcomes.
This is a total aside, but if you're interested in how Bobby Zimmerman left Minnesota, you might enjoy this interview with the guy who helped him head east to meet Woody Guthrie that I left on a hard drive for many years and finally released a few months ago:
I talked about this you before brother. I think it deserves repeating. While art school can hone the skills of these kids attending it dulls their thinking. They get wrapped up in their identity or their victimhood. The skills increase but the free thinking is beaten to death.
The print kids fill the walls with eat the rich prints while the rich art lovers sit on the board of directors and dole out large sums of money that pay for over a 1/3 of their scholarships. Kids whose parents are prominent professionals in their fields pay the expensive tuition. Photog kids then offer up a print of their work for $500 or more.
Their art doesn’t expand outside who they identify as, all BFA thesis are the same.
It’s a look into being: insert label—
Gay
Black
Trans
Queer
…
…
…
The art improves but the growing stops.
They give up on realism. They don’t look at other truly marginalized people. But does art have to be like that? I feel as if the news took the place of voicing for the marginalized? Who are they?
Art used to be a vessel for those without a paddle. Or a way to bring the beauty of the mountains to those on the plains.
But there are those out there that still ride against current and rage against the machine instead of with it.
Wow, man, yeah, beautifully put! I know exactly what you are saying. And you would know! ha...You doing well, man?
Doing good my friend. We’re living for tomorrow. Enjoying family, good food and wine!!
One of the finest pieces I have read on Substack, or anywhere.
Sigh (nice survey of men by a man, what’s missing)
Who are some of your fav women artists, JtK? Drop them in...its a conversation...
I have no real experience with arts value. In my own area, where arts main subject is waterfowl and all things related I've seen the artist name more important than the art. It's a pretty narrow avenue but with similar outcomes.
Tee Shirt: Be a Patriot - Buy Art
Defining "art" is a debate that has longer than the United States itself- and will continue to last beyond it, if it comes to that.
This is a total aside, but if you're interested in how Bobby Zimmerman left Minnesota, you might enjoy this interview with the guy who helped him head east to meet Woody Guthrie that I left on a hard drive for many years and finally released a few months ago:
https://youtu.be/i0XQzPEmXXA?si=pu6BPFOlaIMLQSVW
Sounds super interesting. I will check this out!