|
Marvin, how many Rembrandt's do you know?
Give me a break. Not only have I seen countless examples of miserable "modern" art, I've seen countless examples of miserable representational art.
Depending on the atmosphere of my surroundings I might choose to hang a Chinese watercolor on my wall over a Rembrandt or Vermeer painting ... but, of course, there's no way I can afford a Rembrandt or Vermeer...and I might build a house around them if I could. I'm sure that you don't expect most of us poor folk to live up to such exalted standards or call our work worthless if they don't.
You are right to some extent in that art is reflective of the times. But, you're throwing the baby out with the bath water! While we strive to reach for more, there's something wrong with us if we don't also appreciate "only" color and design.
I fully understand Picasso's fascination with African masks. I also understand Degas' and Cassatt's fascination with Japanese prints. Art reflects the context within which the artist works. The artists I mentioned integrated their influences into their work ... just as we're all integrating the camera and modern sensibilities into our work.
It's inevitable. In the hands of fine artists this will result in fine work.
|