Whether a child or adult, every visual artist has probably heard, “What’s (or who’s) that supposed to be?” If you’re lucky, with a little explanation, you may get an “Oh! Now I see!”
But… well…should you have to explain, draw a diagram, or provide a cross reference? Is Art a mind game?
Art is highly subjective. It can be unifying, provocative, decorative, functional, or offensive. Beauty, we’ve all learned, is in the eye of the beholder. So is an epic fail.
I don’t know how many times I’ve created drawings or paintings just for myself; just for the sheer pleasure of doing the work. I didn’t always like what I saw, and had the will, time, and ability to make changes until I was satisfied. If someone else likes it, that’s a bonus. If they don’t, does it matter? It’s my expression; my interpretation; my feelings, and ideas. It’s, after all, not for them. They don’t have to look. But what about Art that’s not just for my enjoyment or consumption? What if others have no choice in whether to engage? Do their feelings as viewers count?
When it comes to Art, who’s the target audience? Who has input? Who’s been consulted? Who has to look at it? What’s the artist’s intent? If it’s a commission, doesn’t a patron already know what they’re likely to get?
All of that matters, but there’s nothing like public art to drive home the fact that you can’t please everyone. When someone makes a decision that will impact many, they should prepare for everything from acceptance to backlash.
People bring their tastes, experiences, preferences, education, and opinions to Art. They also come with their eyes, and it’s hard to unsee what you saw, no matter how it’s explained. Sometimes, though, the artist doesn’t see until a thing is brought to his or her attention.
Does an artist care more if a piece is liked or understood? When a piece becomes a source of ridicule, negative criticism, and scorn, did the artist fail, or is a win for jumpstarting art-based conversations?
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