Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Alistair > > So, my point is that several LUGers, let alone countless other > contemporary > silver halide artists, have work that stands, on any evaluation, head and > shoulders above His, and elevates the medium far more than Mr. Artless Art > ever did. But the dealers don't stand to get rich off their work since the > market is as yet unmade. The new work isn't 'promoted' and the medium gets > mired in the old cliches. Es claro? > You are entitled to this opinion. IMHO it is difficult to measure 'art' by objective criteria. The classic cliche is the white canvas with the red dot in MOMA and replicated in countless other museums etc etc. By my definition, the first time this was done, it made a statement and was by this measure modern art. On the other hand the tenth time this was done it is just drivel. The idea is that being the first, or among the first to do something weighs quite strongly in many circles, often more stongly than other criteria such as technical proficiency. HCB might not be your taste but he is widely considered to be a pioneer in his field and this weighs strongly. Merely taking 'better' (whatever that means) street photos using todays cameras, films, lenses etc doesn't cut it, in the same fashion that yet another impressionist water lily might not cut it. One thing that is wonderful about the web is that we are no longer dependent on a small group of publishers, art dealers etc, to get art published. Virtually anyone can create a web site and offer whatever images of whatever quality for viewing. For example, I first was able to view Ted Grant's work via a link on this group to his sight and subsequently have obtained his book (x3 I might add!). I don't own a book of HCB photos, nor do I have a print on my wall, though I did thoroughly enjoy the Washington Post show. Images such as Sarte on the bridge among, I did enjoy viewing. I get the sense that this is the original, and that photos done by others are the cliches. regards