Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I am surprised about the many negative comments about the list of art auctions. The noted art historian and critic, Edward Lucie-Smith, wrote in his "Visual arts of the 20th Century", 1996, about Gilbert & George, Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman and Andres Serrano as the few photographers (artists) he would recognize as representative of late-20th photography, We may not like the direction that current photographic art is pointing at. But it would be a bit strange if we would ignore what the art world at large is appreciating, even if it does not suit our personal taste. I am personally very impressed by Maplethorpe, but feel unqualified to remark on his stature or rank. The world beyond the Lug-limits, has its own momentum and dynamics and I presume that we all could enrich our thoughts and views if we were to see beyond encrusted habits. But we can always question the authority of Lucie-Smith (wwhat does he know about photography?) -:) Van Gogh was ridiculed in his life as an insignificant idiot, who tried to emulate true painters, who knew best. Erwin