Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/12/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 12/8/03 11:36:11 PM, pklein@2alpha.net writes: << The revolutionaries of the early-mid 20th century knew what they were rebelling against. I'm not sure many post-1960s artists do. It is one thing (and, I think a good thing) to say that content dictates form. It is quite another to say that lack of form dictates content. It is a good thing to do something new and different. It is quite another to do something completely incoherent, guided only by libido, ego and self-indulgence, and claim that anyone who doesn't like it is an ignorant Phillistine. >> Incoherent to whom? This thread started with someone complaining about images that were fantastical/not based in reality, but not incoherent. And what's more, what's wrong with libido driving art? You Luggers do have sex in between using Leicas don't you? No one on this list is driven by ego? And self-indulgence? Good god, this is a LEICA list. How much more self indulgent can a group get? Who knows what art is. It's kinda like pornography in the the viewer knows it when they see it. But art is art to different people. Some folks think photography isn't an artform, that it's more an exercise in technological craftsmanship. Some people think that the only valid artform of photography emerges from the temple cult of realism....whatever the hell that is. I don't know the definition of art photography. Maybe the broadest definition of art photography is any aspect of photography that isn't documentary or realistic. But however one choses to define it, I do know that indulgence, vapid imagery and empty mission statements isn't just limited to that realm that dares to push the definition of what photography is or has been. Be real. There are a goodly number of "traditional" photographers who fall into the same hollowness as those in the "art" realm. Personally, I don't care either for those who call themselves artists and who are merely intellectual masterbaters, all gimmick and no craftsmanship or content. On the other hand, with all due respect, if one is seemingly unable to see beyond the tip of their nose as it relates to other ways of seeing and reflecting the world, then if not a Philistine, one certainly might be rightfully perceived as narrow-minded. Kim - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html