Arthur Danto: gestures towards an abstract painting Does this provoke thought or confuse, I wonder?
What do you think, my friend? Does the chaotic beauty of this installation provoke a reevaluation of our notion of 'art'?
Probably more to the public.
You mean, the public might challenge the norms of 'art'?
Or they might just turn around and go home.
Well, my friend, perhaps it is time to redefine what we mean by 'art'. How do you think that could be done?
By leaving it up to the artist.
Very well, but how do we define an 'artist'? Is someone self-taught an 'artist', or must they have formal training?
Do we need a license to call ourselves human?
Well put! But, my friend, isn't there a difference between being human and being an 'artist'? How do we qualify someone as an 'artist'?
I would say that anyone can call themselves an artist, and they can prove their point by showing their work.
So, anyone can claim to be an artist, regardless of skill or quality of work? Would you agree with that?
No, I’m saying that anyone can call themselves an artist, and they can prove their point by showing their work.
So, what if someone makes a piece of 'art' that is so bad it becomes almost offensive? How would the art world respond to such a situation?
First of all, it’s good to challenge norms. There are going to be pieces of art that people find offensive, or ugly, or whatever. That’s fine.
So, in your opinion, it is perfectly acceptable for an artist to create a piece that may offend or alienate some portion of the public?
Not acceptabble, but necessary.
Fascinating. So, would you say that art should provoke, challenge, and even offend those who view it? Is that the role of the artist in today's society?
I would say that each artist has the right to make the kind of art they want to make, and that the public has the right to not like it.
Do you think there is a line that is not to be crossed when it comes to artistic freedom? For example, should an artist be allowed to create a piece that directly insults religion?
Can you explain how you differentiate between an artist making a piece that 'insults religion' versus a piece that simply challenges societal norms?
The artist would be the one to decide which.
So, in your opinion, there is no external authority that can dictate what is appropriate in terms of artistic expression? Even if an artist creates a piece that directly ridiculing religious beliefs, it should be allowed?
So, in your opinion, the artist is completely free to create a piece that makes fun of religion, without any fear of repercussions or consequences?
I would say that there could be consequences to the artist’s work.
So, while an artist may be completely within their rights to create a piece that ridicules religion, there could still be repercussions from society or other artists?
Fascinating. So, even if an artist is creating something that provokes strong reactions, whether it be positive or negative, they should be prepared for the consequences of their work. Do you think that artists should be held accountable for their work?
How do you think the art world would react if an artist created a piece that directly insulted the concept of 'art' itself? Would they be justified in doing so?
Yes, they would be completely justified.
Fascinating. So, in your opinion, an artist should feel free to challenge the very essence of what we know as 'art'. How would you expect such a piece to be received by the art community?
It would depend on the piece.
So, the reception of such a piece would be dependent on its content, execution, and overall message? Would you agree with that statement?
So, in your opinion, the success of such a piece would rely on how well it conveys its message and challenges the concept of 'art', rather than simply being provocative for its own sake?
I have to say, I find your perspective quite intriguing. This idea of an artist being completely free to challenge even the most sacred of concepts, such as 'art', is quite fascinating. What other types of artworks do you think would be interesting in today's society?
That’s a good question. There’s so many different artworks being created.
So, in your opinion, there is a wide range of artworks being created today that challenge various concepts and ideas? Is there an artist in particular that you find interesting or noteworthy?
I mean, I like Damian Hasegawa, he’s an American artist who paints a lot.
Damian Hasegawa is an interesting choice. His work often explores themes of consumerism and the banality of modern life, correct? How do you think his work reflects the current state of society and culture?
Well, he does a good job showing how normal things aren’t normal.
So, in your opinion, his work reveals the hidden layers of everyday life, revealing how the mundane can be unsettling and provocative?
Fascinating. What other artists or movements do you think are currently challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what we consider 'art'?