The Definition Of Art: Shock Factor?

That is not art. Just lust. Nothing to do with art. Like voyeurism gone mad

This "craftsman" by definition agrees!

Indeed a "masterful" artist.

LOL!

art is not the be all and end all.... being an artist does not make you above the rules or make you allowed to be unethical coz 'it's art' That is a fallacy created by people who just want to break rules like that man. It does not make anyone anything other than a dirty old man with a paint brush....definitely does not make someone a better artist

LOL Edward

Well said Isabella...hopefully this view of art is just another passing fad much like the lude crude reality shows that have everyones attention while great stories are collecting dust on the shelf waiting to be told if anyone would take the time to pick them up ;)

I never waste my time to look for the definition of art and don't care what others think what I do is art or not. I just do it.

Well said Alfred...and your art shows it. Its beautiful

The definition of art ?

Searching for an acceptable, defining description of art, I am strongly drawn to the familiar phrase, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. He or she who beholds an admirable creation, - be it by the hand of mankind or the word of God, the object created is from the best part of the mind and heart of the artist. With an interest from within, they feel the great desire to make art. Art could be on the wall of an ancient cave, or a painting in a world renown museum, or an infinite number of variations of works between. Art is not a necessity for the body, such as nutrition, yet for many it is a necessity for the mind. When one has a burning passion to create, and if they, or anyone finds it pleasing, it is art.

For me painting and drawing is like music,I don't think to much when I'm listening to Rachmaninov or Bach,I cant play the violin but I know It's a work of a genius and a beautiful mind and soul that created that great work of art.I don't think that anyone can create anything great,every great artist can see something that is beyond the human eye,and when they see it,they create a work of art so we all can see what they see .That tells me not everyone is a great artist and that God open blind eyes.

The idea that paintings and sculpture need to be beautiful in order to be considered "great art" causes me some concern. My use of the term great art includes the work of musicians, painters, filmmakers, and journalists and shock factors are usually great at engaging the audience. I am interested in the work of formally trained and self-taught exhibitions in renowned and/or on neighborhood streets. The concept for judging art should be that it creatively communicates to audiences with experiences or ideas within and outside individuals or societies, and attempts to recreate the future of our world at large. Unfortunately, public expectations for art have been exhaustive and somewhat annoying. Very few people in any society grasp the complexity of the role of the artist or the potential influence of art on people. Even more rare are artists that are able to express possible roles they might play especially when trying so desperately to sell their work.

One thing I would like to say about the shock factor and art for intellectuals is that some of this type of art is very thoughtful while the opposition is thoughtless or shallow in philosophy. I'm not sure we need to judge what is art, but only why we are affected or why a creative expression might have an effect on our being. The shock factor amazes me and I suppose all of us should be looking for that shocking bit of expression that gets the reaction of those around us, rippling as waves outward toward the few that might be wanting to invest in our creativity. Gosh, I love having a conversation with myself. (tired/frowning)

The shock factor amazes me and I suppose all of us should be looking for that shocking bit of expression that gets the reaction of those around us,

Why?

I guess that to be valid as art something has to stimulate other people's minds in some positive way. Looking up skirts doesn't do that. A few decades ago there was a lively discussion about whether chess was an art; as a player of modest skill I would say that in the hands of some masters it certainly is - one thinks of Tal's romantic sacrifices, where moves that seemed irrational quickly created all sorts of amazing dynamic possibilities.
I don't believe that shocking people makes something artistic (which seems to be the view of the Damien Hurst school), but if the shock creates awareness, understanding and appreciation of something that the observer finds worthwhile then it probably is artistic. Of course, awareness, understanding and appreciation can also be achieved without any shock being required at all - the paintings of Constable or Rembrandt don't shock but they are undoubtedly art.

I would have to agree with Alfred.

"Why"
Good question...Answer: not sure. (Small laugh)
(Pause)
I'm awed by a painter, writer, photographer, etc. that can create an incredible work ranging from beautiful to gross and the work impacting people enough to buy the work. It seems like good business. On the other hand: When I look at what people around me are buying; it's more conforming type. A good example is boards with short catchy phrases, earthy toned flowers, or fan based work, examples of this are paintings of football players, rock stars and Rottweilers.
I guess we just have to do what we do and see what happens. Shock is a good thing, and so is conformity depending on what either the artist or the market wants from other people and usually that is money.

heres what I gathered from my education. Applied art is a craft and whats created is something with significant useful function. Fineart is not seen as a craft....some fineart can have technique and method but its not a conistant part of it as applied arts. I was taught there is a definition of what art is. Art is a visual interrpretation that is coming from what we think or see. Conceptual art is difficult for some to view because its all about thought and is not visually attractive most often. What the man was doing was a sexual act.....in a twisted way someone could describe it as performing art but come on....really! Definitely trying to go for shock value...to get his audiences attention...and it worked......celebrities do it all the time......so in my opinion its really sad that this is how this influenced you.

Its up to the viewer(including the artist) to decide whether an art form is beautiful or not. Certainly there are authorities in the art world that may hold alot of power with there opinion. Unforunately when trying to sell art the opinion of your buyer suddenly matters......thats a hard pill to swallow cuz artists want to create for there own satisfaction.

Whoever said "Art" had to be beautiful? My philosophy is, "Art doesn't have to be beautiful, but it damn well better be interesting".

Wow, very interesting concepts LC and Brian.

The most important thing is to express your own unique gift.

Yes...brian no one taught me that art has to be beautiful. Before any art piece has a chance to be interesting it first has to capture the viewers attention. Then once it has the viewers attention the interesting parts keep the viewer into it to its climatic or end. Much the same as a novel/book...there needs to be a reason that some one will want to open up the cover and begin to read it. i don't recall books all being a beautiful story to be a great book

All of these incredibly heart felt and conflicting responses are exactly why I picked the paint brush back up!

Well I see that after I started to write about beauty,now everyone Is talking about it.Does art need to be beautiful? Well today when we look at a work of art,we see what we want to see,then you are a contemporary artist! Beauty use to be as important as truth and friendship.If you don't see life that way,your not a classical artist.You can be a Illustrator of traditional art but your not a classical artist.If you see life like an abstract expressionist,that is what you are,I'f you like the look of abstract expressionism but don't have the same mindset,you are a Illustrator of abstract expressionism.