Fight...For your Right...

I think the theme of this blog, “We Have the Right”, is an important idea to keep in mind during this next Philosophy of Art Unit. As we figured out in class, it is near impossible to really answer the question “What is and is not art?”, and that’s understandable. People have been debating about their opinions on this topic for ages. I think it’s more beneficial to not try to put restrictions on what is considered art, but rather discuss what makes something “good” or “bad” art. Remember, we have the right to dislike or love any art we want.

For instance, let’s look at that portrait of Elvis we were making fun of earlier. I do not like this painting. I do not think it is good art. It elicits no emotion out of me, neither positive nor negative, and does not inspire me to even discuss it. HOWEVER. This is art. Someone had a vision and created this Elvis. Perhaps in the context of their work, it means more than what I see. But that doesn’t really matter, to me at least. I don’t like it, but I accept that it could totally move someone, or even blow their mind.

And then there’s Keith Haring. If you don’t know already, I love this guy. Almost every piece of art I’ve seen by him has moved me, affected me in some way. But his style is simple. He doesn’t use the techniques gone over in a fine arts class. Some people, because of this or other reasons, don’t consider Keith Haring’s work art, or they call it “bad” art. But I love it. I don’t agree with possible critics, but I have to accept their opinion on it. Because they, along with everyone, have the right to call something fantastic or garbage.