Dobiecki - Art

The Trouble With Art - Addendum

I am not trying to say that certain things should not be allowed into the realm of “art”. I believe that artists and creative practitioners as a whole have a duty to their world and to themselves to practice restraint. To develop and progess ideas until they are truely worthy of being called “art”. To assess, reassess and reinvent an idea over and over until it is the best it could possibly be. That is how art will regain it’s dignity. Not through enforced critera, but through each and every artist taking responsibility for their contribution to the art world.

The Trouble With Art.

I think it’s fair to say that in the process of creating “art”, and associating myself with the idea of being an “artist”, I often feel purposeless. I feel distanced from the art world, in the sense that what is now considered art, the criteria for identifying a “work of art” has been broadened with the pretentious diplomacy that could only exist amongst the middle-class and the smug.

But then, if we were to have strict classifications for what art is, we’d be limiting the production of artwork, we’d be putting a cap on creativity, surely? Well, not neccesarily. Everyone can create art, from drawing a stick figure on a desk, to painting a masterpiece, taking a beautiful photo, performing a monologue. Don’t worry, I’m going somewhere with this.

The problem is people taking themselves so seriously. Alison Knowles’ “Make a Salad” (http://www.aknowles.com/salad.html) which comprised of her making a giant salad for the patrons of the Tate Modern to consume. While this performative act is interesting, and delicious, it’s pointless. Yes, it references the Fluxus movement. Yes, it’s a gathering of people brought together by the experiencing of an event and while it MAY WELL BE ART, it doesn’t mean it should be.

Why is this piece art? Because it fits no other purpose? Because there is no gallery that displays “mildly interesting shit”? Presenting a banal piece of work in the context of an art institution is really becoming a bad habit of the contemporary art world.

We need to regain common sense, get used to calling stupid work JUST THAT. Call it stupid, call it fucking abysmal and SAY that you don’t see the point, instead of hiding behind praise for the work for fear of being excluded from the “intellectual” art world. Fucking hell, if Vitto Acconci can mastubate under a gallery floor and present it as an artwork, then I think it’s well within my scope to call that act fucking pointless.

I don’t know. I’m debating switching my university course, I don’t know if I want to be a “pure” artist. I like creating work with purpose, with direction, with something other than simple “it’s interesting” or “because I want to”. That’s why I enjoy photography and lenscraft, the purpose behind it. Taking images that arebeautiful,not just interesting. Something that evokes a sense of wonderment, loneliness, joy, desperation, ANYTHING. Just something stronger than “eh. Cool.”

You know?

Anonymous asked: Hello! I admire your work, everything looks immense. I was just wondering what camera you use? I'm a keen photographer, and im looking to upgrade my shitty olympus for so ething half decent, and your photos come out clear as shit, they look class! Thanks!

Hi there. I use a Nikon D90 for my photography.

If I’m honest, make sure you know the mechanics of a camera before you go looking to upgrade. I spent 3 years using a relatively low-end panasonic DMC before I upgraded. Be sure that the camera you are purchasing is what you NEED in order to realise your photographic vision, if you’re hoping to increase the quality of your pictures sheerly on the fact that you have an expensive camera, you’ll be sorely disappointed.