“Art for art’s sake.” The statement is inherently solipsistic. And in a survey of the art considered to be “modern” it must be admitted that solipsism is a distinguishing characteristic of the “modern”. In music, in sculpture, in painting, in architecture, in literature; we find the same stamp. This does not mean that it is bad, and of course the best of it is quite good; but if it is solipsistic, then it is solipsistic: and it is obviously and blatantly solipsistic. What interests me is the phenomenon of the genius of a culture turning in upon its self, and becoming its own subject matter. When art no longer serves truth, beauty, and good; should one not ask why? And for that matter what was ever in it for culture with that “truth, beauty, and good” thing anyway? Is there any reason that it should not be abandoned?
At present we exist in the so-called “post-modern” era, but the solipsistic narcissism of the “modern” era has inoculated the popular mind. There is a navel-gazing element awakened by modernity that must be assimilated if culture is to advance beyond self-worship. Art cannot but express the seething flux of human aspiration, and perhaps the “modern” period is the cultural equivalent of the adolescent’s rebellion against the constraints to will imposed upon individuals by the dictates of society.
If so, then it is a milepost on the path of cosmic maturation. And when we have become the future we will look upon these creations as charming mementos from our rambunctious youth.
Bad Art
a lot of people these days don't trust themselves to know bad art
well, you can always tell bad art
because it needs an essay to prop it up
and a crowd of boot lickers and apologists to appreciate it
At present we exist in the so-called “post-modern” era, but the solipsistic narcissism of the “modern” era has inoculated the popular mind. There is a navel-gazing element awakened by modernity that must be assimilated if culture is to advance beyond self-worship. Art cannot but express the seething flux of human aspiration, and perhaps the “modern” period is the cultural equivalent of the adolescent’s rebellion against the constraints to will imposed upon individuals by the dictates of society.
If so, then it is a milepost on the path of cosmic maturation. And when we have become the future we will look upon these creations as charming mementos from our rambunctious youth.
Bad Art
a lot of people these days don't trust themselves to know bad art
well, you can always tell bad art
because it needs an essay to prop it up
and a crowd of boot lickers and apologists to appreciate it
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