Comments for About the Artist

Comment on A Walk with Charles Dickens by Charles Dickens was in better shape than me | 2 Think Good

Charles Dickens was in better shape than me | 2 Think Good — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:12:03 +0000

[...] without acknowledging that some 19th century writer with lumbago was more fit than I? Jane Smiley, Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema are clearly inveterate liars. Share this:ShareFacebookTwitterLike this:LikeBe the first to like [...]

Comment on Contemporary Art: How and Why by Bette

Bette — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:25:09 +0000

Your article on contemporary art is very timely with the opening of the MFA’s new Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art. I understand the concept that all art, at one point in time, could have been considered contemporary, as the neon sign created by Maurizio Nannucci states, and that art that is currently being created is contemporary, is indeed work created in modern times. Malcolm Rodgers, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA, states that “Contemporary Art is the art surrounding us.” I believe that the statement, “all art has been contemporary” is flawed also, and do I dare to take it a step forward, and say it is false. I agree with Derek that the word art is being overlooked. I feel contemporary art is a creative process, that an artist has worked very hard at mastering his own unique style of craftsmanship and should not be clumped together with all other artists, past and present. Marcia brought up the question, are we using the term too lightly? I feel that we are. I am slowly learning to appreciate contemporary art, mostly through the sculptures. A contemporary piece of work can be so simple or way out there, and you may see it as only bottle caps and foil, which are favorite mediums that the Nigeria -based artist,El Anatsui likes to use. One of his well-known works, “Black River,” is an impressive wall hanging with lots of bottle caps. This sculpture is hanging in the new Contemporary Wing of the MFA. El Anatsui’s use of bottle caps symbolizes the alcoholism in his country and the use of alcohol used in trans Atlantic slave trade in the history of Africa. An article written for the Clark Museum of the Berkshires, describes “that Anatsui’s immersive sculptures tell of stories of consumerism, waste and colonialism under the cloak of beauty.” When one looks at contemporary art, it may seem way out there, but if you study it closer, one can find there is usually a very grounded message within. The contemporary artists have a style of their own, just like the Impressionists and other styles of artists. A very thought provoking and informative article!

Comment on Contemporary Art: How and Why by Marcia

Marcia — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:33:05 +0000

The abstract ‘open mind’ type of art continues to flourish, even though so many people say they don’t like it, but enough art collectors must feel differently and the prices for it keep going higher and higher. Many people think contemporary art is only like your examples above, mostly abstract. But you’re saying all artists painting right now are contemporary, right? Even Andy Wyeth’s work (died two years ago). Can the terms be used lightly? For example, if Modern Art is from around 1880 up to 1960-70’s, can many still be working at it? Or are they automatically called postmodernist even though their work is way ‘out of the box’? I’m remembering now that the style I am usually drawn to is called contemporary realism.
For another New England stop, the ICA in Boston is celebrating its 75th anniversary as we speak!

Comment on “Shall We Dance?” Art and Function by Contemporary Art: How and Why « About the Artist

Contemporary Art: How and Why « About the Artist — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:15:18 +0000

[...] more insight, check out ‘Shall We Dance?’ Art and Function (November 2010). You can learn more about each museum by clicking on the art displayed [...]

Comment on On Craftsmanship by Contemporary Art: How and Why « About the Artist

Contemporary Art: How and Why « About the Artist — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:15:13 +0000

[...] the influence of long-term constraints like materials or deadlines? Perhaps a high level of craftsmanship? All may be signs of classicism. Of course, as the phrase “long-term” suggests, the [...]

Comment on The Power of Deadlines by Contemporary Art: How and Why « About the Artist

Contemporary Art: How and Why « About the Artist — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:15:10 +0000

[...] piece of contemporary art that shows the influence of long-term constraints like materials or deadlines? Perhaps a high level of craftsmanship? All may be signs of classicism. Of course, as the phrase [...]