Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Dying Breed

Artists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Caravaggio evolved from artisans to “masters” for several reasons but the most important was their effectiveness. The art was perceived by how effect it was. Whether it was effective for its controversy or for its ability to tell a story or please people it was all about how well they conveyed their message. Plus it was their unique style each artist had certain characteristics in their art that set them apart from others. If no one else could produce art as moving, or thought provoking as another artist the artist with the capability would get boosted in the realm of a “master”. Subsequently these men and others had abilities and skills that others did not so they were honored for what they produced because it was guaranteed it would be one of a kind.

The reason these artist were so popular was because artists with talent were fewer then there are today. This being the case it was easier to appreciate one artist if he was the best in his whole city or country. Now days there are some many people that can produce great art that it gets reduced in the wow factor. Plus today there are way more things to occupy your type with. Back then art was a way of entertainment, teaching, and manipulating. These days we have movies videos games computers and everything else that takes up our eye time. If you see really good art you say wow and move on. It’s harder to appreciate a good artist today because people have become more jaded and nothing amazes them. A person who makes a funny YouTube video can become more famous than an artist who can free hand a hypo realistic painting of a person. I am sure there are masters of art today. I am sure there is a man who can make art out of trash the best in the world but it falls short of other activities in one’s life to take up mind space. So in all there are masters these days, but they are not well known or not appreciated. There’s no time any more for “masters” it is not usually prominent enough in peoples’ lives to learn about.

1 comment:

Stephanie Lewis said...

So there's been a democratization of artistic ability over time?