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Lesson Plans


Re: is anyone out there?Bill's still here.

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
taylorh (taylorh)
Tue, 9 Jun 1998 11:04:16 -0700 (MST)

While you take no risks in your choices, elwood, each of those artists you
name took major risks... as did Calder. Your list suggests that art might
be a late 19th early 20th century invention with a few historical
precursors. Still, its as valid as that of a friend of mine who won't
consider much of anything after 1699. I can see his point... the era
between 1699 and 1850 is pretty bland, risk-free, and uninventive over all
with few exceptions (grand though those may be).

Sounds like maybe you already KNEW Calder was peripheral before you asked.
:)

A peripheral Calder doesn't work for me, but I'm sure there are hundreds
of people in the world who agree with you and millions who never even
heard of him. You are in safe company.

So, OK, there are artworlds where Calder doesn't count, just as there are
worlds which discount Rembrandt or Picasso or Donatello.

I tend to think that once "the cat's out of the bag" there's not much
chance of getting it back in. Once someone's generally accepted as an
artist, like Calder you can argue respective merits; say, "Calder is less
inventive or challenging than Bueys." But, Turner is IN and Calder out? A
waste of breath maybe.... or maybe not... I just don't recall a headline
like: "Klein ruled NOT an artist! Artworld in shock! --details page 4."

I can't say Calder is a heavyweight, but compared to Turner, Nolde or
Leger? Please! :) It's fun to chat about tho. cheers...

-henry