Just the thought makes me itch —

On the way to work this morning I happened to catch a news bit about seven artists that purposely caught lice and were living in an Israeli Museum. Initially it just seems stupid and I can understand why the majority will say that this is in no way Art. My husband turns and asks me what I think — first I should clarify that being an Art Lover that I often will do the research to say defend the purpose behind it or to at least be able to show an understanding. My first thoughts were yes this is stupid, and silently I know that this is just not the ‘whole’ story.

One part that they left out was that the theme that the Museum was presenting was about hosting: How to express hosting as Art. What many people forget is that Art is and has been since the Stone Age a representation of human life. Whether that representation is about how we lived or what we hunted — how trade was enabled — how religiously we are all influenced, persecuted, divided — how political influences effect the life we are used to or the life we must become used to — how as a society we have become spoiled, corrupt, desensitized. So, what is my final decision on this form of Art? It is Art — Art is an ever-changing metamorphosing ideal and so is Life.

This quote came from an article I found on BBC News:

Milana Gitzin-Adiram, chief curator of the Museum of Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, said: “Art is no longer just a painting on the wall.

“Art is life, life is art.”

Art has never “just” been a painting on a wall contrary to what Milana Gitzin-Adiram has stated. Art has always been a representation of life and vice versa. This is not a new concept by any means, and could often be noted that this sort of comment is an excuse to say something is Art. Art is what we make it out to be and nothing more. Whether it is classic Art or outrageous Art, it is what we as a people as humans make it.

One of the big questions throughout an Art education is: “Who decides what is Art and what isn’t?” Simply, the people who take the time to take notice, the ones that appreciate. Keep in mind that appreciation can have critical undertones. Not all appreciation is of a positive nature. I for example do not care for 19th century impressionism, but the standard everyday person loves it, and that is due to the commercializing of the Art that has taken place. However, I do respect the technique and the reasons behind impressionism the representation that it makes of that slot in time.

Be sure to read the linked articles below before forming your own opinion:

BBC News

Reuters