[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Taz's Master

In regards to the clothespin statue, is scale the determining factor?

Good question. It's absolutely a major factor. Look into Claes Oldenburg and his contemporaries if you are interested in what these artist were doing within the context of the art world that they worked in.

I wouldn't believe you would accuse the production line at a clothespin factory of being staffed with artists, even if one got stood on end outside of a public building. Can experiencing the subject of a work of art be as artistic an experience as experiencing the work of art itself, and if so does that make the subject art?

In some instances I'd say yes; regarding Oldenburgh's clothespin sculpture I'd venture to say that that appreciation of the form of the clothespin was not his objective.

As far as performance art is concerned, is a Willie Mays catch, or a Ted Williams swing artistry on the same level as ballet or opera? If you answer no, would it be appropriate for me to conclude that you need to spend more time learning to appreciate the history of the artist and the significance of his body of work?

Another good question. I'd say that the two are on the same level in terms of athletic prowess. But performance art isn't competitive or a game.

I see using a Mays catch or Williams swing in a performance work or a dance as a creative use of that which is familiar and understood in the context of sports. Baseball fans recognize the beauty of the athletic prowess of its players and probably "balletic" would be the last adjective to enter most (not all) of their minds - and might question or laugh at its use in that context if they new nothing about ballet.

On the other hand, one might not even know what baseball is, see a performance or ballet wherein the motions of Mays catch and Williams swing are incorporated and appreciate it purely in dance terms. If they were familiar with and interested in the performance or dance form they would most likely be interested in knowing how those movements came to be incorporated in the work - and probably wouldn't (though some probably would) question or laugh at their use in that context, i.e., one might find its use creative and clever whereas another might deem it pedestrian and detracting. I think if those two examples were to discuss their different takes, it wouldn't involve insults being tossed back and forth and both would have the possibility of their perception being changed.

Does this adress your questions in a reasonable manner?

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