Dumb.
We've been calling ourselves apes for years. Now we're shelling out more cash for art by a dead chimp than dead men.
By now you've all heard the sale of artwork by Congo, a chimpanzee, for $25,000 at auction. (Here's a link for those who haven't: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=864843). Congo isn't alive anymore. He died of tuberculosis in '64. But while he was alive he produced a bunch of paintings. And apparently, Howard Hong, the American bidder who purchased the works, thinks they fall in the category of 'modern and contemporary painting'.
Hogwash.
I am an artist. I segued into graphic design as a way of providing reliably for my family. But my roots are firmly planted in painting and drawing. I've worked hard to develop those skills. And now Hong is telling me that this chimp's artwork is worthy of a $25,000 check.
There's an old saying. It goes, "Any monkey can do that." It means the task is so simple that it requires no thought and simple skills. If that is what it takes to make 'modern and contemporary art', count me out.
2 comments:
Remember the Austrailian? art display that had "modern" art by artists alongside pictures painted by elephants (or apes?). No one could tell the difference.
That's a perfect explanation of what I'm talking about. Do you have a link about that 'exhibit'?
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