Hmmm. I'll check it out. But you should have another look at video art, if not digital (which i find a bit annoying). It can be really interesting and beautiful. As for Duchamp, I accept that he was a very important artist. I just find it difficult to actually ENJOY any of his art. Y'know? Not because its assembly or modern sculpture or instillation. For me, its just not even something I can even enjoy on an INTELLECTUAL level.
I think Northrop Frye once said "Artists tear down tradition to rediscover old truths in new ways". But as for artforms that get rid of the art object and deal only with ideas, like some Conceptualists of the '70s......how convenient! One can spout opinions, call them artistic statements ....and avoid being held to the same standards as a philosopher.
i can't stand digital, the college I went to had a huge digital art program and I was in painting, we had a bit of a rivalry...maybe i haven't seen any "good" digital art...who knows... and duchamp is brilliant. you have to realize that whether you find his works aesthetically pleasing or not, which i agree with you...a urinal turned upside down is not the most beautiful object ever, but still incredible...
Anything can be called art nowadays. This on first sight negative statement isn't to be perceived as such. Why reserve art for those that stick to tradition? Art should be something that evokes thought and pushes the borders of imagination. Yay for modern art. I have to say though that I don't visually like all modern art, minimal art for instance doesn't exactly flop my mop. But I love the innovativeness (??) of all artsists who created something nobody had ever seen before. Not just with modern art of course, also within traditional art (which is often more pleasing to my eye). We had a great teacher for art class in my fifth and sixth year. I should e-mail her.
