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Archive for December, 2011|Monthly archive page

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Power Lines

In Art on December 31, 2011 at 1:49 pm

Boston

Photo taken in Boston by Denis Tangney Jr

The imperfect.

Is it art?

Many artists would emphasize the fact that all art is imperfect. It’s well-known “the greats” would’ve gone back and made changes to their masterpieces if they could, or if they didn’t stop themselves.

But what about for instance, photo-shopping out power lines?

In our arts discussion group this question came up when the topic of the month was Nature Photography.

I was struck with Denis Tangney’s wonderful photographer’s website, finding the above beautiful shot of … power lines.

He also has some wonderful ones of alleys with dumpsters. Yes, they look beautiful somehow. There are evocative ones of quiet side streets and then there are some great ones of the more traditional postcard variety, of city skylines with lovely water reflections.

The thing is, when I travel I have longed to remember along with the main landmarks, those very side streets and alleys that you experience and see when you visit a city, but of course there are never any good photos of those in souvenir shops.

Check out Denis Tangney’s photographs and see what you think:

www.baystatephotos.com

Photo taken in New York City by Denis Tangney Jr

~ HR

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Landscape Sculptor

In Art, Nature on December 1, 2011 at 7:22 pm

Still Photo of Rivers & Tides documentary taken by Margot Harrington (www.pitchdesignunion.com)

Andy Goldsworthy loves to play outside.  The landscape sculptor can be found tossing armfuls of snow or dust into the air for the wind to take away.  Or flinging iron-rich mud balls into a river and watching the resulting red, underwater explosion.  He uses sticks to create spider-web-type structures.  He builds with rocks and leaves.  Always keeping an eye on the surroundings encircling his creations.  Aware of what’s underneath.  He also works with clay, sand, ice and snow.  Almost always out of doors.

~ HR

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Performance Art & Flash Mobs

In Art, Life in Society, Music on December 1, 2011 at 12:38 pm

The Hallelujah Chorus in the Food Court one.  The “Doe, a Deer” one, dancing in the train station.  What is it about these flash mobs that moves us?

I think part of it is a breaking through of the disconnect that we experience in large public spaces, or maybe in life.

Also, it’s a gift.  From the participants to the watchers.  A raw, pure form of art in that way.  Free, meant to give pleasure.  The participants (artists) practice and refine their creation.

The other thing that I can figure out , is that it invites involvement.  Formal boundaries between “artist” and “audience” are blurred if not obliterated.  There’s an implicit invitation to participate.

The watchers are a part of it.

People are free to smile, videotape, cover their mouths in shock, or dance.

Some people run away, too, I think.  Or are confused and leave.

What do you think?

What about the sneaky, surprise element?

The second one of these was a kind of publicity stunt.

Food Court Hallelujah Chorus

Train Station Do Re Mi

Plus there’s the element of the unexpected — both location and activity.

Or are these “smart mobs?”  Which are “mobs” and which are performance art?

What about the disruption of business or normal public activity?

Evidently Germany has outlawed them.

~ HR

By Spike Dolomite