Art
Not 'Real Art' – The Sheridan Press
It’s funny how our egos can churn a simple statement into a personal affront. An artist quoted as saying he doesn’t paint cows because it “doesn’t mean anything,” offended the part of me who’s insecure in my lack of formal artistic training.
In my mind I defended my work — that while my art is not about social injustice or political statements, people experiencing it relate to the emotions they feel in my expressive animal paintings. Aesthetic work, though bucolic or banal, can still speak through the way it’s expressed.
Then I found myself thinking, just like that artist: “My paintings say more than art of the ____ style.” Sonja, you’re such a hypocrite! Don’t we all do this at times: place our work and ourselves on a sliding scale of assessment against those we regard as above or below us in our particular preference? If not with what we create, we likely do this in some manner with our appearance, occupation, income, religion, political beliefs or social standing.
Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” If our self-worth is based on where we or our work stand on the scale of public opinion, we’re missing the point; likewise, if we’re judging others on this same scale, we’re missing experiences that will help us relate and grow as artists and as people.
Many artists prefer art which lies close on the spectrum to their own style, or what they are striving for in their work. People identify genres they consider “not real art.” We’re all biased for or against particular styles of art, just as we are with music, books and food. Some people see “love and joy” in my loose, painterly works, yet many others, especially in this area, prefer photorealism, merely tolerate my work, and disparage more modern, or abstract art. In another part of the world, the public opinion would be flipped over.
I’m grateful to live in an area where cow paintings are appreciated, to make a decent living creating what some consider “not real art.” But instead of placing my work on a mental hierarchy against work I don’t appreciate, I can explore what the artist was expressing. Instead of agreeing with and indulging people’s biases, I can help them understand art they don’t favor by pointing out qualities that make it “art,” and thereby aid viewers to experience and accept a broader world of artistic styles. They don’t have to like it, but I can encourage them to search for meaning in it.
Knowing that as artists, our art won’t please everyone, we shouldn’t disregard any artist’s work or genre until we’ve seen it in person. I didn’t esteem Mark Rothko’s work as “real art” until I walked into a room of his large color field paintings at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. Personally experiencing the extreme emotion of color on large canvases spoke volumes, compared to the boring little strips of colors on pages of books, that didn’t say or mean anything to me.
If instead of categorizing it “not real art,” we sought to personally experience art we don’t like or understand, it could broaden our minds to trying new foods, music, books, and, in turn, reduce our need to fit in, judge or compare ourselves or our work to others.
Sonja Caywood is a local artist in Dayton.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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