Josephine may be partially right to suggest that artists working with new
media are more involved in the analysis and evaluation of their work than
conventional artists because they are engaged in constructing a different
artist/audience relationship. However, I suspect the main reason they have
been engaged in critiquing, curating and contextualising their own work is
because the conventional art world has ignored most of new media arts
practice. As the professional critics, curators and theorists were not doing
this job then the artists had to do it themselves.
This has changed somewhat when, from the early 1990šs, a small and dedicated
group of theorists and curators emerged who could carry this Oburdenš.
However, I am sure most people would agree it hasnšt changed enough
(although leafing through current mainstream arts publications like Flash
Art or Frieze I am happy new media arts is not associated with the current
Ocapitalš circus that is the mainstream art world).
There is no harm done to the artists who have had to assume the
responsibility of critiquing and evaluating their own and others artwork. If
anything it has sharpened their thinking (and improved their spelling). I
encourage all my students to be active as critical writers and curators on
arts practice, not only those working with new media but in all disciplines.
I see that as essential to being an aware artist.
Regards
Simon
On 10/9/08 10:20, "Josephine Bosma" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> stand next to the work to 'explain' it seems a bit amateurish to me.
> Only an amateur would think all art can be understood at first
> glance. In 'traditional' art circles art works were explained and
> contextualized by critics and curators, in catalogues, exhibition
> papers and in newspapers. The tendency in new media art to involve
> the artist in this process should maybe be seen in the light of an
> increasing importance of the artist audience relationship. If the
> artists prefer critics to be the sole opinion-makers of their works,
> then by all means: make the installation and then go home to read
> the newspaper.
Professor Simon Biggs
edinburgh college of art
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www.eca.ac.uk
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