> Hopefully I didn't scare anybody, or was not too abstruse. The writer gives
> for granted that _painting_ is an ancient technique (tecnica antica, this is
> what he says), and is talking of two performances that took place at a
> gallery at the opening and closing of the exhibit. I was quite surprised
> that painting could be considered _ancient_, and was asking the List if you
> agree or disagree.
"Ancient" as in "been with us for a very long time" - yes, of course it is!
I don't agree that painting is out of date, not really with us any more,
a thing of the past. But I don't think "ancient" usually means that
(although it may do in certain contexts).
If that is what you need to say, perhaps you need a different English
word: "antiquated" is probably the specific word for that meaning,
but it doesn't have a very nice sound, if that matters.
There's "antique", but then you get "antique technique" - don't know if you
want that rhyme. Also, I always think of furniture and old clocks when I
see "antique". "Vintage", perhaps? Not as derogatory, but a much looser
translation, I guess, and would bring in associations of wine and
cars and who knows what else.
I hope that's of some use, Anny.
We still get a lot of good painters around here.
Some of them using very ancient (Aboriginal) techniques,
others using more recently invented methods.
Janet
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Janet Jackson
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www.arach.net.au/~huxtable/janet
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