Why workmanship matters!

In my previous posting, I touched on how contemporary art these days, seek to set you thinking. Basketballs half afloat in tanks, diamond-laden human skull, and a glass of water on a shelf, they maybe ordinary looking. But hey, their million dollar price tags are enough to make you stare in disbelief! Buyers say that these works are thought-provoking, plus a fantastic concept, therefore justifying the hefty price-tag.

Three Ball 50/50 Tank by Jeff Koons

An Oak Tree by Craig-Martin (you're right! its a glass of water on a shelf)

New York Times has also highlighted that works like these lack the skillful craftsmanship but are revered for the hidden story, concept or whatever you think it represents.

For The Love Of God by Damien Hirsts

Ok, so I did an online search for the idea behind these works. Let me quote a description on the skull above.
For the Love of God is a life-size cast of a human skull in platinum, covered entirely by 8,601 VVS to flawless pavé-set diamonds, weighing a total of 1,106.18 carats. On one level, the work is a traditional ‘Memento Mori’, an object that addresses the transience of human existence. ‘The skull is out of this world, celestial almost’ writes the distinguished art historian Rudi Fuchs. ‘It proclaims victory over decay. At the same time’, Fuchs continues, ‘it represents death as something infinitely more relentless. Compared to the tearful sadness of a vanitas scene, the diamond skull is glory itself.

Hmmm, perhaps I’m too superficial, but am I the only one who fails to understand the million dollar story?

To me, an artist should possess both the skill and brains to create an aesthetic object that relates to audiences in a meaningful manner. A work is not profound if it says a lot but can be created without years of painstaking practice. A case in point would be Rabbit (1986) by Jeff Koons. Contractors manufactured the art and Koons originated the concept. Neither will it be truly outstanding if it’s only a pretty piece of work (honestly, there are too many pretty looking arts in the market already). So substance is as important as mastery.

That is why I’m in love with a 9-metre long imaginary landscape by Wu Bin (1537 – 1620) showcased in Asian Civilisation Museum, Singapore. That is about 2/3 the length of a public bus, not an easy feat to complete. The fine and delicate work will leave you in awe. And it relates to almost everybody who sees it. (sorry for being unable to upload a picture of art). The beauty is timeless. I can look at it 50 years later and still be impressed at the artist’s level of technique. I’m not quite sure if the buyer of Three Balls 50/50 Tank will feel the same? In all honesty, I hope he will, considering how much he paid for it.

The complicated contemporary affair

There was way too much information, and my notes were scribbled on every handout. I was alone, no one to turn to when I need clarifications (Shannon had OT at work), so I had to be extra attentive and yes, I sat in the front row! I’m referring to my art lesson #3: Contemporary Western Art held at the Singapore Art Museum.

Contemporary art is hot. We hear of how contemporary art in China fetched millions at auctions. Back in its heydays of 2007, price levels reached dizzying heights. So what do you think of when I mention contemporary? Mao Zedong-inspired art?

Top: Wu Guang Yi (Untitled, 1986) Bottom: Yu Youhan (Mao/Marilyn, 2005)

Contemporary art, simply put means art of our time. To be more specific, it refers to art from 1960s onwards. It’s different from modern art which classifies art done in end 19^th century to 1950s. Contemporary art is unique because of this era it represents. As technology advances, artists enjoyed the abundance of outlets for self expression. There’s internet (hence internet art and computer art), video camera (media art) and camera (photography).

It also marked the beginning the –isms art movement, development of cubism, futurism, minimalism, surrealism and many more. Interestingly, all these terms were used by art critics in the past to sideline works that did not fit into art of their times. Little did they know that these –ism names were to become common terms decades later!

Lets talk about three interesting categories of contemporary art which started in 1980s/90s. While I was exposed to many more, I chose these three because of the extra dose of humour and entertainment it brought. Well, art can be serious and fun!

Yves Klein (Leap into the Void, 1960)

1)      Performance art. This is different from performing art that we know. Performance art is where the artist participates in the art itself. An example is Yves Klein Leap into the void (1960). The guy you see in the picture is the artist. He wanted to convey that human beings are influenced by gravity. (ok, I hear the ‘duh’ coming). It was his effort to denounce NASA’s lunar travel. The essence of performance art is how it will not be repeated. It’s done once only. Unlike performing art which has multiple runs.

Josepth Kosuth (One and Three Chairs, 1965)

2)      Conceptual art is based on the concept that art can exist as an idea. It does not have to be in the physical realm. So the idea matters more than its physical identity. Yes, this means you got put on your thinking caps! Ok, this genre isn’t for lazy thinkers like me. But I got to share One and Three Chairs (1965) by Joseph Kosuth. You see three chairs. On the left, it’s a chair printed on a medium. The centre is really a physical chair. Right shows the definition of chair in dictionary. It can be perceived differently, no doubt. But essentially they are all chairs! Josepth Kosuth is potraying how perceived ideas can vary when in fact they are the same.

Pop art by Andy Warhol

3)      Pop art sprung to represent mass production and excess consumerism, which grew exponentially in the 1950s. We see everyday items being casted as art. Campbell soup, coca cola and more. Back then, critics found it offensive and thought that it was pure commercial art. Now, would Ipod find its way to Sotheby’s or Christie anytime soon??

Another pop art by Andy Warhol, notice how every bottle is unique?

Do you notice something about contemporary art thus far? They are not always pretty looking (I don’t think I will put an art like Leaping into the void on my walls – baring the fact that it is a collector’s item). Rather, a contemporary artist has a higher propensity to make you think about, to intellectually know something and question them. And to encourage you to put yourself in their shoes to feel their thoughts. So the next time you come across a piece. Slow down, look and understand before you dismiss it.