1. In section II of the reading, the author writes of reproduction being
the cause for the decay of the power and importance of the original. I
have seen great critics of many art mediums show images of Rothko
paintings, (photos and reproductions) in an educational setting to give
example of the work, only to later say that no reproduction could
capture the subtleties, or the brilliance of the originals. The
originals still hold this mysterious power, but the reproductions serve
as an example to those who haven't been fortunate enough to travel to
the gallery where the originals remain. Is this decay? or a Teaser?
Furthermore, the originals, no matter how well kept, are literally and
physically decaying in real time...How can reproduction or photography
be cause for decay, when they are the only things preserving them in
real time? The only things exposing the world to truly historical
masterpieces?
2. In section VIII of the reading, the author
compares and contrasts film with stage performed plays. There is mention
of the lack of interaction with an audience in a film, whereas, in a
play, the actors can freely interact with the audience to make them feel
like a part of the production. Film is spoken of negatively in this
context. Without the audience left to interpret the performance, but
simply being along for the ride...is that not a more pure form of the
artist's expression?
If there were such a thing as 'optimistic decay', the idea of reproducing objects to stand in place of extinct ones would likely be it. Maybe a truthful thing here, but all things tend to decay. Kind of a humorous thing about life. The reproduced object is alluding to decay for sure, but the best kind. Haha.
ReplyDeleteThere is that conundrum that the audience is the final 'collaborator' in an artist's work. It is often not complete without final observation and critique of the crowd. The artist's 'intention' may be more pure in this regard, without manipulation of critique. But expression would emphasize that there should be a reaction to the expression (the output, and who gets the expression). It is there I may say purity relies on both parts artist and audience.