Is there such a thing as bad art? If art involves the ability to express one's self does it mean there is a right way of expression? And if there is a right and wrong way of expression, then where is the freedom of expression? I think art is all around us, some may appreciate it, some may not. When the rain falls it’s neither good nor bad unless it meets you in a bad place or a good place. For art, interpretation is what people often use to define it. You hear a song and you think it speaks to you, perhaps it was because of a certain instrument, perhaps it was because of the voice of the artist, perhaps it was the lyrics, but then when you hear the song in a different style and you frown on it, not appreciating the person changing the style because you can not interpret it. This does not mean the song was good or bad, it just meant that the intent of the artist did not meet your expectations.
Photo by Henrik Dønnestad on Unsplash
One might see a nude painting of a woman and frown, another might see the same painting and become so emotional that they begin to tear up. This is because while one thinks the artist is promoting nudity, another thinks the artist is appreciating womanhood. Same painting, different interpretations. Only the artist knows what they were feeling at the point of making that work. This shows how expressions can be misunderstood, especially when it meets expectations and reality. I think audience and mentality also plays a vital role. There are art works I have deposed in the past that I have come to appreciate because I now have a better understanding. People tend to see things the way they wish, For example the nude painting will be seen by a religious minded person as temptation, sin and immoral. While others see it as pure artistry. The thing with humans is that once we believe in something, there is almost no changing our view about it. And while that can be very good at a point, it can also deny us from accepting the true work of art.
There were songs I was banned from listening to as a child because my parents labelled them as bad since they weren't under the gospel niche. But today, I listened to them and discovered how much lessons they have embedded in the lyrics which is even better than some gospel songs. For me the lyrics helped me understand what I think was the mind of the artist. For example the song “Forever Young” by Alphaville. Listening to that song makes me want to do certain things for humanity, because I am one who loves to write my name in the history books. And while many just listen to the song, I listen to the lyrics and appreciate the artist who motivated me to be better. I did not understand why the world celebrated the late Michael Jackson growing up, because my parents would not allow me to listen to his music saying they were demonic. But today, I listened to some of his songs and I was touched because I was able to see his music for what it is and appreciate it. This is what art is all about.
THIS IS MY RESPONSE TO HIVE LEARNER'S
PROMPT FOR WEEK 188 EPISODE 2
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Mehn, I'm among those that believe the message on an art work is not to be used only to rate the art. The artist should behave like an artist buy adding aesthetics to the core 😎
I agree with you that expectations is what brings about the take that an art is bad, all art are great in their own way.
Songs are one of my best therapy, the are capable of calming my mood and also making me excited