I have always thought about this question for a very long time, just that my own question wasn't well placed as this, I feel this prompt best put it in the best way. Is there really anything like bad art? I have always asked myself that question anytime I see a painting that looks somewhat or hear a song that kind of sounds offbeat. I had to take my time to answer this prompt.
What is art? In the most simplest form, art is expression. And that is what we will be building on to treat this prompt. When it feels words can't carry what we want to communicate, we often go the art way, either through song, drawing, movements, stories and the likes. So, when we say art is expression, and expressing is personal, than can it (expression) truly be wrong.
So, when we tag it "bad art," don't we also think it's just an art we don't understand. There are certain drawings we see at times and can't find a meaning to, we see it as a mess, but it might be full of meanings, it might not be perfect, but what of the pure emotions behind it. As humans, what we judge and refer to as "bad" at times isn't, it's just due to our understanding or taste. The fact that we do not like it doesn't mean somebody else won't, the fact that it's not communicating to us doesn't mean it's not to someone else.
And I know some may argue about that fact that beyond emotions, art is also about skill, and I very well agree with that. Take a song that's been and in an off key way for example, it's obvious people won't really enjoy it, same way a drawing or painting can have deep meanings, but might look somehow if the artist hasn't practiced certain techniques. So, I think the thin line is the fact that art cannot be bad, but it's execution can be a little somehow. Expression and skill should work together, because if one goes without the other, it would be hard to grasp the message or see meaning it, that way, we often term it as "bad."
What we need to always remember at all times is the fact that we all start a thing from somewhere, artist starts from somewhere too, and we can't deny the fact that great painters, writers and the likes once made strange shapes and writings that didn't flow so well too. Creativity has everything to do with with making mistakes and growing/learning. And every art we term "bad" is part of the growth journey.
Something I have come to realize about the art that people often term "bad" is the fact that they (the art) later get loved and celebrated, talking of certain paintings, sculptures and certain styles of music, there are some that weren't really accepted when it first came around, people call it "bad" but no ,it is being celebrated. What changed? That particular art did not change, the way people learn view/see it did. So, I feel the term "bad" we use mostly is due to the fact that we are yet to know, grasp and understand the language of that particular art.
What again can we liken art too, what can we say that art is again? Mirror, yes, art is like a mirror, it reflects the artist work while showing the viewers perception at the same time. What you see is dependent and where you stand. I remember seeing a picture sometime ago, a number was written on the ground in-between two people, the first person was seeing the number 6 while the other person claimed it is 9, judging from where both of them were standing, none of them is wrong, it's just because of where they were standing.
So, I don't think art can be "bad," art can be misunderstood or unusual though. Because, as long as the art carries a feeling, tells a story or ignite some thoughts, then it has done it's work...expression. But then, while expressing, artist needs to be mindful/careful of what their work communicates. It is not meant to destroy, harm or insult, but it should communicate truth, be thoughtful and also inspire.
All pictures were generated using AI.
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STOPThanks a lot buzzy...
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Thanks buzzy.
The example with the number 6 and 9 was brilliant. This was such a thoughtful piece!
Yeah...
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Well said dr. The fact it means nothing to us, does not mean it is without meaning just that we lack understanding of what the artist is trying to pass.
You nailed and summarized it all in simple terms🥰.
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Thanks a lot.