Art for our sake: four

I don't generally go for art history or philosophy of art but an interesting discussion of how art and life reflect each other is to be found in Dana Stewart's Art is Life or Life is Art? The narrative begins with the Oscar Wilde quote: "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Dana's article explores the ever-developing relationship between art and life from the ancient, classical, renaissance and modern eras.

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The Artistic Visionaries of Omni Magazine

This work I find intriguing. I recall the 1970s, among other things, as a time when there were many artists producing popular, mass media work to adorn album covers and illustrate sci-fi stories. Omni magazine (which I never read but sometimes sneaked a peek at copies bought by my elder brothers) was a mass media outlet for some of the work of these artists. This AI-generated article charts the careers of four such artists and their work was indicative of the kind of thing I mean. If you are into sci-fi, you should know about these artists and their vision. If you wonder how AI can help produce subject-specific feature articles, this is a good example. Incidentally, I have written a series of articles about AI and the writer, including AI: Your new writing buddy?

Another fascinating article from the same author: Guccione: The Visual Artist has also been generated largely by ChatGPT AI application. With articles of this quality being produced by a chatbot, I am glad I don't rely on writing for my main income!

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Why the Waves Still Collide With the Shore

What attracted me most to this story was the choice of artwork. It is clear that Gina C. is quite keen on the works of Michael Parkes, an artist I had not come across before. Looking at this image, I can see an allegory that is erotic as it is mythological, and powerfully captivating. This enchanting image is one of an embrace in the fashion of a Chagal or a Klimt. An ethereal loving, one that combines earthly love with a love that rises to a higher plain. The story Gina C. weaves reflects this mysterious vision too.

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graffiti

Act of vandalism or instrument of social commentary? Beyond The Walls by Judith Akabs discusses the power of graffiti. "Beyond the tags and murals," says Judith, "it carries messages of empowerment, societal commentary, and a celebration of artistic freedom." This, combined with the power of voice, the importance of impermanence, and fostering a sense of community. After all, what is the painting of the Sistine Chapel, if not an upmarket graffito?

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Having just been looking at some of Frederic Remington's work, I was delighted to come across the following article.

From Canvas to Legend: How Frederic Remington Immortalized the American Frontier, by James Roger, tells the fascinating history of Remington's art and how it was driven by his desire to capture the spirit and essence of the American West. His paintings and sculptures, James tells us, depict cowboys, native Americans, soldiers, and wildlife, each telling a story and evoking a sense of adventure and awe.

I had chosen the above image for one of my draft articles and this painting, in particular, does highlight Remington's fascination of the frontier land and its peoples.

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Finally, readers might like to see this article I have written and just posted, based on a talk I gave at Tate Modern in London where I volunteer as a visitor host.

Looking up at art: Lichtenstein, Whaam!

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Previous editions in this series:

• Art for our sake
• Art for our sake: Two
• Art for our sake: Three
• Art for our sake: Four
• Art for our sake: Five

More articles about Art

Thanks for reading!

Ray Taylor, July 23 2023