> Pall Thayer wrote: > >> > I have never had a problem with using the word digital to describe >> > what I, and others, do. However, I have often had a problem with >> > the word art. Too much baggage. I prefer to concern myself with >> > epistemology and ontology rather than money and fashion. > > I don't know if you're being sardonic but I think rejecting the term > art is a bit extreme. If you really prefer epistemology and ontology > OVER art, then wouldn't it make more sense to completely disregard > the often cryptic method of presenting ideas in an artistic, > audiovisual manner? The inclusion of the term "art" provides context > that may suggest meanings that go beyond merely what is presented at > the surface. It invites personal interpretation that perhaps warrants > a more aesthetic attitude than other types of material. Art is often > composed of fragments of ideas whereas theoretical/philosophical > essays take a more complete and concrete approach. The way I see it, > there's a huge divide between the two. One conveys ideas, the other > suggests ideas.
I am not rejecting the term art just problematising it. I would argue that ontology and epistemology are traditional and compelling subjects for artists and that artists are well placed (as you observe) to engage such subjects in fresh and challenging ways (not being encumbered with the requirement to be right). Mind you, philosophers are not required to be right and one could argue that since at least Hegel (and perhaps Hume) the role of the philosopher has moved from that of determiner of what things are to that of poet. As such, philosophy has become an artistic activity. I agree that Oart¹ offers a context for practices that would otherwise be difficult to maintain. It allows an engagement with things that can be personal, even whimsical and contrary, that is almost impossible by other means. I agree that art does not need to be coherent that it can be fragmentary and inconclusive, as artists are not required to reach conclusions or produce explanations. I just dispute that art need be about making things for other people to value and exchange. Regards Simon Simon Biggs Research Professor edinburgh college of art s.bi...@eca.ac.uk www.eca.ac.uk www.eca.ac.uk/circle/ si...@littlepig.org.uk www.littlepig.org.uk AIM/Skype: simonbiggsuk Edinburgh College of Art (eca) is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC009201
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