For a history class we have been doing a lot of readings about the Russian intelligentsia and how artists were significant actors in this movement. Our real focus was on the role of the artists in pre-revolutionary Russia. What I took away from the readings and discussions was some pretty interesting stuff.
The intelligentsia artists of this time, 19th century, began experimenting with modern abstract paintings and established Russia as the avant-garde in the art world. So like most “modern paintings,” they didn’t make any sense. This is exactly what the artists intent was. They saw their social and political situation as so ridiculous one could not see it as anything but. This is why they painted in this manner. Not only then was their abstract painting a reflection of their opinion of the state, but it served the purpose to as well build a revolutionary consciousness in the minds of the people.
If the people were admiring abstract qualtities to be art, what then did they consider the “older” styles of art that were once exalted. This transition in art was to mark a transition in social outlook on the politic. What was once supported and esteemed could no longer be seen in the same light.
Analyzing art in this sense makes it a hundred times more interesting. It makes me wonder though what can we take away from this given situation to art in the present day. What is our art saying about the world and what does it want us to see. Honestly, I would argue nothing. Most of it is all capitalist propaganda or advertising, pretty colors to catch your eyes, and messages to make you buy things. Don’t many art students become advitisors? Don’t advertising agents research the psychological effects of colors on peoples emotions so that they can attract the most attention.
Shits crazy man. I don’t even like to think about how “art” is exploited for profit.
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