Responses from my concern.

I posted my concern.

I asked the following questions: 

Do you understand the issue I have?

Do you agree with what I have said?

What are your views on this topic? 

These are some of the responses that I have recieved:

Mandy Meadows.

Do you understand the issue I have?

Yes, I guess it is very hard to classify Art in that what someone thinks is brilliant – others say ‘my 5 year old could do that!’

Do you agree with what I have said?

Generally speaking yes I do. If I took a picture of my unmade bed, would anyone be interested.

If I encased half of an animal in a tank – would people call it Art. If I produced a Rothko type piece of work – would people say I was a genius & give me space at the Tate?....I don’t think so!

What are your views on this topic?

You do have to deal with the fact that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Art will always be subjective and I guess that’s what makes it special.

John Evans.

Do you understand the issue I have?      Yes

Do you agree with what I have said?       Yes

What are your views on this topic?        

1. I think sometimes how much an artwork is appreciated by the public depends on how well the piece is talked up – like the infamous pile of bricks at the Tate. If you put a pile of bricks in the Tate and call it “art” then it immediately gets recognition and therefore a big price tag.

2. I agree with you that, if an artist has already made a name for himself for producing good art, he can just splash some paint around, give it a fancy title with an intellectual write up and make a fortune – but I’m probably just an old cynic.

Lesley Wicks.

1. I understand the point you are making and that you consider some artworks to be of less value to you than others and that the ‘name’ is what sells the piece rather than the ‘quality’ of production.

2. I agree with some of your arguments, but appreciation of art is very subjective and what you like and appreciate is probably very different to what I like and appreciate.

3. Firstly, I hasten to add that I am no art connoisseur, I just know what I like and don’t like when I see it. I am no fan of what I call conformist art like Constable or portraiture, I prefer artists like Dali, Lichtenstein, Rothko, Bridget Riley and Pollock. Whereas I appreciate the skills required to produce a traditional portrait or landscape I gain less pleasure looking at these than a piece of art that allows me to immerse myself in it, whether in pursuing my own interpretation or just enjoying the combinations of colour, texture and shape.

As for the cost, then yes I agree the sums involved of many artists’ works are hideous. However, this is the same as in many other areas of life. Antiques - some might be classed as old bits of junk – gain high prices if two people want them and will outbid each other. Whilst we have this huge divide between the rich and the poor, the rich want things that no one else has and are willing to pay silly money for them and this excludes the likes of us. Is it right that Wayne Rooney and the likes are paid more per week than most of us earn in a year? I am sure there are other brilliant footballers that are as good that get nothing! Whilst we live in a capitalist society which is money/profit/greed driven then we are just going to have to get on with it – or start a revolution!!! Let me know if you are up for it.

I have lots of pictures on my walls at home and some I have had for a long time. Some we bought many years ago by a young artist just starting out. Not sure if they have ‘made it’ but I know I have had years of pleasure from their work. Many of the pictures are prints that cost a few pounds. Am I bothered that they are not originals – not really because they give me pleasure. In pride of place over my fireplace is an oil painting done by Simon Gray a past student (spookily he came into school today to see us) and I so enjoy looking at it. That was very cheap as I paid him the small sum he was asking – in fact the framing was what cost so much!

Josephine Kelly.

I agree that some prices that paintings sell for are crazy, but you need to look at the wider picture in the history of Art. Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Damien Hirst and other artists who did something original and sometimes shocking changed the way we look at Art. With out characters like them Art would be very boring! A lot of people just like realistic artwork, but Artists need to keep experimenting with materials and breaking visual barriers. Also you need to remember that many, many artists are producing work and selling for much less money.

Sarah Sheppard.

I completely agree and understand where you are coming from Amy. I have been to many art galleries and exhibitions over the years and have noticed famous names and their work receiving much more money for their work than newcomers or newly established artists. I once saw a painting which literally was a white canvas with three paint splats of colour, red, yellow and blue (a two year old could have done better!) I can’t now remember who the artist was but they were well known. This painting was on sale for just over £2000!!!!!!! In my opinion it was a load of rubbish.