Does art have to be pretty? Can the grotesque become beautiful if made into art?
A significant part of most artists is an insuppressible urge to speak through their art. Sometimes what needs to be said isn’t attractive to everyone; it may even be repulsive. If it gives someone, somewhere, pause for reflection- that is a very real measure with which to weigh the value of an art piece. Look beyond the aesthetic.
I often have the urge to express my feelings about the human condition, society, relationships, people in general. People are bizarre creatures. I get angry at times, disgusted, sorrowful, enlightened, awed, amazed, humbled. I’m not very political; I come more from a spiritual point of view. This side of my work often gets raised eyebrows and “I don’t get it”s or “oh, you’re one of those artists…” I personally don’t feel that any of my work has ever been offensive, nor is it meant to be. It is always merely a commentary. The beauty of it may depend on the viewpoint of the individual.
I used to be afraid of negative opinion/judgement/rejection when it comes to my art making. The freedom to follow passions and fascinations where they lead is very liberating, and I am finding that as off-the-wall or strange or unattractive as art can be, someone, somewhere, will get it. That’s when art really comes to life.
artboy68
The grotesque looks quite ugly in the real life, but it’s really different when it’s made into art. It looks really fantastic and breathtaking – in my view.
Agreed! Thank you for sharing.
I believe art has a lot more to do with how you think rather than with what medium or what style you express that with. It does, by no means, have to be ‘pretty’.
And I agree, art is cause for pause. Haha! That rhymes!
Amen! and I like the rhyme…
Well said– and that was an inspired title for your post! : )
Thanks Mark!