Realism

In your own words define realistic art.

Realistic art is a depiction or representation of an ideal or object that is easily recognizable or translatable, despite the setting in which it may be placed.

How does Plato define good art?

Good art is that which is impersonal, belongs to the state and embodies correct moral values without any interference or alteration.

What would Plato say about Koon’s artwork?

He would have banished it from his ideal society, the works may fit into the concept of realism, but the subject matter would have been atrocious to Plato.

In your own words, how would Aristotle define good art?

It engages our attention and emotions almost as the real object or objects would, and that it makes the viewer think about the way in which it has been presented. Having function and fulfilling a purpose, in addition to possessing symmetry, proportion, harmony, size and order all contribute to this engagement of the viewer.

In your personal philosophy is “obscene art a contradiction of terms? Why or why not?

Personally, if the work was intended to make you think, it could still be seen as obscene by those who view it. My threshold for what I consider obscene and beautiful is pretty high, but I have seen some art pieces that didn't make me think, they instead made me feel a little sick or made me want to just walk away from it, holding my interest in no meaningful way. Although this was some time ago, I think that similar images might still affect me the same way. So I could not say that it is a contradiction in terms, instead, it describes accurately what some people are trying to capture or display.

Are vivid sexual images more obscene that vivid images of violence, poverty, display of extreme wealth or sickness?

I think that for me, violence and the results of violence bother me the most, including when it accompanies sexual activity, a close second would be graphic representations of illness.

Find an artist on The Drawing Center’s Viewing Program Web site that relates to your drawing for this project. How does there art relate to your concept, subject and style?

I think Steed Taylor is a good example of what I have chosen to attempt. His subject matter and style are close to what I want to try to convey so far as identity go, and I think the ideas he has for bigger pieces being used as tattoos for the city streets is interesting. The tribal or gaelic influence was part of what drew me to his work in the first place, and while he uses other materials for his larger pieces, his use of graphite is what I will likely be drawing from, though I may try some other elements to better capture my ideas.