I refer to the recent news about the European Commission not recognising light works created by Dan Flavin and Bill Viola as 'art'.
That basically means the galleries will have to pay full VAT and customs dues on the 'light fittings'.
A shrewd loophole of gaining some revenue by arguing point that is clearly ridiculous maybe?
Article in the Art Newspaper below:
Moving on from the monetary aspect here, I love the fact that the term 'art' still cannot be defined.
Ok, yes granted, some contemporary 'art' can be frustrating for some people to see a stack of bricks and asked to look at it as a piece of art when for them an oil painting is the preferred more obvious choice.
But therein lies the beauty of contemporary art surely. The very raising of the question, opens up the debate for people to look at things in a different way, a new inspired way that they would otherwise look over.
Spotting a concept, beauty, an idealism, a political comment all from one object or installation and presenting it back out to the public gaze has got to be a craft in itself surely?
Without art, or indeed to be more specific creating an image, sculpture or film to briefly make you stop look listen, feel, and/or react to life would be pretty boring.
We aren't just practical beings. We have an imagination, we dream, we aspire to a better future. And so we use art as a way of expressing that.
Not everyone will like it, and glad to hear it. It only opens the debate further, which can only be a good thing.
I think there is some pieces out there that seem to be a pretentious attempt to intentionally alienate the audience or art viewer and appreciator. It can become therefore elitist. And really then what's the point. If you're expressing something, why would you just want the only person to understand and appreciate it to be you??
Anyway, those light fittings were intended as a piece of art by the creator so surely its not up to the EC to decide whether they think should be deemed 'art' if its turned off or on.........
It's a debate we'll all have for centuries to come I imagine. And its with great thanks to the EC! They have highlighted a lovely piece of 'art' to a wider audience to enthuse, discuss and enjoy! Not their initial intention I'm sure :)
