December 18, 2002
fear battles fear battles fear
Alright, calling especially all artists and arterinas out there! The [black "FEAR" box] story has been bugging me since I first heard that a subway station had been evacuated on account of what was obviously an artist's installation.
What do we think about Clinton Boisvert's art project?
[This link includes a picture of one of the 37 boxes.]
And what do we think about the take of The New York Times chief art critic, published today?
I'm witholding my own thoughts for now, partly because I haven't finished assembling them yet.
Posted by james at December 18, 2002 5:16 PMHappy Birthday, James!!!!!! :)
via Bloggy :D
I think the NY TImes article is accurate in its artistic judgement, if a little too generous to the artist as a person.
I do think he knew exactly what he was doing, and is yet another in a long line of self-aggrandizing artists looking to get well-known by doing "provocative" stunts.
My roommate, a classmate of Mr. Boisvert's at SVA, says he's known for being a character with an extravagant personality.
Was it art? Maybe.
Was it good art? No.
Not good art? I disagree. Personally I believe that one important aspect of art is to challenge societal norms and the . Currently the US government, as part of its war on terror, is creating an atmosphere where individuals are unable to distinguish between legitimate threats to our safety and bullshit. Viewed in this context, a work of marginal artistic merit by itself, becomes, I believe, a much more important piece by calling attention to how insane and fearful Americans have become.
Posted by: hellx at December 20, 2002 10:35 AMEdited version:
Not good art? I disagree. Personally I believe that one important aspect of art is to challenge societal norms and the government. Currently the US government, as part of its war on terror, is creating an atmosphere where individuals are unable to distinguish between legitimate threats to our safety and bullshit. Viewed in this context, a work of marginal artistic merit by itself, becomes, I believe, a much more important piece by calling attention to how insane and fearful Americans have become. As far as subway art goes, I had more reservations about the artistic value of this.
