Monday 5 October 2015

Good art, bad art


Good art is entirely the creation of the artist. He does it all, from foundation up. He invents the ingenious plot, complex characters, clever twists and brilliant ending. He is impeccable, with his half-hanging scarf and with that wistful expression in his eyes. You are his audience. You are there to admire him. 

Bad art, however, is different. It’s not just about the artist. Bad art is about you. Because as you watch an appalling film or listen to a stomach-churning symphony, your whole body writhes and turns at every failure. So that you carry the burden, the gift, you take part in creating that monster. In other words – the artist failed, but you are his accomplice.