Are There Any Valid Criticisms? (aka Kalessin's Rant)

[Lush]

Agreed. I would, however, draw a distinction between being cynical in life and being cynical in art. The problem is that modern critics have forgotten that the purpose of art is to entertain. When you start thinking that art must 'say something' about the real world, then the distinction between philosophy of art and philosophy of life breaks down.

Aiwendil, this is a well-made point, but there are certain weirdos out there (like me), to whom, the philosophies of art and life are forever interwoven. It's like this: I breathe, I eat, I sleep, I think, I art...That was trite of me. But I'm sure you get the point.

Have you ever noticed that most people think that misery and suffering is what makes literature and art "deep"? As if unhappiness and despair is where all the deep stuff is! *snorts with contempt* It disgusts me and proves how superficial they are, as well as how little they really know.

Yes. I do however believe that it is misery and suffering that, by the peculiarities of human nature, allow us to appreciate beauty and joy, as well as make us grow as human beings.
What I truly hate is the fact that our culture seems to have turned sadness into a fashion accessory. I am tired of "the tortured artist, black beret in his untidy hair, paintbrush dripping black paint onto the canvas, cigarette in the corner of the twisted mouth, cocain dusting his little sister's powder-compact mirror..." Ugh. They have turned human emotion into a bleak, unpretty Gucci ad.

...Once again, excuse my trite language. I'll be better next time. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[ April 04, 2002: Message edited by: Lush ]