Art for Art's Sake

I have to say this because I have so many artistic friends:

I have a problem with people who think art needs to conform to “moral standards,” so to speak. I think a lot of strict Christians and fundamentalists totally miss the point when they go out of their way to demoralize or interrupt art. Because, in retrospect, it enhances the message of the artist, which completely undermines the goal of the Christian protest altogether.

For example:

It’s one thing to critique, to criticize and to disagree with the artist in question. It’s an entirely different thing to try and wreck the artist. Or the experience for other people. Now, if it were a movie, and people left, I would understand that. The artist is probably back in Australia or California or Mexico doing something totally unrelated to the movie. But when it’s a live performance, I totally don’t understand the mass disruption protest. As the performer in the video says (and I paraphrase), “Maybe you should have found out the content of the show before you attended.”

Same thing goes for book signings, poetry readings and exhibits. You have every right after the performance/event to write a scathing review or to comment on the art in question. You don’t have the right to deface the art or the artist in question. What the Hell has happened to well-mannered religious people? If anything, they are the rude pricks that really deserve to feel crapped on.

NOTE that I’m not exactly advocating that all crap that is passed off as art should be appreciated, either. That’s an entirely seperate rant.

The video is Invincible Summer by Mike Daisey. I’ve watched a lot of his improv’ed work and he’s funny (and makes a point). I would encourage you to explore art beyond the principle.

*CROSSPOSTED ON MY LJ*