Subjectivity and Controversy
The way an individual perceives something is relatively subjective. Whether it be politics, religion, or art, the subjective nature of humans causes controversy in society. In art, people have an inclination to discover flaws; possibly contributing to the disputes that arise. From paintings to architecture, criticism is inevitable. In addition, artistic controversy is not a subject that has recently become prominent, but simply evolved with the change of time. Such controversy can be seen in works like Olympia by Éduardo Manet, Fountain by Marcel Duchamp, and even Tilted Arc by Richard Serra. Art is based upon personal interpretation and its subjective nature leads to controversy.
In 1863, Parisian artist, Édouard Manet, created a painting depicting a reclining naked women alongside her African maid. As simple as it seems, Olympia may be the most famous nude of the nineteenth-century due to the details of the focal point. From the slipper underline to her menacing glare, the painting suggests that she is a demimonde, or prostitute. The chiaroscuro draws attention to the figure, while her unwavering stare demonstrates her bold and dauntless demeanor. The fact that she, a courtesan, showed audacity hinted that Manet was humanizing prostitution. In addition, the maid seems to be presenting the women with flowers; possibly a gift from an employer. At the time, such scenes were not often depicted, and women were not supposed to be portrayed unless biblical or historical. Another controversial factor is the style in which Manet painted the scene. Modern historians associated his approach as almost childish. The art sparked controversy and led to an uproar as people attempted to destroy it. This simple work of art stimulated such controversy, despite its more or less straight forward theme. Manet's piece, Olympia, faced criticism and praise because art is completely subjective.
Another relatively disputed work is Marcel Duchamp's Fountain (1917). Submitted to the Society of Independent Artists, Fountain was denied admittance into the gallery, despite their constitution, stating they must accept all submissions. Duchamp's Fountain consisted of a urinal from a sanitary ware supplier, and the signature of R. Mutt inscribed on the exterior. Claimed to be 'indecent, and 'not a work of art,' it posed the question, "What is art?" Duchamp proposed 'that works should be hung by the artists' last names rather than according to the subjective views of individuals.' Consistently, the committee denied Duchamp, eventually resulting in the artist trialing the group's commitment to artistic liberty and expression. This piece altered the path of art as it broadened the spectrum for what can be considered art. Not only did this work of art spark controversy, but it displayed the theme of subjectivity.
The final piece introduced is the Tilted Arc by Richard Serra. The 120 ft. long rusted steel wall which bisected the federal plaza is considered one of 'the most notorious public sculpture controversies in the history of art law.' The initial purpose, Serra claimed, was to perceive the change of movement and accept it. Serra believed for an individual to truly understand the art, their realization of the shift in change is required. However, immediately did the Tilted Arc receive criticism as people believed it did not have a place in the plaza and that it solely lengthened their commutes. Numerous people attempted to rid the city of the piece or at least offer alternatives to change its location, but Serra claimed the steel wall was made specifically for the location and its removal would destroy it. Four years later, a public hearing was held and with a voting of four to one, the wall was divided in 3 and taken for scrap metal. While the wall completely altered the concept of public art, it emphasized what is appropriate for a public setting as well. The destruction of the wall, in turn, focused on the subjectivity of the matter, and its role in establishment of art.
Art is solely based upon interpretation, however, when opinions arise, controversy is born. Simple pieces transform into complex and overbearing debates. The subjectivity of art gives an individual a way to see it through their own eyes, but humankind’s inclination to dispute plays a major role in what is considered ‘pleasing’ or ‘acceptable.’ Art is subjective, and will be debated.
The way an individual perceives something is relatively subjective. Whether it be politics, religion, or art, the subjective nature of humans causes controversy in society. In art, people have an inclination to discover flaws; possibly contributing to the disputes that arise. From paintings to architecture, criticism is inevitable. In addition, artistic controversy is not a subject that has recently become prominent, but simply evolved with the change of time. Such controversy can be seen in works like Olympia by Éduardo Manet, Fountain by Marcel Duchamp, and even Tilted Arc by Richard Serra. Art is based upon personal interpretation and its subjective nature leads to controversy.
In 1863, Parisian artist, Édouard Manet, created a painting depicting a reclining naked women alongside her African maid. As simple as it seems, Olympia may be the most famous nude of the nineteenth-century due to the details of the focal point. From the slipper underline to her menacing glare, the painting suggests that she is a demimonde, or prostitute. The chiaroscuro draws attention to the figure, while her unwavering stare demonstrates her bold and dauntless demeanor. The fact that she, a courtesan, showed audacity hinted that Manet was humanizing prostitution. In addition, the maid seems to be presenting the women with flowers; possibly a gift from an employer. At the time, such scenes were not often depicted, and women were not supposed to be portrayed unless biblical or historical. Another controversial factor is the style in which Manet painted the scene. Modern historians associated his approach as almost childish. The art sparked controversy and led to an uproar as people attempted to destroy it. This simple work of art stimulated such controversy, despite its more or less straight forward theme. Manet's piece, Olympia, faced criticism and praise because art is completely subjective.
Another relatively disputed work is Marcel Duchamp's Fountain (1917). Submitted to the Society of Independent Artists, Fountain was denied admittance into the gallery, despite their constitution, stating they must accept all submissions. Duchamp's Fountain consisted of a urinal from a sanitary ware supplier, and the signature of R. Mutt inscribed on the exterior. Claimed to be 'indecent, and 'not a work of art,' it posed the question, "What is art?" Duchamp proposed 'that works should be hung by the artists' last names rather than according to the subjective views of individuals.' Consistently, the committee denied Duchamp, eventually resulting in the artist trialing the group's commitment to artistic liberty and expression. This piece altered the path of art as it broadened the spectrum for what can be considered art. Not only did this work of art spark controversy, but it displayed the theme of subjectivity.
The final piece introduced is the Tilted Arc by Richard Serra. The 120 ft. long rusted steel wall which bisected the federal plaza is considered one of 'the most notorious public sculpture controversies in the history of art law.' The initial purpose, Serra claimed, was to perceive the change of movement and accept it. Serra believed for an individual to truly understand the art, their realization of the shift in change is required. However, immediately did the Tilted Arc receive criticism as people believed it did not have a place in the plaza and that it solely lengthened their commutes. Numerous people attempted to rid the city of the piece or at least offer alternatives to change its location, but Serra claimed the steel wall was made specifically for the location and its removal would destroy it. Four years later, a public hearing was held and with a voting of four to one, the wall was divided in 3 and taken for scrap metal. While the wall completely altered the concept of public art, it emphasized what is appropriate for a public setting as well. The destruction of the wall, in turn, focused on the subjectivity of the matter, and its role in establishment of art.
Art is solely based upon interpretation, however, when opinions arise, controversy is born. Simple pieces transform into complex and overbearing debates. The subjectivity of art gives an individual a way to see it through their own eyes, but humankind’s inclination to dispute plays a major role in what is considered ‘pleasing’ or ‘acceptable.’ Art is subjective, and will be debated.
