The article is based on an online discussion between Village Voice art critic Christian Viveros-Faune and VG art critics Martha Schwendener and R.C. Baker asking the simple question: “If an artist had something important to say about the world, would anyone really listen?” The discussion has grown into panel discussion groups around the city over the last few weeks, attracting concerned individuals from all walks of life.
Although I believe that more dialogue bests less dialogue every single time, I am a bit perplexed and "whateva'd" by the overall strategy implemented by Occupy Wall Street - Occupy Museums movement.
I commend the artists/critics/bloggers who have been integrally involved in sorting this out and look forward to following the progress of the OWS - Occupy Museums effort.
Here is the comment I left at ArtFagCity regarding the post:
"Some critics label the entire OWS movement as one big art performance. I suggest that different art forms such as performance, relational aesthetic, and fluxus art, help to primarily facilitate the evolution of ideas, philosophies, and strategies within OWS itself. Therefore, art is still primarily art and protest is still primarily protest. The "crossover-conjecture" discussion between art and protest holds merit, however, the "world of art" operates as a smaller entity within the larger socioeconomic and political structure OWS wishes to address and change. Based on this rather specific interpretation, OWS Occupy Museums may be better off spending the bulk of it's time and energy by focusing and collaborating on the more major issues concerning OWS, starting with big business, big banking, and the inability of governments to represent the 99%. Otherwise, OWS Occupy Museums may very well be remembered as being rather short sighted and self serving for focusing on "art-centric" issues of oppression as related to museums, auction houses, and art galleries which in the long run, will probably never substantially effect the hearts, souls, minds, and well-being of the 99% majority in the United States and around the world."
Your constructive thoughts and comments are appreciated.
Lastly, in order to limit further confusion regarding various OWS groups and splinter organizations, I am posting a link to the offical OWS - Arts and Culture Group page which keeps an updated blog roll as to the OWS art and culture related activities.
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