Arts pick: what is the role of the artist?
Published by Becky S March 24th, 2005 in philadelphia, art reviews, favorite
Today’s art’s pick questions the role of the artist in our society.
The symbolism—namely the palette and the sword—is straightforward and represents the subject’s uncertainty and turmoil. This figure, an artist himself, faces a difficult decision: should he use his skill to create beauty, or should he wield his talent like a sword, using it to destroy the flimsy façade of a material society immersed in shallow pop culture?
The simplistic, good-versus-evil color scheme used to craft this image belies its underlying ambiguity. Not only is the role of the artist uncertain, but so is the role of the viewer. As we gaze at the painting, the smiling figure gazes back, perhaps assessing us as potential subject material and silently alluding to an impending role reversal. The mood of confusion and uncertainty is further underscored by the imprecise medium and painting technique.
Overall, this work of art, on display at Philadelphia’s Yard’s Brewery, is a valiant exploration of the artist’s psyche. Recommended.
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Huzzah!
Maybe the mood of “confusion and uncertainty” is brought about by the most difficult question - which Yard’s to drink?? Mmmmm - tavern ale. Is it to early to have a drink?
What does the hat mean?
It is 8:40 AM and too early to think about drinking anything but coffee!
Check back around lunch–maybe it will be time for a Yards. I’m thinking it’s an ESB kind of day; as you know, The Love Stoudt is not vegetarian
Clair, the hat means that the guy’s head is cold.
I want to know what happen to the ants? I miss them already.
I thought the ants freaked you out? What about some crutches supporting a phallic object or two?
I’m glad the ants are gone, myself. They sort of made the place look messy — like you’d spilled sugar everywhere, or dropped some cookies behind the couch or something.
Yeah, the ants were getting my nerves. Also, they didn’t fit with the whole spring, happy, happy, joy, joy theme.
Instead, I put up some links to cute hedgehogs and puppies.
Well, the ants may have freaked me out, but now that they are gone I miss them terribly.
Ah well, as long as you are happy, happy I won’t complain. Much.
I notice what appears to be a bead of sweat trickling down from the artist’s fedora, which underscores the mood of confusion and uncertainty that you discern in the picture. Yet his wide-open stance, with his legs and arms extended to their fullest reach, and his happy-go-lucky smile perhaps indicate the following sentiment: “Sword? Palette? Who cares, as long as they keep giving me free beer!”
An astute observation, Matt–you have obviously been to the tasting room at Yards!
the palette also functions as a shield for the artist. it protects him from painful interactions. letting him function as a documentarian rather than participant.
and I think the hat symbolizes the different hats the artist must wear. he must be an artist, yes, but he must also be a “proper” businessman if he is to make a living from his work.
or I’m projecting.
I think he’s just auditioning for Spamalot….
Are you guys sure that it is a palette? It kinda looks like a giant chocolate chip cookie which might explain the smile.
Who’s projecting more: Clair or Theresa?
Tough call.
I think the hat means he is Amish. A cookie eating Amish swordfighter which means there was no deep meaning from the artist other than the fact he/she was drunk. It is at a brewery afterall.
He looks like a roleplaying character from Kingdom of Loathing. Don’t ask me how I know that. No, really, don’t ask.
(KOL is a joke, a takeoff on MMORPGs, you should check it out).
It reminds me of Picasso’s image of Don Quixote. And why shouldn’t a sword wielding runaround seducer be an apropos image for a tavern?
I had to Google MMORPG! I did look at the Kingdom of Loathing site, and I can see how this character might fit in there.
Is is possible to be both a cookie-eating Amish swordfighter and a sword-wielding runaround seducer? I say yes!
Sassy, this shot was actually taken in the Yard’s tasting room, where the beer flows freely and visitors can bring their lunch. We should organize a field trip so that interested readers can examine this art in person.
to write of “the simplistic, good-versus-evil color scheme” is to turn away from the other possible (non-ethical) polarizations that such a ‘contrast’ might produce/maintain. ‘Simple’ must here be understood as ‘immediate’, and our mediation is not a strict either/or unless directed that way.
I am fond of the postee that recognised the similarity between Picasso’s ‘Don Quixote’ (a particular favourite of mine) and the above image - is it that the artist’s ‘role in society’ is mere naivety and imitation? Can this be read as an assault on, rather than a supporting of, such a characterisation? Yes, it can - alongside many other ‘readings’.
Or perhaps it simply begins the naive ‘asking why’ that we all seem so willing to engage in . . .
Is the role of the artist seen in his artwork?