I'm currently taking a class called "Performance Studies," which although is in our English Department, is a subject that covers anything from psychology, sociology, to actual theater. I find this class very interesting and am constantly thinking about it. Our class basically discusses performance in society, political theatre, society and theatre, performance art, ect. It focus's more on avongard performance than main stage theater. A few classes ago we were talking about understanding messages portrayed by an artist, and how interpretation can differ between people. We have this one student who feels that there should be a standard for interpreting art, and that people should not be able to create their own interpretations. Also that art can only truly be appreciated by the educated, and therefore the rich. These statements honestly got to me when I started thinking about them.
What I love about art, literature, music, theater, ect, is that I can connect to something in it, and make a personal relationship to it. I love it when I read stories, or see paintings that I can relate to. Creating a standard for art, and what art is, is exactly what art is not. If someone can take a personal message for themselves from a piece, then that art is effective. Wanting to make standards on art is exactly what Hitler attempted to do when he outlawed "degenerate" art. Some may argue that we cannot have people going around making any interpretation up, but honestly who ever said art had to be defined? Yes, the artist may have had a certain message in mind, but that was what they felt when they saw the painting. If someone agrees with that interpretation, great, if they do not, is it not better that they have felt something for it?
Thinking that only the art can be appreciated by the educated is ridiculous. Children can appreciate art. Over the years I have worked with children in theater, and art workshops, and find that what they draw from works are just as valid as what I take form them. Sometimes they even see things that I would have never considered before. Not to mention that some of the best artists and writers in history were uneducated. I may not be trained in technique of visual art, but I still enjoy going to museums, and find that my views on a piece are no less important than ones done by educated critiques. Thinking that only the educated can interpret and appreciate art cuts off a great amount of our society.
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