[-empyre-] the art of forgetting

[Eduardo Navas]

I've been debating whether to respond to the current comments on artists
responsibilities.  I will use the following, by Julian, as my point of
entry:

On 3/13/11 5:49 PM, "Julian Oliver" <julian at julianoliver.com> wrote:

> Artists are, almost by contemporary definition, assigned with a social
> /irresponsibility/; by escaping obligations, social utility, behavioural and
> cultural norms, even laws, they supposedly widen our cultural and intellectual
> scope, demanding new definitions whilst undoing others, affording greater
> movement for the group as a whole.

I find that parts of this discussion have taken place in abstract fashion.
Julian's comments in particular appear to sweepingly generalize the position
of the artist.  It would be good to present specific examples of people who
may fall into this ideological template that is being proposed.

Regarding the point that artists should make sure we don't forget, I believe
such a statement, made by Simon Biggs, implicitly references the position of
the historical avant-garde in art practice.  And going past the early
twentieth century, artists, when we actually study the history of modern
art, began to play a political role since Jacques Louis David helped shape
Napoleon's image in the 1890' and early 1900's.  But it may be Courbet who
can be credited, and actually is by many art history books, with developing
the position of the artist as a responsible person who should speak about
social issues.  At least he was vocal in a way that now is identified with
art practice.

Art practice since at least the 1850's was increasingly defined by its
relation to real life issues.  Courbet's realism was linked to this.  That
the artists may have been successful about this or not, is something that
could be debated, but as many people on this list know well (given that they
are artists and art historians), when one begins his studies in the arts,
one learns about the importance of being critical--of being responsible...
And possibly, yes, to make sure people don't forget...

Not all artists who may be part of the international world, or even your
local neighborhood, may be concerned about this, but I believe many are.
Are they effective or relevant, I believe many are, but unfortunately some
may choose to think that art is, indeed, a space in which obligations and
social utility can be escaped.  It is indeed very sad if they do.

Eduardo Navas