I now admit this to you, one and all:

I actually really enjoy abstract expressionism. I know it was literally a CIA op, I know. and I care, I just... I still like it. it's pretty and effusive without and indirect, all allusion and no specific definite invocation of any particular ideam while basking in all the possibilities of things it could be and being entirely deniable. it warms my deeply postmodern cognitive organs.

which way to the gulag?

  • Metalorg [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Art has always been emblematic of the dominant ideology and used to accommodate it or used by it. Rembrandt's portraits of Dutch merchants are purposely there to show the stark extraction of wealth done by those villains under mercantilism as stern, pious and austere.
    Likewise American art from the 20th century tends to be pushing the notion of liberalism. Much of Andy Warhol's works were supposed to be a celebration of industrially made imagery and products. He said he liked coca cola and Campbell's soup because their consumption broke through old class divisions. Keith Haring also pushed art towards commercialisation and consumerism which reflected the late 20th century's economy away from industry.
    Of course it's not limited to visual arts but you get the picture. (Sorry about the pun) Don't worry about liking artwork especially at the level of genre. It all has an element and context that makes our viewing complex ethically.

    • Sealand_macronation [none/use name]
      ·
      edit-2
      4 years ago

      Much of Andy Warhol’s works were supposed to be a celebration of industrially made imagery and products.

      (Valerie Solanas's sublimated rage at the soulless world created by boring liberal men intensifies)

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCUM_Manifesto

    • Metalorg [he/him]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Side note: If any of you like Paul Gauguin then fuck you.