Originally posted by texasmom
Widewing: I'm pretty surprised. I didn't take you for the joking around type.
Wise guy in the extreme.... Been that way since I can remember.
From my Blog...
"Today I stumbled upon a news story about a pair of “artists” who decorated New York’s Central park last year with fabric gates… I recalled that I had shared my opinion on their “artwork” with Newsday columnist, Ellis Henican. Seeing their name in the press again prompts me to post my thoughts at the time.
Perhaps it’s my sense of social justice, or maybe a deep rooted self-righteous attitude, but I find the “gates” exhibition by Christo and Jeanne-Claude ostentatious and somewhat offensive.
But then again, I find people who indulge their egos with one-word names rather annoying anyway. What the heck was wrong with Christo Javacheff? Maybe it just doesn’t “sing”.
Of course, one’s definition of what constitutes art is wildly subjective. Nonetheless, the population in general is able to differentiate between art and garbage. Unfortunately, many self-defined artists cannot. Probably because anything that suggests a lack of talent is ignored as being closed minded. Expression is not always art.
What we have in central park is several miles of window treatments that would not measure up to the standards of Trading Spaces.
I cannot help what wonder how many children would have benefited from 20 million dollars spent for education or medical treatment. Images of families shivering in dark apartments because they can’t pay their power or oil bills haunt me when I see such self-gratifying displays.
I have watched my 22 year-old daughter work tirelessly with a few other students from St. Joseph’s college at raising money to pay for a little girl’s medical bills (a rare disease) and be thrilled to hand over a few thousand dollars. So, when I view such grandiose and ego fortifying public displays, I can instantly recognize the value of these individuals to the society they live in.
I have seen Christo and Jeanne-Claude interviewed.
When questioned about the expense, Jeanne-Claude was indignant at any suggestion that their “art” may be over the top.
“Would you question Mozart in such a way?” she asked.
Hold the line Jeanne-Claude!
Does she actually believe that their Bed, Bath and Beyond window display is in the same league as the compositions of Mozart?
Oh yeah, this is very much about ego.
Yet, you would think that Jeanne-Claude would look to much less dramatic things to massage her self-image. I’ve seen their previous work, such as wrapping the Reichstag in fabric. Their wrapping of the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art caused local residents to think it was being fumigated. Their wrapping of the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele in Milan could have been mistaken for an attempt to protect it from pigeon droppings.
Take Jeanne-Claude’s basic appearance for example. I wonder how much mail she will get from PETA about that electrocuted Orangutan she wears on her head. Charity may begin at home, but art should begin in front of a mirror.
If you desire some amusement, go to
http://christojeanneclaude.net"
My regards,
Widewing
