#so mayhaps this has altered my perception on this topic

[simptasia]

also people who take their shoes off when they enter a persons home, even putting side being a fucking ill mannered presumptuous filthy cunt, surely that would hamper your ability to make a quick escape if you need to

[fa172-spring2018-scelik]

Chapter 1: Brooding over the Modern

Roaring machinery, abstract questions, and many more unsettling aspects of this age that we define as ‘modern times’... I must admit that I have never been a fan of that particular period, especially the artworks produced within. Perhaps it was because I consider myself an ancient soul, resonating more with the classic; or mayhap it was because I thought all “modern” pieces consisted of this economic way of expression; with limited colours and shapes. *shakes head* A pitiful situation, yes, this was my view prior to taking this course called Art & Culture, for which I am currently scribbling these words and trying to force myself to keep up with this blog.

First and foremost, I learned that what I would previously describe as “art” was not in actuality defined as art, a shock really. The term art apparently is an invention of the modern age and refers to those works that are produced under one’s own free will and authority. Another important point is that they have to circulate within institutions. But this is the initial topic of last term’s teachings, so bring on the next steps! *fastforwards to February, 2018* Why I wished to refer to last semester’s information was that, what I originally knew about art and modernity was all a lie. Furthernore, the realisation hit me that my disliking was prejudiced, and was most probably a reaction to my general frustration with urban life. Do not get me wrong, I am grateful for what has been offered to us by technology and industrialisation; be it in the area of health or education, or even social constructs... However, the “modern” concept makes me shiver, for me it is unfriendly, distant and cold. For the reasons that modern age altered our behaviours and perceptions, turned us into mindless zombies that rarely socialise, rendered us selfish and unaware - This is probably my answer to why I am hesitant towards modernity. Oh and robots, my great phobia of robots, but that is a whole another topic that is very very loosely tied to my understanding of the modern times. *shivers* But back to where we all started; I was prejudiced and thought all modern artworks were “bland and emotionless”. Turns out I was wrong, very wrong...

My perception changed vastly in the last twenty weeks, and even more so when those short videos regarding modern art were screened in the classroom. “Moderny Art & Ideas” the series was called, and within those tiny clips, what kind of subjects the artists covered and how they expressed themselves were explored. I do not wish to write a mere summary here, yet I thought this introductory information was a necessity. From Frida Kahlo’s self portrait responding to her life to Méret Oppenheim’s teacup covered with fur; from Duchamp’s readymades to Mondrian’s city impression; there were many works offered to us, each distinct and greatly unique. I cannot believe I am uttering these words. But what striked me was The Starry Night by Van Gogh, not that I have not seen it before, no quite the contrary but the realisation that I did not know anything about it. The reality that it was produced within an asylum triggered some mysterious emotions within. I somehow knew the feeling, the fact that I once chose to be hospitalised due to the decline in my mental health; when my depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety became impossible to bear. I too know what is to have a fragile mind, even though my state is not so similar to Van Gogh, I very well know it. I wonder if I would be able to create a masterpiece as such, if I was indeed admitted to the psychiatric ward - Well, I later chose not to go there ever again. I of course do not think so, for I do not consider myself an artist even though I want to be one in the future, if I can somehow survive.

What I actually mean to say is that, a broken mind molded Van Gogh’s creation and in a fascinating was that was. Life indeed shapes one’s fruition; such is the core of modern artworks. The products are no longer someone else’s ideas, or constricted spaces of idea imprisonment; but are results of personal expression and life’s reflection.

The tale does not end here, for the story will unfold more in the next chapter... Safe journeys traveller!