2012-08-23, 11:09 AM
These thoughts and questions are born out of a discussion I had with my really good friend/roommate the other day, and I thought this would be the perfect group of people to ask about our theories.
Within the world of the visual, performing, and fine arts, each specific form has its own "reputation," so to speak, in modern society. From the perspective of the greater population as a whole, some are more highly valued (ex. music) than others (ex. fashion), when looking at their professional manifestations as what people choose to spend their time and money on. Their "reputations" are definitely different, however, when viewing those just starting out in these industries; one needs to look no farther than the stereotype of the "starving artist" the thespian/visual arts/dancer/singer/poet/etc. struggling to make a name for themselves while making ends meet, which is often met with snide disdain.
In the grand scope of these art forms, each are defined, essential manifestations of human creation that further humanity as testaments of our ability. However, it's frustrating to see and feel like several of these forms, at least in modern society, are held to much higher regard than others, no matter the brilliance, hard work, and determination of those leading their industries.
As those who know me have probably already guessed, the benchmark art form discussed from this perspective between my roommate and I was fashion. We feel that of all the artistic forms available it is the one with the worst public reputation, seen as "frivolous" and "unnecessary," when job prospects in the industry are either the same or greater in terms of availability and pay than, say, a career in visual arts, dance, or photography, and the amount of artistic depth/cost the same as other industries (ex. depth of a painting v. a peacock feather jacket, at similar prices).
Why is this? Why is fashion held with such low respect among the general population? Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue and described by Forbes as "the most powerful woman in fashion", once said in an interview that she feels like her brother, an editor for a London newspaper, views her career and industry as "silly." What would cause even a family member to feel that way, to belittle the person who essentially runs the industry?
Now this isn't just me ranting about fashion, as my artistic passions lie with many other forms and I have friends within every industry on the list. What about them? What about all other forms of art? Are there some that, no matter what level you're at, are still held to higher regard than others? For example, is it more socially acceptable and encouraged to become a rock musician or movie star instead of the next Emeril Lagasse or Andy Warhol? And if you believe so, why?
I'm sorry for the long post but I wanted to get everything out there for discussion, and I really wanted to ask you guys because I feel, again, that you're a good test group: most people in an internet community like ours tend to be Math & Science driven, pursuing careers in said fields or, say, Computer Science. Art, therefore, is something you consume, yes daily, but most consciously for entertainment. Therefore as, consumers and not creators of art, or at least most art forms, what are your thoughts on the whole?
BLAH. Thanks for the read and your musings!
Within the world of the visual, performing, and fine arts, each specific form has its own "reputation," so to speak, in modern society. From the perspective of the greater population as a whole, some are more highly valued (ex. music) than others (ex. fashion), when looking at their professional manifestations as what people choose to spend their time and money on. Their "reputations" are definitely different, however, when viewing those just starting out in these industries; one needs to look no farther than the stereotype of the "starving artist" the thespian/visual arts/dancer/singer/poet/etc. struggling to make a name for themselves while making ends meet, which is often met with snide disdain.
In the grand scope of these art forms, each are defined, essential manifestations of human creation that further humanity as testaments of our ability. However, it's frustrating to see and feel like several of these forms, at least in modern society, are held to much higher regard than others, no matter the brilliance, hard work, and determination of those leading their industries.
As those who know me have probably already guessed, the benchmark art form discussed from this perspective between my roommate and I was fashion. We feel that of all the artistic forms available it is the one with the worst public reputation, seen as "frivolous" and "unnecessary," when job prospects in the industry are either the same or greater in terms of availability and pay than, say, a career in visual arts, dance, or photography, and the amount of artistic depth/cost the same as other industries (ex. depth of a painting v. a peacock feather jacket, at similar prices).
Why is this? Why is fashion held with such low respect among the general population? Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue and described by Forbes as "the most powerful woman in fashion", once said in an interview that she feels like her brother, an editor for a London newspaper, views her career and industry as "silly." What would cause even a family member to feel that way, to belittle the person who essentially runs the industry?
Now this isn't just me ranting about fashion, as my artistic passions lie with many other forms and I have friends within every industry on the list. What about them? What about all other forms of art? Are there some that, no matter what level you're at, are still held to higher regard than others? For example, is it more socially acceptable and encouraged to become a rock musician or movie star instead of the next Emeril Lagasse or Andy Warhol? And if you believe so, why?
I'm sorry for the long post but I wanted to get everything out there for discussion, and I really wanted to ask you guys because I feel, again, that you're a good test group: most people in an internet community like ours tend to be Math & Science driven, pursuing careers in said fields or, say, Computer Science. Art, therefore, is something you consume, yes daily, but most consciously for entertainment. Therefore as, consumers and not creators of art, or at least most art forms, what are your thoughts on the whole?
BLAH. Thanks for the read and your musings!