Tate Modern Does Something Sensible

[polygonum]

"Tate Modern removes macaws as visitor numbers soar"

(Of course, it is not the Guardian story that is salient.)

[Brian Gaff]

I did not even know they had live birds in the place. Does seem a bit strange to have them there in the first place.

If the artist is dead though, who decides about such things as live exhibits? Was there not a case at some time where the artist themselves became part of the installation for a limited period? Art is a strange thing, as it can convey concepts and make one aware of ones prejudices in surprising ways. Brian

[polygonum]

Thanks Brian. I was actually thinking about a certain contributor here. :-)

[ARW]

Not IMH - art is usually a load of bollocks that is awarded praise and awards from a bunch of sycophantic back slapping talentless wankers.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I agree with both of you.

Art is a way to make concepts come into focus. Its also a way to make money out of the wankerati by running it as a closed shop for people with more money than sense.

I once said to someone with an Art degree, who asked me what I made of a piece of 'modern art'

"It looks like the drunken outpourings of someone with serious mental problems"

There was a pause.

"That's a fair summary of Jackson Pollock, yes".

OTOH I once walked into our local museum and was absolutely struck by a painting in one of the rooms. 'I like that' I said' What's it worth';

It was the single most expensive painting in the museum £60k

A James Tissot portrait.