I couldn't agree more with your words. The argument that people already know what sounds familiar is moot. As you point out, the fact that Van Gogh cut his own ear is probably what most people 'know' and one assumes the programme doesn't cater to a small group of those who are versed in art history.
Which brings us to another issue, the confusion between actual knowledge and mere information. At a time when the latter is at everyone's fingertips, it is worth distinguishing who provides knowledge, in the sense they have already studied the subject, instead of dishing out wiki facts. However, that requires a discerning radio programmer. A tall feat!
Great piece, and as an art critic, I concur. The tricky element is balancing this with diversity, many people advocating for more diverse representation in our major museums understandably get annoyed by another Andy Warhol, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh - insert the many other famous Western white men within this category - exhibition. When there are so many other voices not getting shown.
However, I also understand the need to give people what they want and the names above are guaranteed to sell well and bring in the crowds. Which has become more important given cuts to arts funding. It's a tricky balance and galleries and museums often get flak from both sides.
I know. Probably the best outcome is when you have a big institution, like Tate, is to have a bit of both! It is very tricky. Thanks very much for your comment.
Completely agree with this. Art needs to be democratised by improving access, which as well as cost of tickets etc also involves making it easier to approach.
[PS I thought the Cornetto song, O Sole Mio, was not from an opera, albeit operatic in nature. But I may be wrong about that.]
I agree as well. There needs to be a healthy mix between covering more "well-known" arts subjects and presenting the new. Likely only the first will get readers or listeners to the latter.
I totally agree! Even if you are well educated - it doesn't follow that you are necessarily well educated in the arts (I was brought up in a household of scientists). Perhaps you should try for a feature on 6Music, Rosie? Lauren Laverne's show has a great educational segment.
I couldn't agree more with your words. The argument that people already know what sounds familiar is moot. As you point out, the fact that Van Gogh cut his own ear is probably what most people 'know' and one assumes the programme doesn't cater to a small group of those who are versed in art history.
Which brings us to another issue, the confusion between actual knowledge and mere information. At a time when the latter is at everyone's fingertips, it is worth distinguishing who provides knowledge, in the sense they have already studied the subject, instead of dishing out wiki facts. However, that requires a discerning radio programmer. A tall feat!
Indeed, thanks so much for your comment Maria
Great piece, and as an art critic, I concur. The tricky element is balancing this with diversity, many people advocating for more diverse representation in our major museums understandably get annoyed by another Andy Warhol, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh - insert the many other famous Western white men within this category - exhibition. When there are so many other voices not getting shown.
However, I also understand the need to give people what they want and the names above are guaranteed to sell well and bring in the crowds. Which has become more important given cuts to arts funding. It's a tricky balance and galleries and museums often get flak from both sides.
I know. Probably the best outcome is when you have a big institution, like Tate, is to have a bit of both! It is very tricky. Thanks very much for your comment.
Completely agree with this. Art needs to be democratised by improving access, which as well as cost of tickets etc also involves making it easier to approach.
[PS I thought the Cornetto song, O Sole Mio, was not from an opera, albeit operatic in nature. But I may be wrong about that.]
Oh blimey you are spot on! Correct!
I agree as well. There needs to be a healthy mix between covering more "well-known" arts subjects and presenting the new. Likely only the first will get readers or listeners to the latter.
I totally agree! Even if you are well educated - it doesn't follow that you are necessarily well educated in the arts (I was brought up in a household of scientists). Perhaps you should try for a feature on 6Music, Rosie? Lauren Laverne's show has a great educational segment.
What a great idea! Thanks, I'll try.
Hear hear! The Arts need to be ACCESSIBLE for normal people, not just interesting to the highly cultured minority who reside in the SE. Great article!
Exactly!!