What is art?

[John George Dutton]

Hi all,

I am new to this medium and am interested in gathering as many people in Australia together on this website to bring about a discussion asking 'what is art?' Is art in the 21st century more about 'being into art' than the merits of the art itself that is produced? Is art more about the 'beauty' and 'persona' of the artist, than their artistic merits? Does art exist independently of its author and/or producer as a free-floating form? Should art take a political stance, particulary in the context of terrorism, environmental degredation, commercialisation and extreme pretentiousness and celebratisation in the world today?

I guess inevitably I am coming from a post-modern stance on art, as its meaning is contested. However, I bring this discussion to attention for the website, as pesonally, I am seeing more artists judging the artist, rather than their art. This I believe atomises art and the potential for the unification of diversity, rather than its ongoing seperation, which is a major blow for the arts comunity.

Peace all.

John