What is the role of an artist in today society? March 09
Contextual studies
Benjamin Charman Ian Tucknott
For this essay I will be looking at and exploring the question, ‘what is the role of an artist in today’s society?’ I will be looking at contemporary artists, and also artists of the 20th century, I will also be exploring the relationship between art and fame, what do artists bring to society, and is art important in society or does it hold no importance in the digital culture of today.
My aim is to identify what an artist’s role and purpose is in today’s society, what is the importance of an artist? What is the purpose of someone building a career in art? , Is it for the purpose of self-gratification or fulfilment, or the purpose of making your views seen, weather the context is politically driven, explicit, deviant, humorous, emotional etc, expressing your ideas to influence someone’s opinion, or to inspire aspiring artists? To make people think, and for them to feel certain emotions when they see it, to sell art and make money from it, or is it merely to obtain some sense of "fame" and "celebrity"? I will also be looking at how art affects us in our everyday lives, through the media, music, advertisements etc. I will be looking at contemporary artist Damien Hirst and also street artist Banksy and artist Jamie Reid.
{draw:frame} So what is the role of an artist of today? Is there a role beyond making money? There are many well-known artists in today’s culture, and what is the purpose of their work? I am going to look at the contemporary artist Damien Hirst, who is famous for his work, to artists and non-artists. His work has caused a debate in the art world. It is known he uses many assistants to create his pieces, which has led to questions about authenticity, for example, his piece entitled ‘LSD’, he said that he had only painted a few spots because "I couldn't be fucking arsed doing it", which raises questions, is the idea the art or does...