No Dead Artists

Posted on by Turff

In the midst of my daily reading, I noticed a link reading “Artists who died in 2007”. Given recent debates on the subject of art, I gleefully clicked away hoping to find more grist for the mill. Much to my dismay, a quick perusal revealed disclaiming language referring to the contents as “…the artists, entertainers and pop culture figures who died in 2007.”

Given the additional categorization, I quickly lost interest. Instead, I pose the following, far more interesting question (to be answered by more interesting people): “Who are your candidates for a list of top 5 living artists?” Inclusion may be based on any number of factors:

  • the quantity of produced product qualifying (in the nominator’s eye) as art
  • the overall percentage or product qualifying as art
  • their production of art (however infrequently) that is so moving, earthshattering, trancendant, or whatever that it bears inclusion
  • some criteria far less mundane than those presented here

I dare not define for each of you either what qualifies as art or encourages your inclusion of the artist. Rather I challenge you to present your respective lists, and more importantly, explain your choices. If you are feeling particularly chippy, provide a themed list…

61 thoughts on “No Dead Artists”

  1. By the way, the Brazilian, in my original concept, could speak NO English, and misunderstood just about everything being paraded before him. He was being shadowed by some pretentious wannabe documentarian prick and his “crew” of one Hispanic dude, kind of a Sancho Panza to the director’s Don Quixote. The crewman was expected to act as interpreter, but he can barely speak Spanish, much less Porteugese. So there’s misunderstanding upon misunderstanding. Hilarity ensues.

    Again, just an idea.

  2. Jeff, I’ve Million Dollar Baby available for the loaning if you like. Call me tomorrow after 9. 683-nickname. I may be watching Spirited Away tomorrow around noon in the Theater, for any interested. I’ll post back here tomorrow morning if that works out. Any of our Newnan-types are welcome to join.

  3. Maybe something simpler? Without languages that none of us speak? And that we could cast amongst ourselves? And that could be shot in one day around the Square? And apparently whose score would resemble Dvorak in full throat?

  5. Actually, I devised Confederado with “ability to pull it off” in mind. Takes place in small, Southern town. Check. Focuses on making a small documentary, therefore justifying the use of mini-DV. Check. I’m sure there must be a Brazilian around here SOMEWHERE. Or a Hispanic willing to pose as one. He wouldn’t say much, if anything. And the Sancho Panza type character, as I said, speaks mostly English. But I’m not wed to this idea … I was just throwing it out there. Whatever everyone wants.

  6. Maybe we should START with the symphony as the center of this piece, and branch out from there. What story would go well with the symphony? What film would have this symphony as its soundtrack?

  8. Maybe we should start a new thread to discuss this, though, if it’s something people actually want to do. Sorry to invade your turf, “Turff.”

  9. How about a VERY loose adaptation of the Tolkien thing? Same idea, but different enough so that we don’t get sued. Have a downtown shop owner or clerk trying to compose a symphony in his head amidst numerous distractions. Something like that. Sounds more like a short film. I would like compassion to fit into the theme somewhere. I’m very much into the idea of compassion, lately. I think it’s generally what’s missing from all the “too cool for school,” ironic, “wink wink nudge nudge” stuff that passes for art these days. Identification with the Other is what’s missing. Also what’s missing is BELIEF in something (something other than what’s trivial or false).

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