In our second Arts in New York Macaulay Seminar, we discussed possession in art, especially in oil paintings. In the past, the objects depicted in these paintings were objects the wealthy class wished to possess. Art was created for the purpose of ownership. The artists did not necessarily paint what was beautiful to them, but rather painted the object of their clients’ greed or desire. Therefore, the worth of the painting was not determined by who the artist was or even by the amount of work put into the painting, but on the subject of the image. In a sense, money kills art. As people begin to focus on the possession of the subject of a painting, the skill level or name of the artist is less significant in the eyes of the buyers. That is why reproductions of famous paintings become more common. It is not the artist that matters, but the image. Relating to the first class’ discussion, this occurrence depletes the value of an original painting.
I never thought about art in such a way before this class. Now I realize that owning a painting has a lot to do with selfish desires. Whether we realize it or not, we all want to own beauty. Even considering a landscape, if the owner of such a painting had the monetary power to own what is depicted, I believe they would. Since it is more reasonable and attainable to own a painting, the image of expensive objects takes the place of actually owning such objects. Paintings capture the beauty of life and of things most people cannot and will not ever own. Possession dominates art.
Since art and possession go hand in hand, it makes sense that artistic images are used in advertising. When people see certain objects or products glorified in such advertisements, it creates a desire for those products. I do not think that advertisements should not be considered art. If art was meant to provoke an opinion or reaction, then advertising meets those requirements. Going out and buying a product is a reaction to advertising, therefore, it is art. Just as much thought goes into advertisements as oil paintings. Their purposes may vary, but all are art. Art depicts people or things that individuals idolize or have a craving for. This confirms my belief that art is a necessary element of human existence.