The class discussion that arose during our second seminar was interesting.  We further discussed John Berger’s Ways of Seeing.  The class conversation started with the topic of oil paintings and how they were used to show the possession of the wealthy class.  The realistic oil paintings often showed the possession of the wealthy.  This provoked discussion on whether people try to possess what is in a painting or just like art solely because it is pleasing to the eye.  I believe that often times, we try to possess art.  If we love an artwork so much, there is an intriguing urge to want to own it whether it is an object or landscape.  If we want to own a painting of a landscape are we trying to seize nature? I believe that frequently we try and keep certain scenes to ourselves and try to possess it because it we have an emotional connection to it.

Another discussion in class that I found thought provoking was the debate on whether money kills art or not.  Does the monetary value of art depreciate its artistic value?  I believe to the mere population it might because people who do not truly appreciate art think that good art is defined by its monetary value.  However, I believe that the monetary value of an art piece does not deflate its artistic value to someone who truly appreciates art.  This topic slowly turned into a debate on who puts value on art?  Who sets the price for certain pieces?  I believe that as a society we put monetary value on art based on demand.  If everyone wants or likes a piece of art, there will be a high demand for it and the price will go up.  The fiscal price of a piece of art is as high as someone is willing to pay for it.  The topics discussed in this seminar class were fascinating and influenced my trip to the National Association of Women Artist’s Annual Members show.