THE ARTS IN NEW YORK CITY Fall 2017 | Baruch College | Macaulay Honors

When walking through the hopping streets of Manhattan, I came across a pile of items standing on a street corner: a wooden easel with splattered paint colors all over it, a graffitied metal pole with uninterpretable letters on it, and a rolled-up rug. Immediately I saw a variety of different things: art, uncertainty, and trash.

[Picture 1]

I chose this picture to represent what art is because firstly art is completely subjective. What may seem to be art to one person may not be to another. For example, when I took a picture of the art the two workers who were cleaning out a children’s school looked at me with perplexed faces. One of the workers asked, “why are you taking a picture of the trash”. I responded, “this isn’t trash this is art”. The easel raises questions, creates assumptions and arouses emotions differently to its viewers. Art is full of perspectives. As Jerry Saltz says it best, “money is something that can be measured; art is not. It’s all subjective. Some people, like the two workers, see this picture as trash waiting to be picked up by a garbage truck while they walk down the street in NYC. However, I see this picture as something rather beautiful and metaphorical. This picture exemplifies art. I believe I was fortunate to find and take a picture of a wooden easel covered in many colors, showing a youthful tone and an unpredictable pattern. In my perspective, although the wooden easel looks sad and alone, it exemplifies years of happiness, hard work, good use and youth. This easel at one time was used by a young child or children to express their thoughts and emotions and in my mind’s eye, I see a very happy mother looking at her child’s artwork with sheer joy. This easel is an item that symbolizes and is the backbone for art, paintings and drawings etc…  When a person uses an easel, it allows one to produce their work in the same plane they are perceiving things. The easel assists in making the artists artwork more precise and therefore profoundly more expressive.

[Picture 2]

The graffiti on the street pole leaves me uncertain due to my not understanding the message trying to be conveyed by its creator, and rather it seems to me that the graffiti was just an act of destruction. The calligrapher only thought of himself when he decided to vandalize the property that belonged to the city. Additionally, I find the graffiti person (I prefer not to use the term artist) somewhat self-centered and arrogant to think that his words need to be permanently seen by all. This metal street sign pole does not ignite a sensual experience that I find unique, perhaps, the person who spray painted the letters onto the pole, looks at this work of art as his personal masterpiece.

[Picture 3]

The picture of the rug is not art to me because it creates no expression of the heart actualized in the real world by any of my senses. It’s a dirty and tattered rug that has no use in the school anymore or anywhere else in the world. It was once a rug that had purpose but no longer can be used or recycled. I just see it as another item that fills our landfills. Thus, art is the completely subjective, honest expressions of the heart actualized into the real world by sensual means.

Andrew Langer

“What is art?” is a question that could be thought about for seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, and even years. Interpreting art essentially depends on a person’s attitude, background, imagination, along with many other factors. Since peoples’ life change based on culture and society norm and these norms always change with time, it makes the definition a constant work in progress. Art is similar to music in that there are an infinite amount of definitions due to its complexity. Therefore, I’m going to try my best to narrow the definition down as much as possible.

My journey around the Baruch campus took longer than I thought it would. At first, I thought “how hard could it be to take a couple of pictures and label them art or not art”. But as time went by, I couldn’t wrap my fingers around my own unique definition of art, thereby, making it pretty difficult to take the right pictures. So, I thought about a definition, decided to come back another time and this is what I got!!!

At first, the graffiti was just a bunch of shapes and colors that were put together by a person who wanted to express his “artistic” skills. It was neither thought provoking, beautiful, nor symbolic. But as I kept passing by, I was able to find multiple layers of meaning to what used to be a dull piece of graffiti. Knowing that I was passing by this piece every day, I decided to make something out of it. What used to be pipes are now a series of complex passage ways. What used to be metal scraps are now birds making their way heavenward. This piece of art conveys a totally different message now. This adds meaning, emotion, thought, and beauty to my everyday life in Baruch. It allows me to go to school every day with a new mindset of the sky is the limit.

This photograph really triggered the thought of “is this really art?”. This photograph can really go in both directions. Some could view it as just a passageway to the entrance of the building or as elegant modern artwork that makes the residents feel special and luxurious. I photographed this because this showed me that defining art doesn’t only vary from person to person but it also varies within the person. Everyone sees the same photo and yet no one has the same definition.

This final picture shows a concrete design of the sidewalk. I don’t think this serves a purpose other than creating more traction for your feet. Just because it helps a person doesn’t make it art. It could be there for making the street look nice but beauty doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s art. Furthermore, just because it might be thought provoking doesn’t make it art. It’s just there. So, what is art?

Art is what a person makes out of it. It has to affect an individual in some sort of way. This effect doesn’t have to be physical but could be emotional and even spiritual. It has to leave an imprint on a person and change the individual’s life even in the most minute way. Even though arts definition is contingent upon time, people, and place that doesn’t mean it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

By: Alon Bezalel

The first photo I took was of the buildings on 17 Lexington Avenue. I consider this photo to be qualified to be called art. Why? To me art tells a story. When you look at the picture, it gives an impression to someone. You can tell it was raining that day by the wet streets and gloomy sky. You can also tell it’s an urban area due to the extremely large buildings. You can appreciate the architecture of the buildings, that let alone is art. In addition, there’s construction cones and barriers around the sidewalks as well, this shows us that there is something new to look forward to. You can see the “Baruch College,” banner hung up on one of the buildings. You can infer that the streets are filled with college students roaming around. As well as cars are trying to get through safely in the rain in the crowded city. I got to learn about a whole community lifestyle through merely one picture.

I chose street graffiti as something I would not necessarily think of as art but could be persuaded otherwise. We had a similar discussion in class about whether destruction is considered art or not. For example, when people destroy things in history, and it’s later placed in museums as artifacts. I understand that this picture shows someone destroying someone else’s property. Although art is a form of creativity, which allows people to send their message. Sometimes people use graffiti as protest art. When a certain group of people can’t be heard, they use their art to send a message to people. Now this might just be a bunch of scribbles that some hoodlums did in the middle of the night, some gang-related activity, or a protest against whatever is being build on the street. I personally don’t really know what the scribbles are saying. Whether it be vandalism or art? It’s conveying a message to the observer.

The next picture I took is something I would not consider to be art. When I look at the photo, I don’t get anything out of it as I did for my first photo. It’s a brown paper bag from “Shake Shack,” that people started stepping all over. It’s more garbage on the floor than art. I can’t picture something like this, framed, and placed in an art museum. I understand there’s forms of accidental art. For example, when people are walking on the snow and they’re leaving trails of footsteps all over. Although that can tell a story such as where someone is going, but when I look at this photo I don’t see anything other than liter.

Personally, I think what considers to be art is when one is sending a message or showing a story such as my first and third picture of the city street and the graffiti. I don’t think art is only an intricate or elaborate painting such as the Mona Lisa. Art surrounds our daily lives, it can be found just walking to school. My definition of art can be different than someone else’s. I consider art to be when someone has a feeling about something, someone, an idea, etc., and they use a creative outlet to portray it, in order to find someone else to appreciate it or feel the same way.

What is art? Art to me is something that evokes emotion inside of you and is intentional put somewhere in order to evoke that emotion. In my first picture, I traveled to Columbus Circle to take a photograph from inside the stores at Columbus Circle. The view from the second floor of this mall was of the statue at Columbus Circle. I feel that this photograph is of something that is without a doubt a piece of art. The statue that stands strong in the middle of Columbus Circle is in fact a statue of Christopher Columbus. I feel that this is a piece of art for sure because it was intentionally sculpted of Christopher Columbus in honor of him and his achievements. An artist had an image in his mind and sculpted it and had it placed in a center of New York City that was named after Columbus as well. When seeing the statue, you get a feeling of appreciation for what Christopher Columbus discovered and for all of his achievements. The sculpture was made in honor of Columbus and for me it evokes a lot of emotion when I am in its presence. This photograph encompasses a piece of art in my eyes.

On my next journey around the many streets of New York City, I came across a graffiti like image on the gum-covered concrete sidewalk. The image was of a heart that says “Protect Yo Heart” around it. I feel that this photograph could be considered to be a piece of art depending on how you look at it. This drawing on the sidewalk was intentionally painted on the floor to send a message. As you walk around the busy seats of New York usually with your head down, coming across this colorful work on the floor could really brighten your day. I feel that depending on your mood or attitude, you could be persuaded that this work is  piece of art. On one hand, you could argue that someone vandalized the floor by painting on it and that the drawing has no meaning, it is simply an illegal drawing on the dirty concrete. On the other hand however, you could argue that an artist painting this on the floor and wanted to send a positive message to whoever happened to see it on the busy New York streets. This photograph to me could be art depending on how you feel or how you view the image.

On my last journey around New York , I took this image of a line of apartment buildings in Brooklyn. I found the different and strange colors of the buildings to be very attractive and pleasing to the eye. I don’t however believe it to be a piece of art. When I see these buildings, I take them at face value and I just see oddly colored buildings in a line. Although I think that they are beautiful, I don’t believe that they are in fact a piece of art. I feel that they are just buildings, there for people to live in. I don’t feel that there is anyway to justify that this is a piece of art, it is simply a row of different colored apartments.

What is art? There is no blunt definition per say, which makes it that much more interesting to explore. I took the time to wander around the streets surrounding Baruch College to try to find my own answer to that very question. Through my journey, I was able to truly grasp what art is through my own perception. First, I walked to Madison Square Park and geared off in the direction of the  Flatiron Building. There was a sitting area across the street and with the first photo, I was able to capture the emotion of several individuals. There are people admiring the buildings around them, getting work done, talking to one another, or simply taking the time to bask in the sunlight. The background of the picture reminds me that this is an urban setting surrounding a petite secluded area. Throughout all the hustle and bustle of New York City, many people simply take the time out of their day to admire, or to close their eyes and relax. I viewed this photograph as art due to the fact that each person depicts an artist, full of emotions and ideas, each representing different stories and backgrounds. Every individual in this first photo has come from a different background which initially embodies the importance and magnificence of New York City as a whole. Since that photograph radiated so much emotion from me, I do not even have to think twice about whether it is art or not.

   The second photo was difficult to pinpoint if it was art or not. Street art is present all throughout all of New York City, and some even date back to the early 19th century. There are millions of aspiring artists all over town who express their outlooks and opinions in murals. In my eyes, this photograph meant absolutely nothing to me nor did the painting affect me in any sort of way. Street art is interpreted differently by each and every single person that comes across by it, making the photograph that much harder to determine whether or not it was art. Some that walk by would be drawn to the layout of the mural, the thought provoking questions that arise from looking at it, or simply the beauty of the piece. Therefore, I was able to distinguish that, to me, this photo was not art – but the piece can very easily mean something to the next person who lays their eyes on the image.

  The last photo I took was without a doubt not art. The picture was taken in front of a restaurant on East 19th and Broadway. In my eyes, the bike is only there to provide a sort of aesthetic vibe to appeal to the eyes of possible customers. I do not generally think this is considered art if the bike is there to draw attention and entice people into the restaurant. The bike is simply there so that it attracts people to eat at that restaurant, and spend their money there. The bike is not meant to evoke emotion or feelings from people. The bike is simply a clever business tool that the restaurant staff had come up with. I do not deny the fact that the bike is aesthetically pleasing, but that does not mean it is art.

  This walking photo-taking experience led me to a clearer, and broader understanding that there is simply no just definition for art. Art is viewed and determined through the eyes of the observer and, therefore, if evoking a deeper intimate feeling in that observer, it is cogitated art.

Karina Karazhbey

It just so happens that one of the distinguishing factors, art, that separates the human race, from possibly every other form of life on Earth, is also one of the most subjective phenomenon in existence. What is considered art? What is considered meaningless matter? How are they different? Sure, there is a definition, but how do we know it’s the right one? What qualifies it as the objective reality that one seeks when questioning the meaning of art?Through various observations from this assignment, I’ve been able to identify several points on the spectrum of art: art that is meant to be appreciated for its beauty and/or intricacy as well as abstractness, and art that is emotionally stimulating, and the frequent combination of both.

The first photograph above, a depiction of what I would consider to be art, is the statue of Bernard M. Baruch, located near the entrance of Baruch College. Being that Baruch was a man of several occupations and talents, of which two involve finance and investing, his statue is an example of art that expresses a specific meaning, particularly that represents some of the core academic values of the institution. The statue itself is a physical structure that serves the purpose of conveying emotion, or in this case, the origin of the financial leaning of the college, and therefore is a work of art.

The second picture above depicts an aged piece of chewed gum on one of New York City’s busy sidewalks. Though itself can easily be considered a superfluous object, possibly deposited onto the sidewalk by somebody in a rush, the photograph can be argued to be a work of art for its emotional appeal. The photo of a chewed-up piece of gum can represent the mundane, yet active cycle of daily life in the urban streets of the city.  The dark color, for example, can resemble the length of time that the gum may have spent on the ground while being walked over by countless people going about their day. Though it possibly can be considered a work of art, the object was not crafted with the intent to convey any sort of message or meaning, so the question of this photo being art still lies.

The third photo above shows an average fault of New York City’s crumbling infrastructure. At first glance, one can conclude that this photo, or rather, the concrete, does not present any artistic significance as determined by two general premises: it was not created with the intent to be appreciated for its aesthetic qualities, that is, it wasn’t created intentionally at all, and it doesn’t communicate any emotional substance. Looking at the ground was not thought provoking, and I found the broken concrete rather unappealing, which made it easier to come to the conclusion that maybe it was just that, broken concrete, and not art.

I’ve come to the conclusion that art is self-expression, or really expression of anything, through a tangible, or audible medium. As it relates to the aforementioned “spectrum,” if it’s art, it should be thought provoking, and as a general matter, should take more time to think about, or observe than it takes to check the time on your phone.

Ronald Osherov

Interpretation, perspective, and the everlasting search for answers. Most viewers of art go through these processes in order to gain their own greater sense of understanding art. In this sense, the very definition of art is subjective and can only be defined by the beholder.

As I walked along the hot, crowded, and tight sidewalk, I came across several pieces of “art.”

As I gazed upon this glorious piece of architecture, my own sense of art labeled this structure as “art.” The initial glance was very satisfying and aesthetically pleasing. You can see the glistening of the sunlight reflecting off of the structure’s window, almost giving the picture a deeper, more interpretative meaning behind it. This structure can even be a representation of hope and serenity. The building itself stands out among the other structures. It is brighter compared to the shadows casted upon the surrounding buildings, thus further enhancing its theme of hope and almost an atmosphere of higher being. In this sense, I considered this structure a piece of art because it was both visually pleasing to look at and offered a deeper interpretation of its existence.

As I continued my long trek, I heard a loud crunch as I crossed the street. Below my foot was the typical $1 cup of coffee and a cigarette butt. I scoffed and thought to myself “how stereotypical.” If I really wanted to I could’ve delved further into this picture and somehow found a deep meaning or theme behind the crushed plastic cup and damp cigarette butt; however, I just couldn’t see how I could attach any sense of emotion or deeper connection with these items. To me, art has to have a deep, almost personal, connection to the viewer. As I tilted my head and pondered over this picture, I just couldn’t relate or even make an effort to see past a crushed cup.

At a first glance, one might think, “Wow…now that’s a cool looking guy. I’d love to get to know his personality and why that’s his style.” At least, that’s what I thought, but not enough to actually stop him and spark a conversation because I’m too introverted for that. This is where my own personal boundaries between art and not art are blurred. At first I may just consider this as an interesting choice of style and nothing more, but as I look closer I can take a deeper approach to it. As I examined this picture further, I looked around the eye captivating man and considered the other people and even their own shadows. Although everyone visually looks different, their shadows are inherently similar. They are mere black body shapes elongated by the shape and length of the owner’s body. This could connect to how people are all inherently the same despite differences both physically, emotionally, intellectually, etc. In this sense, I could consider this picture art because it meets my own requirements of what makes something “art,” or I could just move on and just treat this man as a groovy human being.

To me, art needs to have some kind of personal connection that is deeper than just being visually pleasing. It must evoke some form of questioning and tug to further think and examine. In this sense, art is an evocation that can bring the beholder a greater sense of connection.

Claire Ng

To ask for a definition of Art is complex. How does one define the boundaries and limits of this simple word, that despite its simplicity, invokes powerful human reactions? The answer is often times overlooked because its solution is too easy for a problem that is too intricate. Art is subjective, something that varies from person to person. The meaning of Art to one individual may not be the same meaning of Art for another individual. Despite this, Art is still something that brings people together despite its different purposes and intentions. It allows humans to connect on a more spiritual level that goes deeper than the everyday vague topics of life. Art will always bring a value and trait of curiosity to those it attracts. An attitude to ask questions, to see the world from differing points of view, and to expand their knowledge is what makes the viewers of Art grow.

On my walk from Penn Station to Baruch College, many things, people, and buildings cross my line of vision. Some days its the new coffeeshop that just opened, or some days it’s the less appealing vomit of a homeless man on W28th Street that I change direction to avoid. However despite the new sights and smells each morning walk brings me, one thing never changes. The Flatiron Building. As I make my way down Broadway to Madison Square Park, my eyes are constantly attracted to the Flatiron Building.This building is definitely considered Art because of the attraction and magnetic effect it has. The Flatiron Building draws 100s of tourists each day to stand in awe at its architectural wonder. Personally, it invokes a feeling of hope and continuity for me. Upon sight of the building, I know I am close to the start of a new school day and am relaxed by the sense of stability it brings in the busy streets of NYC.

This second photograph is hard to classify as being art or not. This sunglass vendor accomplishes the organization and intention of a normal artwork, however can be argued by critics as just another vendor trying to sell their product on the streets of NYC. The main reason I photographed this image was to depict that although art may be hard to define at times,  its mainly subjective. This photo can swing both ways as far as being classified for art, yet the over arching idea behind this image is illustrated by the dozens of sunglasses. As customers try on different pairs, the purpose is the same, but the result is varied, creating different perspectives and a constantly evolving point of view; just like the definition of Art.

This Crosswalk Signal located on the Intersection of 5th Avenue and Broadway caught my attention. Not as something that can be considered art, but something that serves its purpose. As seen, this crosswalk has had its fair share of damage because it has been used multiple times per day. However this does not classify it as art because Art should be something that invokes feelings, and this crosswalk simply doesn’t do that. Its inability to create expression from those it comes in contact with show viewers why something like a simple crosswalk signal is not Art in the streets of NYC.

After my walk around NYC, I was able to develop my personal definition of Art, that may vary from the norm, yet is still true in its own right. Art is a culmination of different aspects that bring the meaning of Art to life. The classification of Artwork is something that is organized, inclusive, personal, yet subjective enough to invoke varying feelings and emotions in others; based on the framing, context and story behind the intentional or unintentional artwork. The definitions of Art may vary, but the power of Art is unchanging.

Abishek (AJ) Johnson

Defining art may prove more difficult than a concrete idea; the reason for this, its subjectiveness. To one, art may be defined by the limitations of being something tangible, to another, art will go beyond these limitations and is inhibited by nothing. With the idea of art being ambiguous, I set out on the streets of Manhattan to decide on a definition for myself. However, as I searched for the perfect art and non-art, I realized the enormity of what I was trying to achieve. The marks left on New York City represent centuries of culture, and, within that, human emotion and reasoning. Who was I to decide that something, in my opinion, obscure did not have resonances with its maker, who intended it to be a piece of art to lace the streets of the city? Scouring Manhattan I could only hope to capture images that represented clear distinctions between art and its opposite.

I began with something I believe clearly illustrates art in its most literal form. The sculpture represents human expression upon a tangible medium, in this instance, bronze, to produce a piece that will impress upon those who see it. Its creator had a clear intent to pay homage to William Seward, a former governor of New York, senator, and antislavery activist. Those who placed it on display in the middle of Madison Square Park obviously considered it an art form that represented something, otherwise, they would not have deemed it worthy of being displayed. Aside from what it represented and continues to represent, the piece itself is thought provoking. How does Seward’s body language describe the type of person he was? What does the ornateness of the chair he is sitting atop convey about the era he lived in? What does the expression upon his face tell us about his ideals, beliefs, and hopes? The details on the chair, the feathers on the quill, even the soft folds on his face, tell a story. When I was photographing the image, there were half a dozen people next to me that were taking a picture as well. Perhaps they saw what I did.

This next photograph illustrates the blurred line between art and non art. It’s architecture may not match the art deco of the Empire State Building or the grandeur of the New York Public Library, but it in itself represents something. The layers of cracking paint and hints of weathered rust allude to something beyond what I saw at the surface. Each layer of paint tells a story of why it was needed, what caused the other layers to fade. In the spikes atop the railing, I was able to see someone’s expression and hope that these little details would create a building worthy of recognition. Although it likely faded into obscurity, the effect was not lost on me. Someone, likely without modern technology, took time to make sure that the indentations were uniform. Someone took time to repaint it after it had been weathered by nature. This little piece of railing, although it may have been for purely aesthetic reasons, mattered to someone. This last photograph was taken when I looked down at where I was standing. It was created by the life cycle of leaf on a tree and a breeze that carried it. It was not placed there deliberately, its color was not determined to match the sidewalk it happened upon. The photograph does not provoke much at the surface, unless one decides to ponder the metaphoric resonances of the circle of life. I would not define it as art, although vintage bloggers and those who create default screens for computers may tell you otherwise. This picture describes, rather clearly, how art is subjective. While I may look at it as something inconsequential, it may causes someone else to contemplate the reason for his entire existence.

This experience was enlightening, but not in the way I thought it would be. I was naïve to believe that I would be able to come up with clear, or at least somewhat, definitions of art and non art. There is difference between pieces that move mountains and encourage people to contemplate celestial effects on earthly matters and the pieces that do not cause passerby to blink twice or are merely considered happenstance: human opinion. There are billions of people on the planet, each with his or her own idea of what constitutes art. I believe that it should often evoke something within you, but even that is subjective to how I’m feeling that day. Often, I am not content with obscure answers to seemingly definitive questions; however, when it comes to the answer of “what is the definition of art,” an ambiguous response resonates with me more than a concrete one ever could.

Grace Kassin

What is art? This seemingly simple question has wandered in my thoughts all week. The very moment we were assigned this task, I immediately thought of running to the Flat Iron Building and capturing it in the most fantastic way. And I questioned this thought, thinking what exactly makes the Flat Iron Building art? I couldn’t really answer this question because observing it did not make me think. It did not spark an idea or feeling, or make me question anything. It was simply a beautiful, authentic, pleasant-to-look-at New York City building. You know, one of those.

So I continued on my thought journey and came to realize that art is so subjective that it has about 7.5 billion definitions, none of which are found in a dictionary or on Google. Every single person, with each point of view, life story, and moment in life, can define art differently. So here is my working definition.

Here is something that made me laugh, which respectively made me think and reflect. Someone has created this with a message in mind. Through my eyes, it made sense. It is powerful, ironic, clever, and thought provoking. It’s not the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen but it triggered a reaction and that’s what art is.

Here is something that made me smile in awe. Can someone determine how many colors this flower has? It really made me think about the beauty of nature and how it has all come together to create the world we live in today. (I’m sure science can explain how, why, and where all these colors came from, but that is not the point.) It’s always nice to see a bit of nature in our city made of concrete legos. Although this wasn’t intentionally made by a human or designed with a message, maybe it’s nature’s way of saying “hello?” Or giving us a smile? Or reminding us about the important things in life? Or maybe it was someone’s job to simply plant this flower here and move on? The world may never know, and that is kind of like what art is.

Here is something that smelled really bad while walking by it. Maybe there is something poetic about trash, like the end of a life cycle or the use of something and where it goes afterwards, but not in my definition of art and not in this particular picture. There was no initial spark of an interesting thought or some kind of significant reaction. For me, this is not what art is.

In conclusion, art can be anything and everything can be art. It depends on which one of the 7.5 billion people on this planet you ask. If you ask me, at this moment in my life, I would say that art is something created with a message in mind that makes you stop. Think. Absorb. Think some more. Appreciate. Question. Art is almost like a feeling that you get after it makes you do all those things. Those actions could take only a second, or they could consume your thoughts for hours, but however it happens, you could feel when something is art.

Ellen Stoyanov