Art+1

‘What Is Art+1?’ – Rory James and Luke Della Robbia

It is not too contentious to suggest that art, particularly contemporary art, can be intimidating to the viewer. This is very much the case for those new to art appreciation, but even the ‘initiated’ can find themselves struggling to engage with works whose interpretation is complex, inconsistent or unclear. Nowhere is this seen more dramatically than when the viewer is faced with contemporary conceptual art.

The very notion that contemporary art in this style is ‘democratic’ because the viewer has ‘choice’, is ‘free’ to come up with any interpretation he or she wants, is practically flawed. In fact, this so-called ‘freedom’ hides a ‘tyranny’ imposed, albeit for the most part accidentally, by the artist on the viewer. Cut adrift from any suggested interpretation, simultaneously the viewer is encouraged to find meaning and no meaning whatsoever in the work. The cognitive dissonance that this situation creates in the viewer, whether manifested as confusion or fear of misinterpretation, often leads to an intellectual disengagement. Potential error and the fear of foolishness thus negate the supposed ‘choice’ offered by the artist. It is at this point that the viewer’s interaction with the work begins to suffer the detrimental effects of the much-heralded ‘freedom’.

To address this, in the works Artists & Saboteurs promote, we strongly advocate our belief in our ‘Art+1’ concept. This is centred on the idea that each work exhibited should be accompanied by one interesting ‘reading’ or interpretation, ideally from its creator but not necessarily, for the viewer to engage with. This is to offer a viewpoint, which is also a starting point, that can be freely debated or rejected by connoisseur and novice alike; but it also acts to rescue those less artistically experienced from the tyranny of confusion when faced with strange concepts or representations.

Moreover, an added benefit exists in demanding a strong ‘reading’ from those who create and present art to the public, in that it serves to filter out ill-conceived works that merely seek to exploit the aforementioned ‘democratic’, interpretation-free atmosphere of reception. A shoddy, superficial proposed reading that fails to move and persuade can be critiqued, argued against and finally rejected by the viewer.

By offering a thought-provoking ‘way in’ to understanding and interpreting each work of art we promote, we aim to create a culture in art appreciation of increased inclusivity and accessibility. We also believe this provides a solid platform upon which to develop sophisticated and innovative thought and encourages further positive, meaningful interaction with art in the future.

Rory James & Luke Della Robbia (updated 01.01.10)

'to entertain and enlighten'

Art+1