art as a value judgement
People often call something art if it exemplifies their values.
Some groups value personal expression, and call something art if the artist’s personal story is somehow reflected in art (e.g. Unfinished Painting or Feel it Motherfuckers as expressions of pain in the AIDS epidemic)
Some groups value transgression, and call something art if it spits in the face of tradition and the elites (e.g. Urinal)
Some values technical skill, and art is mastery of skill (e.g. David)
Some value metaphor and symbolism (King Charles III by Jonathan Yeo)
There have been cultures like the Nazis that value strength and liked strong sculptures
American conservatives who value an idyllic past like Kincaid’s work
I think this is interesting since it explains why people don’t like calling certain things art. They’re making a statement of their values. Many artists like honing their craft, and don’t like AI art because it de-values honing one’s craft.
