Alonto, Ahmad Sharief D.

September 27, 2019

ENG41

Based on the handouts entitled “its okay not to like modern art”, It is really okay not to like modern
art because it is different from other forms of art such as contemporary art. Modern art is also
called as conceptual art in which the artwork is an idea rather than a thing. It uses found objects
or readymade objects, traditional media like painting or sculpture, and reliance on a background
aesthetic theory. Furthermore, knowing or acquiring the background and history of modern art is
important to appreciate this form of art.

However, most people dislike modern art because some of hte “greatest works” of modern art
pieces include: An empty room with lights switching on and off, a blue canvas with one white line
down the middle, a large urinal, an unmade bed, and bags of trash which isn't art in any sense.
Moreover, there is amazing modern art to be enjoyed as well as skilled modern artist. But, the art
establishment has shifted to funding only those who create the conceptual art with no significance
whatsoever. This is simply elitism at its finest; it’s all just an act.

How long will it be before people start claiming they have created invisible works of art? This
cannot go on if art is to be valued in a society. It all comes down to this: we must keep objective
standards of quality. Just because someone says it’s good doesn't make it so. One can believe
the Sun revolves around the Earth, but it’s not true. Does anyone believe it’s quality if a musician
plays their instruments out of tune, or sings out of sync? Or, is it good if a baseball player strikes
out every at-bat? No, and the same thought applies to modern/conceptual art. This can’t be taken
seriously if we’re to hold objective standards. I’ll end up on the saying “But beauty isn’t dead. It’s
safe and sound in its proper home: the world of the art lover.”