What is art? One word, 3000 definitions
2017-2018. Book, projection and participation installation.
South Hill Park.
“There was an overwhelming response to ‘What is Art?’ exhibition which engaged public of all ages and interests. Not only does it ask the viewer to reflect on the wider question of ‘what is art’ but also provides a rare opportunity to share a platform to debate, agree and disagree with experts and decide on what art means to them."
Cat Cooke - Curator - South Hill Park
South Hill Park.
“There was an overwhelming response to ‘What is Art?’ exhibition which engaged public of all ages and interests. Not only does it ask the viewer to reflect on the wider question of ‘what is art’ but also provides a rare opportunity to share a platform to debate, agree and disagree with experts and decide on what art means to them."
Cat Cooke - Curator - South Hill Park
Visitors were first faced with a projection of definitions of art. They were then invited to tear off a definition of art (or several) from notice boards and could decide to post them into voting boxes, or write their own definitions.
The exhibition was based on ‘A New Dictionary of Art’ which was conceived by artist Robert Good (and published by Peculiarity Press, October 2017). The book takes a new approach to the problem of ‘What is Art?’
Good compiled from the internet over 3,000 definitions of the term ‘Art’ from the internet, via chat-rooms and discussion forums as well as more established authorities to create ‘A New Dictionary of Art’. Formal sits alongside informal, jocular alongside vulgar: all are left to fight it out on the page. Each entry is alphabetised, edited and annotated for accuracy and completeness to the point of absurdity. By retaining the format and formality of a dictionary in this way, the book acknowledges with humour our continuing desire for absolute knowledge and certainty.
The exhibition lasted for 2 months and 1427 interactions were recorded.
The exhibition was based on ‘A New Dictionary of Art’ which was conceived by artist Robert Good (and published by Peculiarity Press, October 2017). The book takes a new approach to the problem of ‘What is Art?’
Good compiled from the internet over 3,000 definitions of the term ‘Art’ from the internet, via chat-rooms and discussion forums as well as more established authorities to create ‘A New Dictionary of Art’. Formal sits alongside informal, jocular alongside vulgar: all are left to fight it out on the page. Each entry is alphabetised, edited and annotated for accuracy and completeness to the point of absurdity. By retaining the format and formality of a dictionary in this way, the book acknowledges with humour our continuing desire for absolute knowledge and certainty.
The exhibition lasted for 2 months and 1427 interactions were recorded.
Paperback £10, Hardback £15 (inc UK only p&p)