In reading the article assigned, I have come to accept the fact that I know nothing about art. Well, mostly about artists. In each article we've read, I understand what the author is saying for the most part, but any references to artists or art movements and such, and it goes right over my head. In class, Prof Allyn will mention an artist and say, you know them right? And most of the class will nod or say, wasn't that the guy who lived in a cage for a year or crucified himself to a volkswagon? But unless it is Leonardo Divinci, I usually sit quietly and wonder who on earth they are talking about. And I learn, I'll listen and learn, but there are so many names and I have a horrible memory. I've learned who Vito Acconci is (and I don't like him very much...) and I'll always remember Wegman and his dogs (mostly because I have a Wegman's supermarket near my house, and I'm a dog person...). There are certain people who stick with me, but the rest are lost in the unabsorbant chaos that is my mind.
Reading the article Performing the moment, I felt as though I was missing something crucial because I don't recognize the names that are mentioned. The only artist that I knew was Yoko Ono, and that's just because of The Beatles.
It doesn't really bother me much, I'm not torn apart for not knowing artists, but i guess it's just interesting to me how much the other students in my class do know them. Maybe it's just the few who speak up that are knowledgable in art, and the rest of the class is clueless like me. At least I know the other IMM majors are usually unfamiliar with artists as well.
I know the article had nothing to do with knowledge of art, but this is just what was brought to my attention in reading it. As far as photography (which was the subject of the writing), I love it. I have no idea who in the world has made a name for themselves in photography or what great experimental movements have gone on with photographs, I don't know who revolutionized the artistic use of the camera, and if I was taught I would probably forget them anyway. Point here is, I love photography, and I love art, and I will always love and use these wonderful mediums to make my life and the lives of others a little more colorful. I'm a hands on learner, and unless some famous photographer is right next to me teaching me their ways, chances are I won't remember their name. : /