Mechanical Images, The Burden of Mechanization
In the language of the critic, the term “contemporary art” refers today to a certain mode of creation by modern artists that obeys no classical dictionary of any art school. Rather, it may be said, it deliberately breaks the ancient vision of art in order to pursue an unconventional practice. Just as the modern poet seldom employs the strict discipline of classical metre, but instead fashions his own rhythms by breaking the rules, so too the modern artist creates. The artists of our day are, culturally speaking, far more diverse, for the old lineage of art has collapsed entirely by the twenty-first century. While certain family traditions of artistry remain, the majority are of the first or newest generation. These artists are technologically advanced, versatile, and have prepared such a domain where any kind of response—whether praise or criticism—may find acceptance. One could call this a democratic atmosphere for art. Personally, I find this deeply significant. The freedom of art an...