Art (apparently)

Everyone should visit a Tate, apparently. Modern art at it’s finest.

But is it art if the viewer has to read the explanatory notes in order to understand it? In tunnels, on walls, and on lamp posts, there’s some stunning street graffitti; modern, easy to understand, and beautiful. Poignant or hilarious, graffiti reflects someones community or life. But the works are not kept in specially-lit rooms, nor need explanation. Of course, there’s the ridiculous too. Did we need to know that Sandy doesn’t like Chris, or that Jason hates school (that’s the polite version!). The bigger question is, how come Hayden has three girls all in love with him, according to the women’s toilets at Lancaster?

Liverpool Tate had three pieces on display which needed little or no explanation. One turned out to be a Picasso. Another, a beautifully crafted flotilla of model boat’s, hanging so as to appear in motion.

The third, a painting. I’ve included the explanation below as my photo doesn’t do it justice.

Were the other offerings at the Tate ‘art’? From the reactions of other viewers, clearly the answer is yes.

A few days later, at the incredibly worthwhile Manx museum on the Isle of Man, an exhibition of works from local artist John Miller Nicholson . The notes ‘celebrated’ his transition from traditional artist to more impressionistic. Take a look and decide for yourself.

And that’s the thing about the creative space. It’s individual. I will still go to another Tate. They showcase art, apparently.