Why do artists continue to paint? Does painting have an intrinsic value?
In the lead up to Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2010 at the ICA, Bruce McLean, Vanessa Jackson, Margarita Gluzberg and Mark Leckey take part in this discussion considering the current state of painting today. Chaired by ICA Curator David Thorp.
https://www.ica.org.uk/whats-on/trouble-painting
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It's a medium for expression. All the panelists seem to approach the question strictly from art "study" point of view. A good painting finds a viewer in relationship with their environment and themselves. Is that antiquated or "retreating". Every medium and approach has it's limitations. The limitations of careful selection make good art in any medium. This made me think but really is a rather nebulous conversation.
Thank you, sir, for clarifying it – Painting is Wonderful!!! Most wonderful and workable, a practice that can last to the end, unlike other creative fields! Yes, I agree, Painting should be supported by other creative manifestations and never be left to struggle with expressing the subject matter. It is rather s a d to hear academics having such bad experiences with painting. Perhaps this debate is using the wrong panel.The trouble with painting is the too much social distraction interfering in our private lives constantly seeking sickening seeks. I am sure PAINTERS feel with me and miss painting as soon as engaging in other forms of expression. Keeping committed is the key to get the most out of Painting and Drawing and no poem or movie or sculpture can hummer that intimacy with Art. If Painting is calling you to serve, it is fulfillment at its highest for the artist, just like with a "relationship" one values – Because you behold its beauty you put your all into it and nothing else matters.
Thank you for posting, good to hear different opinions, but when you are in your own element trying to "be in it" certain privacy of thought it is necessary. So see you sometime later…
these artists seem not to know what they are talking about. Like they haven't thought out their ideas. That blond one just twaddle on…and the chap with the earring…kinda…kinda…feel….kinda kinda truly …I guess…..kinda. WHAT?
all crap
Bloody usurpers.
A definition of what 'painting' actually is would have been helpful.
The death of painting has been around since the beginnings of the photographic image. Paint is just a medium used to get across ideas the emphasis is on ideas.
This debate reminds me of the Westminster bubble, an insular debating chamber that bares no relation to the wider community. Painting is not self-indulgent but the discussion around it is.
probably the most pretentious nonense I've every heard in my entire life. Complete nonense and drivel.
This gets better if you drink along with them.
Low level thinking; please tell me people didn't pay money to go to this rambling half hearted nonsense.
Blah blah blah blah.
With the exception of Vanessa Jackson, there are no painters on this panel….who are attempting to discuss the 'trouble' with painting. How can they generate informed debate on something they don't do?
They all look bored as fuck.
Ya well the only Art I ever met drove a "bread' truck.
A "readymade" brought in from a corner of a pub.
It's kind of, sort of, like, you know what I mean?
Contemporary art assumes theres something wrong with the old painting.
These are the morons who have taken over the art world with their made up language. They blame their failures as artists on ART!
Nice talk! Touched on some interesting nuggets in there. Unfortunately I imagine a lot of the people commenting had turned off after a minute or so, cus it does take a little while to get going.
So, what is the trouble with painting?
I agree with 111 of the comments here.
There's nothing wrong with painting. If any of these people have a problem with it is because either you're not good at it or you haven't seen what good painting is. Sculpture is better than painting and then contradict yourself? No wonder you don't understand it.
''You did a watercolor painting underwater?" No wonder you have a problem with painting – my cat watching this nonsense on tv
I suffered through this entire discussion, ( while also suffering a stomach bug , ugh) and I will say 2 things: 1. I'm an American and we don't really use this word but, BOLLOCKS. And 2. They barely touched the subject of " cult of personality. " it's a reality. We still seem to need to elevate to icon status. It can't be ignored.
The audience member getting irate about the panels views is the best part of the whole video.