I have been reading & learning about “What is (Fine) Art?” as I realize my understanding of Art as “something extraordinary” is insufficient. I found an interesting phrase in a book written by a gallery owner. “Art exists on Consideration”. She wrote that Imagining 5W1H behind the piece we look at (feel) is the fundamental of appreciating the Art. Art brings us “Culture”, and culture is strongly structured on individual Consideration. When Art is described like this, I would agree with the Word “Sashiko is Art”.
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So… where does the entitlement or arrogance come in the word of Art? I came across some phrase saying “Sashiko is Art so we can do whatever” – or “Be creative (and ignore others)”. When one defines the Art like “whatever” or as if they recommend others to ignore the inconvenience, I would resist to admit that Sashiko is Art – as it is completely opposite as “whatever” and “Ignorance”. Sashiko exists in Imagination & Consideration.
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I believe there is no such a thing as “Just because” or “Whatever” in human’s activity. We say “Just because” – but there is always something behind it. It can be either “Just because I don’t care about others” or “Just because I feel it is appropriate (from experience)”. It is easy to distinguish these 2 “Just Because”. Ask them what they meant – when there is experience (stories) behind, they can try to elaborate that. Sashiko can be Art – but “whatever based on ignorance” isn’t a legitimate word to explain the Sashiko.
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アート（芸術）ってなんだろな…というのを、最近真剣に考えています。芸術そのものを学ぶことが目的であれば美術館とかに行って本物を鑑賞することが一番だとは思うのですが、「刺し子はアートか？」という命題に対する答えを得ることが目的なので、座学もいいかと本やウェブ上の資料を読んでいます。靖山画廊代表の山田氏の著書「教養としての芸術」
の中で、「教養とは思いやり」で芸術は教養を育むものと表現されていて。つまりは、芸術は「思いやり」と密接に関連していると理解して、そうなのであれば「刺し子は芸術だ」と言われても嫌な思いはしないのです。
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「刺し子は芸術だ」という言葉に拒否感を抱いている理由は、端的に「思いやりのなさ」が原因です。アートだから何をしてもいい。芸術だから創造性が全てだ…なんていう英語圏での議論の中に刺し子が巻き込まれてしまっていることが嫌で、刺し子は芸術ではないと強くいい続けています。でも、専門家から見る芸術は、実は私が願う刺し子のあり方ととても似ているんだなと。まだまだ勉強しなければとは思いますが、要は、「刺し子はアートだから何をしてもいい」と言っている人のアートは、そもそもアートじゃねーってことなんでしょうね。なんか妙に納得がいったので文章に。
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2024-05-26 21:59:24
I have a similar conversation about knitting. I would call myself a talented craftsperson because I always require a pattern to follow. There are true knit artists. Either way there is a long tradition, knowledge and experience, that is built into anything knitted. The artist or craftsperson may bend rules or experiment with technique but without that basic understanding, it’s not knitting. The creation can be beautiful and skillful, and inspired by knitting. But it isn’t knitting. Just the same, I can repair a rip in my clothes with running stitch but THAT isn’t sashiko. I enjoy your discussions!
A culture of consideration is exactly what I believe is needed to recognize and appreciate art 💜