Art is not an Argument. Art is a Conversation

The 20th century was one of movements. Impressionism, cubism, dadaist to surrealist, abstraction through to modernism and post modernism.  In our modern context it is far too easy to see these movements as arguments.  Each movement trying to top the other, to win the argument, to be superior. It might appear that each movement aimed to see the world in the 'truest' way.  The concept that art is an argument is a misconception that is totally unsustainable and counter productive to making work.

Art is not an argument. Art is a conversation.  To produce more of the art we need artists must build a better relationship toward 'conversation'.

Conversation means building a discussion without knowing where it might lead. In a conversation one contributes only what is necessary to generate the next response. This is how art works. What we produce is in reference to what has come before and it is expressed to allow what might come next. This approach allows for complexity to grow far beyond the ability of the individual. These great movements were the result of great conversation.

In an argument each person knows exactly where they want it to lead - with them being right. This approach results in artists who are closed, defensive and ultimately creating work which lacks depth and soul.

The irony of the conversation is that by removing the pressure to be right it creates the freedom of expression necessary for great work.