advice to young artists in a postmodern era, chapter 4

tradition and the new in current art

i really like this chapter because he stresses the idea that young artists should be taught old traditions, but also given the option to choose which ones they want to focus on.  dunning also says that teachers should not just teach what they are experts at, but give the students an opportunity to learn a little of everything.

i like the suzi gablik quote he opens the chapter with, "the history of art begins with tradition. traditions give us something upon which we can operate: something. . . we can criticize and change."  this is so true, we must learn to respect the past and it's traditions, but find a new take on those traditions.

he also talks on the subject that many art schools focus too much on realism, instead of concept.  and i agree with dunning, those artists who understand concept are more likely to be successful over those who concentrate more on rendering technique.  he believes that "if the ideas are there, technique will follow."