Week 13

Exit Through the Gift Shop and Literacy

Literacy is commonly referred to in the context of reading and writing. When someone is illiterate, they are unable to do these things. However, literacy can be used in referral to many things. A deep knowledge of sports, for example, could be called sport literacy. One who is musically proficient could be called musically literate. Essentially, the word 'literate' means a solid comprehension and/or skill in a specific area.

The filmmaker, Thierry Guetta is inspired by street artists to begin creating his own artwork. He uses propaganda to promote himself and his debut show. Shortly, he is on the cover of magazines and newspapers announcing himself as "the next big thing" in the art world. It is clear that his show is a train wreck, with factory-made art and sculptures cramming the exhibition space. Somehow, though, he manages to sell nearly one million dollars worth of art on the opening night. His inspirations, however, Sheperd Fairey, Banksy, and other well-known street artists are almost embarrassed by his exuberant debut into the art scene. Banksy, who had encouraged his creativity previously, finds that he "used to tell everyone to make art. I don't say that very much anymore". 

The notion that "everyone is an artist" has been quite present in my life, growing up with two artist parents and attending art-centric schools. I have noticed that while some are proficient and "art-literate", others are stumbling along behind them, making watered-down replicas of their work. I have found this in students and professionals alike. Art literacy is difficult to judge, as it is largely an objective subject. one might think that Thomas Kinkade is art-literate because of his lifelike, photorealistic paintings of cozy cabins in the snow. I would disagree, and comment that you can find motel art that is far more impressive. Kinkade's art-literacy is no more than a commercialized Vermeer replica.

Guetta uses a high-volume, in-your-face tactic in showing and creating his work. It is somewhat reminiscent of a toddler given a few cups of paint and a sheet of poster paper. You end up with the cups tipped over and a muddy-looking puddle of paint dripping off the page. Destruction was a common theme of his work.

While one might argue that street artists are not art-literate because of their chosen mediums and canvasses, I would argue otherwise. They consistently create art that expresses their opinions and feelings effectively and in an appealing manner. Their work is pleasant and/or interesting and clever, and displays a clear understanding of how to get people to stop, look, and think. Guetta took it too far by creating almost meaningless, abrasive pieces of work.