The Social Status of the Artist

Self Portrait in Fur Coat (1500) Albrecht Durer

1. Identify aspects of Durer's self-portrait that show a changing view of the artist's view of himself as an individual.

Durer has portrayed himself as a successful artist indicated by his posture and clothing. he makes himself out to be a very important man and looks very knowledgable and wealthy. This idea of painters being respected highly was new in his era because painting was not valued as much as the other arts.

With this the artist's view as an individual was more profound and the idea of individualism was conceived. (Steven, 2011) People began to admire their artistry as well as the subject of the artwork and there was more worth put in work that was innovative. Durer was one of the key people of this idea and was one of the few artists from the renaissance period to paint self-portraits and had been claimed to be the first known artist to do a self portrait.

2. Explain how the artist's social status increased during the Renaissance period. Briefly explain why this happened.

“The renaissance period was the start of a great debate over the social position of the artist”, (Blunt, 1962).

Artists were originally classified as tradesmen being perceived as just simply copying what they see. As artists became more innovative and explored new techniques and skills the artist created greater depth and were acknowledge as needing a skill and knowledge to do their work and artists were no longer thought of as tradesmen. A master artist could become a highly respected member of the community. He could dictate his own terms in his work and enjoy a much higher social status than a mere craftsman. And superstar artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo became famous throughout Europe, helping create the modern image of the artist as an independent creative genius. (Hauser, 1999)




3. Comment on Gavin Turk's work in relation to individualism, status of the artist and egotism.

Knob (1997) Gavin Turk

Damien Hirst and Maia Norman (1995)

Announcing his signature and his mere name as art is very self glorifying and egotistical but can perceived in a individuallistic sense as in himself is completely different to anyone else and showing his importance. i wouldn't see this as art but i can appreciate his explanation of individualism and status of the artist in this work.

4. Comment on Damien Hirst's use of his work and the media for self promotion.

“During the 1990’s Damien Hirst became Britain’s most famous, young, living sculptor and painter, in part because of his own flair in self promotion and publicity skills,” (Walker, 2009).

In his self-promotion and his efforts to publicize his painting, sculpture and installations his work he has made him the worlds richest living artist. Even though he is not doing as much more then other artists he has become very popular and has been very fortunate with finding publicity opportunities. He employs 180 people to make his ideas into art and this has been very controversial amongst the arts community but he still has become one of the most influential living artists.

5. Find 2 images of work by artists or designers that reflects some of the ideas of individualism, self promotion or egotism that have been discussed on this blog. Upload images to your blog, title and date the work, identify the artist/designer and comment on the work in relation to the question.

Display Book Shelf (2010) Daniel Eatock

One Pin Notice (2010) Daniel Eatock


Eatock has created these simple looking pieces which with there variables form a coincidental form. For example in One pin notice the writing is perfectly horizontal where the rest of the paper is on a slant. If the paper was horizontal then the writing would be crooked. I think this brings out an idea of individualism because he is going for something innovative in a very normal setting. the objects he uses are very plain everyday objects but has innovatorly placed them in a manner that expresses coincidence and individualism.


6. How do you think artists and designers are viewed in Western society today?

I think artists toady are recognized as individual expressionists who are to give the audience something to experience. To be viewed as a good artist in western society today however also involves being individualistic and innovative in their work. Since there are less restraints on artist today artists aim to be ever more creative then the renaissance period.

“The goals for artists that were formed during the renaissance – creativity, originality and innovation – are still what artists strive for today.” (The Artists Life)


Reference:

Individualism. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/286303/individualism

Blunt, A. (1962). Artistic Theory in Italy 1450-1600. Oxford; Oxford University Press.

Hauser, A. (1999). The Social History of Art: Renaissance, mannerism, baroque. London: Routledge.

Walker, J. (2009, December 9). Damien Hirst: The Artist as Media Celebrity.

www.artdesigncafe.com/damien-hirst-media-celebrity-2001