Bad Art

[bewitched]

The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) is well worth taking a look at. Take your time. Look around. Read the descriptions (and the newsletter). Read the heartbreaking saga of the loss of one of the museum's beloved masterpieces, "Eileen".

Some of my favorite pieces:

"Ronan the pug"

Ronan the Pug could hardly see straight after lapping up all the
spilled egg-nog at the holiday party, but brought tears to everyone's
eyes with his clear tenor rendition of Danny Boy.

"Sunday on the Pot with George"

Spoiler:

Can the swirling steam melt away the huge weight of George's corporate responsibilities? This pointillist piece is curious for meticulous attention to fine detail, such as the stitching around the edge of the towel, in contrast to the almost careless disregard for the subject's feet.

"Aurora Borialis"

Spoiler:

Blinded by the Northern Lights, the beautiful maiden wandered the
coast nightly hoping for a glimpse of her lover's ship that she
feared lost at sea; unaware that he had joined the Navy because he
preferred the company of his fellow sailors.

"Gilded Nude"

Spoiler:

The viewer is struck immediately by the youthful female subject's oversized arm.

Enjoy!

[Alex]

My problem with "bad art" is that while I can accurately gauge what I like or don't. I am completely unable to accurately predict when looking at something whether it will be thought of as good art or not.

Now obviously there is a level where I have a good idea, but the line is extremely fuzzy to me.

[Betty]

oversized arm. lol.

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Alex

My problem with "bad art" is that while I can accurately gauge what I like or don't. I am completely unable to accurately predict when looking at something whether it will be thought of as good art or not.

Now obviously there is a level where I have a good idea, but the line is extremely fuzzy to me.

Now you have a standard against which you can judge.

[Alex]

Not really, because I've seen art labeled as master level that doesn't seem all that different (looking at pictures online) from some of these.

I don't have time to poke around much. What is the source of these things? Are they pieces put forward as good art or simply found examples of bad art. I'd hate to be making fun of a 7-year-old, or someone who knows that they aren't good but are simply trying to get better at it.

I know that is one reason I shy away from trying to learn to paint (which I'd love to do). I know I would suck at it (even with significant improvement) but hate doing things I know I'm bad at in front of other people. It took a lot before I even started sharing photographs I take even though I know they aren't as good as really good photography (but I think they tend to be better than simple snapshots), I think I'd probably stop if I ever stumbled on one at a web site dedicated to mocking bad photography.

(I know, an overly serious post -- from ME? a shocker that is -- about a fun link, but that is the thinking it prompted in me.)

[Not Afraid]

Sunday on the Pot with George made me spit.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex

I know that is one reason I shy away from trying to learn to paint (which I'd love to do). I know I would suck at it (even with significant improvement) but hate doing things I know I'm bad at in front of other people.

As someone in exactly the same position (substitute drawing for painting) a year ago, I suggest you buy some paint and brushes, find a community intro painting course, and do it. You'll be surprised at just how much you don't suck.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Meanwhile, I'm with Alex on this one. I'm always happy to quickly judge art when I see it, but as has been proven time and again, just because I think it's crap doesn't mean it is, and just because I think it's brilliant doesn't mean it is.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Originally Posted by bewitched

"Gilded Nude"

Spoiler:

Oversized arm- very funny!

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Meanwhile, I'm with Alex on this one. I'm always happy to quickly judge art when I see it, but as has been proven time and again, just because I think it's crap doesn't mean it is, and just because I think it's brilliant doesn't mean it is.

True- art appeals to different people. I see a lot of "good" art that I think is carp.

I'm a dilettante at photography, drawing, and once in a rare while, painting. I'm most confident in the photography, and I frequently share those online. While I know my drawings are definitely in the "pathetic" category, I do it because I like it and I don't generally share those. Maybe if something turns out well.

As far as mocking bad art, I hope to keep that in the privacy of my own self. I would hate to hurt anybody's feelings.

[Not Afraid]

I hour later and I'm still chuckling over the Seurat joke. There are way too few art history jokes out there.