Andrew Goldsworthy
What is Slow Art anyway? After reading a definition that was cited from WIKIPEDIA (below) I remembered a conversation I had with my mother about her visit to The Master's Exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Canberra. She mentioned that she had to leave the exhibition in a state of total 'social claustrophobia.' She explained that she could not appreciate the artwork due to the multitude of people creating a 'hustle and bustle' in a traditional blockbuster gallery setting.
How can you 'experience' an art work and go on a 'journey' when all you can see are the back of people's heads in front of one of the world's most famous and supposedly outstanding paintings?
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'Slow art' was coined by Michael Kimmelman, chief art critic and columnist for the New York Times. 'Slow art's' main philosophy is 'appreciating an art work in itself as opposed to a rapid, flitting witnessing of art common in a hectic societal setting.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_Movement
For more reading check out this really good article published September 7, 2005, in the TIMES magazine about Slow Art, 'Slow Art - it's the new Slow Food. No, really..'
Andrew Goldsworthy
Here is a small snippet from writer
'Art-world acceleration I put down to various forces. First, we are just as prone to being sucked into the idea that fast is somehow central to modernity. To be relevant is to be broadband-quick and dressed for next season. Apparently artists also need to become museum-supply companies with a high turnover of works if they want to succeed internationally.'
'I hereby declare the launch of the Slow Art Movement (I have not hired a PR). Artists, I call on you to spend some quality time with a sketchbook before pointing the digital camera out of the car window.'
'If we all spent longer thinking, making and looking perhaps less bad art would get made, shown and seen.'
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Check out Inner City Snail – A slow-moving art project.
This following quote is from Wikipedia.
'One of its central tenets is that people often seek out what they already know as opposed to allowing the artist to present a journey or piece in its entirety.' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_Movement This notion is exemplified by John Hamilton's 'Slow Kitchen'.
'Another interpretation of Slow Art relates to creating art
in a slow way. This practice is about being mindful of
detail, valuing the history inherent in re-usable materials, putting time into creating small items. The practice encourages the maker to be naturally meditative as they create. "Slow" ends up being a way of being. An example of local makers creating in this way is highlighted by those involved with the inaugural Eastside Makers Market in Tasmania.' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_Movement
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http://blog.longnow.org/2007/07/09/slow-art/
When something appears to be lacking in our lives we seek something that is a fast fix or cure. Yet the very nature of filling the void within ourselves or healing is established in the notion of 'slowing down'. By slowing things down we take on a more connected, relaxed and mindful approach to life and by incorporating these ideas about Slow Art into our lifestyle we are perhaps honoring ourselves, others and the environment.
When something appears to be lacking in our lives we seek something that is a fast fix or cure. Yet the very nature of filling the void within ourselves or healing is established in the notion of 'slowing down'. By slowing things down we take on a more connected, relaxed and mindful approach to life and by incorporating these ideas about Slow Art into our lifestyle we are perhaps honoring ourselves, others and the environment.
