Government And The Arts: Abstract Expressionism And M 280511

Government And The Arts Abstract Expressionism And Music

Examine the U.S. Government's support during the Great Depression for programs, such as the Federal Arts Project, the Federal Writers' Project, and other such efforts. Determine whether or not such projects were good government investments during those hard times, and provide two (2) examples that support your viewpoint. Briefly, determine in what ways the U.S. government currently tries to support the arts. State whether you agree or disagree with the perception of Abstract Expressionism as exemplifying individualism and freedom. Explain the reasons for your views. Compare and contrast one (1) example of Abstract Expressionist visual art to John Cage’s musical compositions. Briefly, after reviewing the pages and Websites below, explain how an abstract expressionist artist might respond to the assertion "my kid could paint that". Explain your position on that assertion. Explore: Government and the Arts Chapter 37 (pp. ), Federal support for the arts Government helping the arts in hard times at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/1934-Picturing-Hard-Times.html and http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/powerprose/wpa/ Abstract Expressionism and Music Chapter 38 (pp. , and 1268-9), Abstract Expressionism Chapter 38 (pp. ), Music of Chance; review the Week 9 “Music Folder” John Cage, listen and see – "Dream" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fhc3Tbnhsc John Cage, listen and see -- “4’33’" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY7UK-6aaNA &list=PL223147ECB&index=3 "My Kid Could Draw That" views: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/my-kid-could-draw-that/ ; and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/28/study-examines-difference_n_841268.html.

Paper For Above instruction

The support provided by the U.S. government during the Great Depression played a pivotal role in fostering cultural development amid economic hardship. Programs such as the Federal Arts Project (FAP) and the Federal Writers' Project (FWP) were innovative responses to the economic collapse, aiming not only to preserve and promote American arts and culture but also to serve as a form of economic stimulus. These initiatives embedded government support into the cultural fabric of the nation, providing employment for artists, writers, and performers who otherwise faced severe unemployment. This investment in the arts was a strategic effort to bolster morale, encourage creativity, and preserve national heritage during turbulent times.

Two notable examples illustrate the value of these programs as beneficial government investments. First, the Federal Arts Project commissioned murals, sculptures, and community art projects across the country, enlivening public spaces and making art accessible to a broader audience (Smithsonian, 2023). These efforts democratized art, breaking down barriers between high culture and the general public. Second, the Federal Writers' Project employed thousands of writers to produce guides, histories, and oral histories that have become invaluable resources for understanding American history and culture today (PBS, 2023). These projects not only provided immediate employment but also contributed lasting cultural and educational benefits that persist long after the New Deal era.

In contemporary times, the U.S. government continues to support the arts through agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which funds arts organizations, grants, and individual artists. The government also supports arts education in public schools, and manages initiatives that promote cultural heritage and arts accessibility for underserved populations. While the scope and scale may differ from the New Deal era, these efforts reflect a recognition of the arts' importance in social cohesion, economic development, and national identity (NEA, 2023).

Turning to Abstract Expressionism, this art movement is often viewed as a celebration of individualism, creativity, and artistic freedom, emphasizing spontaneous expression and emotional depth. Many scholars and artists, such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, championed it as a visual language of personal exploration and liberation from traditional constraints. I agree with the perception that Abstract Expressionism exemplifies individualism and freedom because it foregrounds the artist's personal vision and emotional state, allowing for unprecedented levels of self-expression, cultural experimentation, and innovation. This movement challenged the boundaries between art and artist, fostering an environment where individual voice and psychological insight took precedence.

Comparing an Abstract Expressionist artwork—say Pollock’s “Convergence”—to John Cage’s musical compositions reveals shared philosophical underpinnings rooted in spontaneity and experimentation. Pollock’s drip paintings embody an improvisational process, where the artist's gestures and physical engagement create dynamic, abstract visual forms. Similarly, Cage’s compositions, such as “4’33”,” exemplify an embrace of chance, silence, and audience perception as integral elements of the musical experience. Both challenge traditional notions of craftsmanship and represent a departure from representational art, emphasizing process, individuality, and the unpredictability inherent in creative expression.

An abstract expressionist artist might respond to the critique “my kid could paint that” by asserting that, while the act of creating a similar visual might seem simple or spontaneous, the underlying process, emotional depth, and conceptual intent distinguish skilled artists from casual recreations. The artist might argue that mastery involves understanding the subtleties of form, chance, emotion, and the context within which the work was created. This defender could emphasize that what appears effortless on the surface is often the result of years of practice and a conscious engagement with artistic principles.

In conclusion, government support during the Great Depression was a vital investment in American culture, fostering accessibility, education, and innovation. Abstract Expressionism, with its focus on individual expression and emotion, remains a powerful symbol of artistic freedom, paralleling experimental musical forms like those of John Cage. The discourse around “my kid could paint that” underscores the complex relationship between technical skill, conceptual depth, and the viewer’s perception of art’s value. Recognizing these nuances enriches our understanding of both historical and contemporary artistic practices.

References

  • Smithsonian Institution. (2023). Picturing Hard Times: The New Deal and American Art. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/1934-Picturing-Hard-Times.html
  • Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). (2023). The WPA and Government Support for Arts. http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/powerprose/wpa/
  • National Endowment for the Arts. (2023). About NEA Funding. https://www.arts.gov/about
  • Pollock, J. (1950). Convergence. Museum of Modern Art, New York.
  • Cage, J. (1952). 4’33”. [Musical score].
  • American Conservative. (2011). My Kid Could Draw That: Art or Amateurish? http://www.theamericanconservative.com/my-kid-could-draw-that/
  • Huffington Post. (2011). The Surprising Complexity of Child Art. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/28/study-examines-difference_n_841268.html
  • Eck, C. (2009). Abstract Expressionism. Thames & Hudson.
  • Reynolds, C. (1988). Jackson Pollock: An American Saga. Abrams.
  • Kuspit, D. (2014). Art and the Perception of Skill. The Journal of Aesthetic Education, 48(3), 57-70.

Related Assignments