Uncool

Writing about art is like dancing about architecture.  Anon

Me and Kathleen

I'm increasingly amused by the vogues of the day, the trends as in "trending", that we are supposed to pay close attention to or... what? I don't know.  I suppose the curse is that we will be labeled "uncool" by someone. Horrors! In the picture on the left you see two women [one is me] who are riotously unfashionable though having a perfectly marvelous time on a paddle wheel boat in New Orleans several years ago. Both of us shop for comfort and more times than not, in thrift stores. When I saw this picture it made me smile because we are so oblivious to what the fashion was at this time in our lives.  I've been thinking about uncool a lot lately. 

One of my newfound delights is volunteering at the library. The task I was given is to make sure that the books, DVDs and graphic novels are absolutely in Dewey Decimal System and alphabetical order.  I now have the joy of discovering parts of the library that I've neglected for many years . The last group of books I organized was the Oversize Books.  How incredible to find art books with glorious illustrations from famous artists from many different eras. I just returned a wonderful Thomas Moran book and reveled in the glorious [although mostly fantasized] scenes he had of the northwest and the west.  

Life is very nice, but it lacks form.  It's the aim of art to give it some.              Jean Anouihl

Next, out of curiosity, I brought a large book of Norman Rockwell's many illustrations home with me.  I knew  as a young woman I was amused by many of his illustrations and admired his handicraft. Sadly, I never knew the depth and breath of his work. When I was growing up his work was belittled by critics as sentimental tripe, very uncool, which I supposed influenced my understanding of Rockwell's work. Then I read about Norman Rockwell's work and viewed the decades and the depth of his art--- I found myself bewildered. This man was an excellent artist and superb craftsman of the highest degree. Yet he was scoffed as uncool and second rate. Why? Because the "trending" art at that time was all about the expressionist, the avaunt guard and modern art that was so popular at in the 1920's through the 1980's when he was producing his amazing and interesting art. Basically Norman Rockwell was declared uncool by the powers of the press and critics. Yet the people who were not critics, loved and appreciated him. Very few of the critics could or would see the artistry and beauty of his work. The picture above of Rockwell's 'Do Unto Others' has deep relevance and meaning today although it was painted in 1960.

more on uncool outfits

Although I chuckled at Norman Rockwell's portraits of the salt of the earth types, I also realized the skill it took to make you look at the image before you and immediately be in on the joke with the artist.  That brought a smile and joy to millions through out his career. It seems to me that it the essence of cool. Joy and laughter.

It's strikes me as interesting that Rockwell's art is every bit as well executed as Andrew Wyeth's art.  I realize this is a shocking and strange comparison. In 2017 had the privilege of seeing Wyeth's work at the Seattle Art Museum. When looking at the two artists, the contrast is acute. Rockwell's art is rich with incredible detail, often funny, whereas Wyeth's art is dramatic, well executed and achingly spare. So, I asked myself, does being amusing distract from the quality of the art? I'm thinking to me, somehow it must. Because the overall question: would I like a picture on my wall of an Andrew Wyeth or a Norman Rockwell to look at forever?  I'd  honestly have to go with the Wyeth. Does that make me a traitor to my own argument?  Worse things have happen to my thoughts.

man in a boat

Wyeth is cool, literally and the art world was, as it certainly should've been, wowed by his impeccable technique and craftsmanship. Rockwell is frankly corny but his craftsmanship and technique are also impeccable, brilliant even. Is this a case of apples and oranges or Caravaggio and Bosch? I'm kind of baffled as to the answer, if there's even a correct one. As my Grandmother used to say, "to each his own, said the old lady as she kissed the cow."

susansmagicfeather 2021 Susan R. Grout