Focus

[Norman Watts <Norman_Watts@zzzzzzz>]

It seems to me there is more going on in this art, aesthetics, etc,
business than what has been talked about.

I don't know much about art but here is another thought relating to
this guy's Urinal. Focus and context is a large part of it. Take almost
anything, put it on a pedestal and put a spotlight on it and it will
appear special. Conversely, take the finest sculpture and place in the
food court of a mall, or have two of more copies of it present and it
becomes valueless. I think this was the point of the urinal thing,
right? This is still only half the story however, because only some
things will pass the "grunt/wow" test, but it seems a large part of the
story.

Another thougth. A lot of things take their power from entropy in the
natural world. Systems tend to disorder. In other words, its easier to
break down than build up. A little urinal can kick the legs out from
under a lot of effort (without being great itself). This I believe, is
also why it is possible to wreak unspeakable destruction, agony and
death with the push of button, but it is impossible to cause
unspeakable joy, peace or intactness of limb by the same means.

n


Norman Watts, Ph. D.
National Institutes of Health
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