Vanitas: Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic, Jana Sterbak, 1987Almost two and a half decades after forcing the public to question how it looks at fashion and consumer culture, Sterbak is giving her audience another chance to approach things differently. Until the end of April, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art is showcasing an interactive 19thC exhibition of art mounted by Sterbak. The purpose? To view such a space through the eyes of children.
Obviously, each child will approach such a space in a unique way (even two children of the same age and family as seen here) but we 'forgive' children for this. Why, then, do adults seem to feel a need to excuse themselves for a lack of art knowledge? People apologise for not 'getting' art and this is something I struggle with on, at least, a weekly basis. It is ok to like what you like, whether or not it has been deemed worthy by collectors or scholars. My only issue comes with those who seem incapable of trying to appreciate qualities in works outside of their comfort zone. We all know there is plenty of art out there that is not to my personal taste but this does not make it irrelevant or unworthy of the interest of others.
Well said Melissa! There is a ton of art that I just don't enjoy (remember Ugly in '45?), but you're right, that doesn't mean that it is irrelevant or unimportant. I would greatly enjoy seeing this exhibition.
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