Minor Works - Major Angst
The great works of art through the ages are familiar to most people, like this painting by Johannes Vermeer. You know its name. These are the masterpieces. These are considered “major.” There are also less-known works by both famous and not-so-famous artists. They’re considered “minor.”
So, who decides which is which? Art historians? The “Market?” Is it by unanimous declaration? Most of the “minor” works are obscure but often just as wonderful.
“Man Writing a Letter,” by Dutch painter, Gabriel Metsu, does not have the status of a Vermeer or Jan Steen, but it’s pretty darn close.
To me, they are all masterpieces like, “Flaming June,” by Sir Frederic Leighton.
But a living culture can’t consist of old dead people. It needs living artists that connect—in the heart as well as the head—so deeply as to bring tears to your eyes with wonderment and beauty…like “Comedian” by Maurizio Cattelan…or not!
PTSD is similar in that there can be minor bouts of angst with occasional masterpieces of anguish and torment. Life can seem as meaningless as a banana taped to a wall, but if I look beyond the misery and emotional pain—If I raise my eyes to the exquisite in both nature and art—I can bring back hope and meaning. It works.
Good one
Looking at art--looking at beauty, puzzling about it, puts your mind and eyes in a new light--a whole new perspective. It's a prescription for optimism. But taking over the Kennedy Center--that's beyond offensive.