Re: Contemporary Art Thread
illustration is merely the technique, they are artistic in their purpose.
I mention Saatchi because I sense a deep correlation between what he enjoys and what you defend, and he is the current dictator in the field of so-called contemporary art. I think he has a lot to answer for.
I appreciate the good intentions, but you're not protecting graffiti by denying that it's art, and it doesn't need your protection anyway! what harms it the most is the common misperception that somehow if it's in a gallery or approved by the art-world establishment then it's art, but if it's done by some kids off their own initiative and in the context they choose and done the way they want to do it it's somehow considered invalid as art (know you're a fan of graf too and I'm absolutely not assuming you're somebody who sees it as vandalism, but you are saying it's invalid art). it's not protecting graffiti to maintain the cloud of ignorance that surrounds it.
personally, I think art that doesn't challenge society and its views is really just ornamentation and decoration. graffiti (as a movement rather than individually as pieces) is the ultimate challenge to society as evidenced by the fact that curerently the maximum sentence you can receive for it in the UK is 5 years. and it certainly has artistic qualities beyond mere "pretty pictures"
to answer your points:
- if skateboarding was in the olympics it wouldn't upset me.
- I know you don't like banksy, but you mentioned him in the post.
- the art in the illuminated 'B' is in how the creator perceived the letter 'B' and how he illustrated it. That's different to how other people would do it and involves a high level of creative self-expression, so I'd take it as art in the broader context.
- my label and DJ sets are not being presented as comtemporary art, but just as a label and DJ sets so I've no idea where you're going with that one.
and I'm sorry you find my (admitted) bluntness "unbelievably insulting" - it's only to ask you to walk a mile in someone else's shoes before rubbishing their experience and artistic statement. if you find it insulting, well that's up to you, but it's certainly not meant as you seem to be taking it.
The only issue I have with you is not personal in any way. I wouldn't waste the effort typing if I didn't genuinely want to understand your point of view. I'm only trying to challenge your view as stated on here in response ot my initial post of what can be considered art. If that is upsetting to you then I am sorry to hurt your feelings, but I have nothing whatsoever against you or what you want to do and do like you personally. But please don't presume to tell me about what me and my friends do! I find that a little insulting... I've had to endure a fair bit for the artform I was into and some of my friends have endured a lot worse. We knew what we were doing legal or not was art of some form or another, and I haven't found that perception challenged substantially here.
so let's leave this here and agree to disagree. friends? 
