I don't know how many of you watch 20/20, but tonight's show was
called "The Real Deal," where one of the subjects was tested as to whether
or not modern art was "the real deal." They had people vote
online as to what seemed to be better or more valuable "art," from
Pollock to flea market stuff, but the identity of the works weren't
shown. And the unknown flea market painting (bought for $5) got the
most votes. People couldn't tell the difference. Not suprising. They
also lined up various modern art work, among them were paintings
done "professionally" and one done by a 4 year-old; the people
viewing these didn't know that. Among those viewers were experts on
modern art (painters, critics). The experts seemed to really latch on
to the one by the 4 year-old which was (as you would imagine) just
random blobs and drips. One guy even said, "There's some tension with
the light and dark..." and all that intellectual stuff, thinking this
was serious work. Then the reporter (John Stosel) informed the man
that it was done by a 4 year-old and he was stunned, standing there
trying to defend his words. He came up with the obvious, "Well then
this 4 year-old has talent!"
Anyway, there's more but I was noticing that finally this is being
talked about openly on major network TV. And John Stosel was being
very honest saying, "I just don't get it," and he asked, "Why is this
stuff art?" And he also mentioned at the end of the segment that our
tax money is being spent funding this stuff in museums, as to bring
attention to that fact. I was pleasantly surprised to see that on TV
tonight. I guess it's a sign of what's to come?
