I thought I would take the time to reflect a bit on the interviews I have been conducting.  As stated in previous posts, I am putting together a short film with my assistant Mike Detelj to promote the book Art Is Dead coming out in the fall.

When I was beginning to put together my book I was fairly certain in my beliefs that art appreciation was truly lacking in America.  I was sure that other artists were feeling disconnected from popular culture and felt that art simply did not have the resonance it should.   In an attempt to go beyond my own thoughts and feelings I asked for the contributions of some major players in the art community on the subject.

The feedback on teh contributions was mixed as I expected it to be.  Some agreed and some disagreed claiming that art is still a wonderfully powerful movement and is prevalent in our society.

I thought that maybe through the face-to-face interviews I could conjure up some other feelings towards the art world.  Throughout the face-to-face interviews there has been universal concern towards art and the direction it has been headed for some time now.  Though the most interesting part about the interviews is that no one can seem to agree on specific issues.  Some think art is an industry and others don’t, some think art is still in great shape in their area and others see past their region and think art is in a hole.
This has been an incredible learning experience for me throughout these interviews.  Not only has it inspired me in my own artistic works but it has just increased my rationale for wanting to put out this book.  When artists can step back and look at the macro of society instead of their own bubbles which are constantly surrounded by art, they can begin to understand the title ‘Art Is Dead’.  The argument will always be that art can never die since artists will always be around. But what about to everyone else?  Don’t they matter too?

Learn more about the book and sign up for the mailing list here: http://www.tedmikulski.com/artisdead.htm