# Andy Rooney's modern art rant **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 26, 2006, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131 "2006-06-26T00:03:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/81 "2006-06-26T02:44:49Z")
Agreeing with the assessment of Christo. I saw a documentary on his building of a fabric fence across the red states. The ranchers, at first, were VERY reluctant to let it on their land. After watching it develop and realizing how cool it was, they happily let Christo and Jeanna Claude build it. ---
**Author:** ![Idlewild](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8491ac/32.png) [@Idlewild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idlewild)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/82 "2006-06-26T02:45:05Z")
Do you actually know how much oil paint and canvas cost? Do you have any idea of the basic component cost of a small painting? Let alone the hourly labour that goes into it? ANY idea? Ballpark figure? Check this out: [http://danielsmith.com/categories/paint/oilColor/ds/default.asp#sortTop](http://danielsmith.com/categories/paint/oilColor/ds/default.asp#sortTop) Money is kind of … actually… unfortunately necessary for the creation of art in some media, at least within a capitalist society. ---
**Author:** ![mrrealtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@mrrealtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrrealtime)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/83 "2006-06-26T02:47:03Z")
[QUOTE=Someone] Articulate what you do like or stop your Rooneyesque whining. [/QUOTE] What I like personally is not the point. I keep my art in my house for me and certain guests to see. My art means a lot to me. Some of it is by me, some is by friends, some is historically important, some is just some junk I found in the back yard. The POINT is, I dont put it in Times Square or try to get the government to pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![percussion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@percussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/percussion)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/84 "2006-06-26T02:49:17Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] I can think of a lot of things. Hmm…lets say you got $10,000 in the bank, and you can get that Kidney you need to continue living, or a new painting by Jack Shadbolt. Or better yet, you could preserve a school for the arts or a much needed hospital? No disaster doesnt STOP art, it usually INSPIRES it. You people! Art isnt all about MONEY! Its expression. It doesnt need grants, funding, or anything. It happens REGARDLESS of and usually IN SPITE OF money, grants, funding etc. As long as people can get a few moments between survival, they’ll find a way to make it. They use it to express an idea, protest a government, keep a memory alive, deal with oppression, fight off depression… You dont have to be an “Artist” to make art. In fact, the best artists always dont consider themselves artists, they just do, and make do. Many, on the other hand, use art as an excuse for being a bum, being lazy, being “eccentric” or just plain nuts, or being utterly pretentious to show how much “better they are” than everyone around them. How they “get it” and you dont. Thats NOT art, its bullshit. It shouldnt be publicly funded, its a total waste of money, and I dont like seeing monuments to it all over the place. Hence the OP. [/QUOTE] What you said is in previous posts is that people making art…are idiots…because they surounded an island with pink woven polypropylene fabric as opposed to give money to a disaster fund…essiantly that they should STOP making their art, because of the tragedy… also…this post sugests So in order to make good art, you cant be an artist. and you want to live in lego land. ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/85 "2006-06-26T02:49:31Z")
[QUOTE=blinkingblinking] Yeah right. Next time I will base my vote for Mayor on their choice in modern art. [/QUOTE] Uhhh, which maybe gives a little perspective on just how entirely unimportant this issue really is? Seriously, some people act like half their fucking paycheck goes to funding “offensive art”. Yeah, it’s not an issue that I would use in my choice of Mayor, or even City Council represenative. Because it is an extremely minuscule portion of any budget and a ridiculous thing about which to shake one’s fist. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/86 "2006-06-26T02:49:34Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] No disaster doesnt STOP art, it usually INSPIRES it. You people! Art isnt all about MONEY! Its expression. It doesnt need grants, funding, or anything. It happens REGARDLESS of and usually IN SPITE OF money, grants, funding etc. As long as people can get a few moments between survival, they’ll find a way to make it. They use it to express an idea, protest a government, keep a memory alive, deal with oppression, fight off depression… You dont have to be an “Artist” to make art. In fact, the best artists always dont consider themselves artists, they just do, and make do. [/QUOTE] You’re right. What the government can do is find those people and buy their stuff and publicly display it. And they ought to do this not for the good of the artists–screw 'em–but for the good of the rest of us. Society needs beauty in the world. It is good and meet that society’s organ, government, organize and fund those aesthetic concerns. I mean, is it ok to put a fountain in front of that hospital you want to fund? ---
**Author:** ![mrrealtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@mrrealtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrrealtime)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/87 "2006-06-26T02:50:03Z")
[QUOTE=Idlewild] Do you actually know how much oil paint and canvas cost? [/QUOTE] Your just proving my point. Art isnt about oil paint and canvas! Its about taking what is available to you and making a statement. If you find a barrier like missing cash, you have the opportunity for creativity! Thats what art is all about! It probably started with a burnt end of a stick on a wall, or mabey a rock dragged on a harder, darker rock. If you cant make a statement without “oil and canvas”, mabey you honestly dont have anything to say. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/88 "2006-06-26T02:50:35Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] What I like personally is not the point. I keep my art in my house for me and certain guests to see. My art means a lot to me. Some of it is by me, some is by friends, some is historically important, some is just some junk I found in the back yard. The POINT is, I dont put it in Times Square or try to get the government to pay for it. [/QUOTE] So, what is it precisely that’s the problem with publically funding art? You know what you like and what you value and what you think is art. That’s cool. That’s fine. You’ve no right to tell someone else what isn’t art to them. Keep your “Dogs Playing Poker”, and I’ll keep “Starry Night”. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/89 "2006-06-26T02:53:09Z")
[QUOTE=percussion] come on now..really? do you have to be this dim? [/QUOTE] OK, why don’t you explain your point to me, if I missed it. ---
**Author:** ![percussion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@percussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/percussion)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/90 "2006-06-26T02:53:14Z")
now your changing your tune… “modern art that means squat to 99% of its audience is worthless junk that shouldnt have left the storage facility.” that is what you opened with. ---
**Author:** ![mrrealtime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@mrrealtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrrealtime)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/91 "2006-06-26T02:55:00Z")
[QUOTE=percussion] What you said is in previous posts is that people making art…are idiots…because they surounded an island with pink woven polypropylene fabric as opposed to give money to a disaster fund…essiantly that they should STOP making their art, because of the tragedy… [/QUOTE] Yes, their statment was “Hey everybody, pink plastic around an island!” and my statment back is “You are an idiot! You could have spent all that money making several houses for poor people and investing in a copy of photoshop to put pink around some islands!” I mean, yes, they can do whatever they want, but if they can make the statement in the first place, Im well within my right to react. I believe their point was to get some kind of reaction, right? Were they hoping no one would notice? Did they expect everyone to embrace the pink plastic with “Wow what amazingness! My life was meaningless before the pink plastic!” ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/92 "2006-06-26T02:55:11Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] It happens REGARDLESS of and usually IN SPITE OF money, grants, funding etc. [/QUOTE] The first part of this sentence is fine. The last part is laughable. And I’m someone whose art form doesn’t really have unusual expenses. ---
**Author:** ![percussion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@percussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/percussion)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/93 "2006-06-26T02:57:42Z")
[QUOTE=Sarahfeena] No one in Germany is in need of food or housing? Congratulations on solving all social problems there. Most countries are not that fortunate. [/QUOTE] I didnt imply that no one in germany was not in need of food or housing…i mean that art in that country should not cease because of tragedy in that country similary after 9/11 i didnt think any american artist should stop…if so we would have never gotten John Adams “on the transmiration of souls” a beautiful piece of music that exists soley becuase of the tragedy.. …I didnt atempt to solve any social problems… ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/94 "2006-06-26T02:58:14Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] Your just proving my point. Art isnt about oil paint and canvas! Its about taking what is available to you and making a statement. If you find a barrier like missing cash, you have the opportunity for creativity! Thats what art is all about! It probably started with a burnt end of a stick on a wall, or mabey a rock dragged on a harder, darker rock. If you cant make a statement without “oil and canvas”, mabey you honestly dont have anything to say. [/QUOTE] Cute. If someone can’t relate to you “art” in a way you like or acknowledge, it doesn’t exist. Also “oil and canvas” are merely the tools for creating one medium. Obviously, it doesn’t demand those two things. You already know this, but you lean against it as a crutch. ---
**Author:** ![percussion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@percussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/percussion)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/95 "2006-06-26T02:59:13Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] Yes, their statment was “Hey everybody, pink plastic around an island!” and my statment back is “You are an idiot! You could have spent all that money making several houses for poor people and investing in a copy of photoshop to put pink around some islands!” I mean, yes, they can do whatever they want, but if they can make the statement in the first place, Im well within my right to react. I believe their point was to get some kind of reaction, right? Were they hoping no one would notice? Did they expect everyone to embrace the pink plastic with “Wow what amazingness! My life was meaningless before the pink plastic!” [/QUOTE] you’re such an ignorat twat… ---
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/96 "2006-06-26T02:59:27Z")
Ah, Andy Rooney, the Human Hemorrhoid. I say that when he dies we should dip him in bronze and put him in Washington Square so the pigeons can shit on him while the rastas smoke dope and play hackysack and everyone complains about what an ugly work of art he is. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/97 "2006-06-26T03:00:19Z")
[QUOTE=kaylasdad99] So, is it your belief that exposure to art should be a privilege of those who can afford to collect it? I don’t really get the sense that that is your belief, but without publicly-funded art, isn’t there a good chance of that being how matters eventually tend to settle out? If not, why not? And if so, do you consider that to be an overall positive effect for the community? [/QUOTE] Actually, the greatest exposure to art I have ever had is the Impressionist exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. This collection was started by Mrs. Potter Palmer, a private and very wealthy citizen, who bought the art because she loved it, and donated it to the public good. So, no, I do not believe that art should only be for the rich, but there are plenty of examples where art is paid for by the rich, and appreciated by the rest of us common folks. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/98 "2006-06-26T03:00:55Z")
[QUOTE=mrrealtime] Yes, their statment was “Hey everybody, pink plastic around an island!” and my statment back is “You are an idiot! You could have spent all that money making several houses for poor people and investing in a copy of photoshop to put pink around some islands!” I mean, yes, they can do whatever they want, but if they can make the statement in the first place, Im well within my right to react. I believe their point was to get some kind of reaction, right? Were they hoping no one would notice? Did they expect everyone to embrace the pink plastic with “Wow what amazingness! My life was meaningless before the pink plastic!” [/QUOTE] Once again, you trumpet your ignorance and fight it like you’re proud of it. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/99 "2006-06-26T03:05:46Z")
I can’t believe you people are fussing about art when the WORLD CUP is on!!! Shame, etc. ---
**Author:** ![percussion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@percussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/percussion)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2006, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131/100 "2006-06-26T03:06:07Z")
[QUOTE=Jackmannii] I can’t believe you people are fussing about art when the WORLD CUP is on!!! Shame, etc. [/QUOTE] beautiful!! 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-rooneys-modern-art-rant/362131.md?page=6)