Some would define art as a large form of sheet metal welded together, painted dull orange, and placed in front of the Federal building downtown. While that particular example frustrates me personally, it may have hidden merit. After all, according to William Rubin, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, "there is no single definition of art." Not all works of art have to be pleasing to the eyes of the masses; we don’t all have to ‘get it’. There may be something worthwhile lingering beneath the surface of even the most absurd looking creations. Absur

With respect to the role a work of art takes in communicating an idea, it is my opinion that if an observer experiences a work of art, becoming a participant in the artist’s message, that action (or reaction) has defined the word. As defined by John Calhoun in a submission to an online discussion group (www.sito.org), ”Through personal experience, art is a suspended emotion that enables others to perceive and understand the ideas and feelings of the artist.” While this message of “suspended emotion” may not represent a complete communications loop, it seems a valid means of provocation. In other words, art should make you think and feel, and not just in a random way, but also with a focused message at the heart of it. The mind of the observer may wander any path once provoked, but it is the initial question that gives birth to that process while simultaneously validating the means used to deliver that message.

So, that big metal thing in front of the Federal building – the one that raises the question, “What the hell is that supposed to be?” from the uninformed (like me) – may actually serve a purpose. If I stop and question the possible meaning, the motivation and perhaps the inspiration of the artist – have I gained anything? Maybe. That part seems to be an option; I suppose it depends on how much thought I am willing to devote to it. This is the interactive part of the fragmented communications loop ment

Some topics in this essay:
Preliminary Handbook, Baltimore Press, , John Calhoun, Art York, William Rubin, Richard Belton, sheet metal, front federal building, stop question, heart mind, definition art, communications loop, role art, front federal, painting statue, federal building,