Critical Discussions

The “What Is Art?” Throwdown!

Panel participants Alison Gilmor, Cathy Mattes, and Amy Fung

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 2-4 pm, at MAWA

Ah, the vexing question… is it art? Is it even answerable, or do we each have a definition that is unique to our backgrounds and beliefs? If “what is art” is specific to individuals, how do we educate a general public, advocate on behalf of an art-filled culture or even critique work? Surely there must be some boundaries… so let’s figure out what they are!

Three panelists will each present images, some of which they define as art and some of which they don’t, and articulate why. Then the floor is open to you. Debate! Disagree! Argue passionately for what you believe in!

Many questions are bound to come up, such as: Is it art if the creator didn’t call it art? Is it art simply because a creator calls it art? Is there a difference between non-art and bad art? Is craft art? Documentary photographs? Commercial design? Architecture? And more!

Don’t miss the critical dust-up of the season! Featuring panelists:

Alison Gillmor writes on art, film and pop culture for the Winnipeg Free Press, CBC’s Manitoba Scene and Border Crossings, and has contributed to Canadian Art, Black Flash, The Walrus, CBC Arts & Entertainment, Western Living, the Globe & Mail, Canada’s History, Canadian Geographic and now… MAWA!

Amy Fung is an interdisciplinary and independent arts writer, organizer, editor of the Edmonton-based PrairieArtsters.com, and now wreaker of critical havoc in Vancouver. Visit AmyFung.ca for more information on projects past and present.

Cathy Mattes is an all-round art maven. In her curatorial and writing practice she focuses on Aboriginal issues and art. She is now the art history lecturer at Brandon University, Visual and Aboriginal Arts Department.

Moderated by the immoderate Sarah Anne Johnson (who may pipe up with opinions of her own)