Time For a New Arts Movement?

It surprises and angers me that the art establishment places so much value on the meaningless manipulation of material as if the application of media in new or different ways can, by itself render the media into art. New does not always equal innovation, and innovation by itself does not equal art. Art is the emotional and intellectual expression, and subsequent personal revelation, of individual experience. Generally techniques and material innovation derived from the artistic process of self-exploration. Art should never just be a commentary or a political statement. In the same breath, art should never be merely sentiment or raw emotion. Instead, art should create a dialog through which both the emotional and intellectual response to experience is revealed. It is time for a new arts movement; time for artists to collectively define the direction we take in the 21st century. It is time to focus on those works which embody authenticity of expression over material manipulation, depth over observation, beauty (which does not mean pretty) over disturbing, clarity and insight over shock and confusion. There is no truth to the conviction that bad work sells and good work gets hung in museums. Finally, it is time to help our world heal through works and exhibitions that value human endeavor over human despair. With the new school year upon us, what better way to celebrate than with the grand opening of a new art website which is home to ten Texas artists celebrating art & life. Just Art reports the release of their new home page highlighting the artist's paintings, as well as the artist's varied art techniques.