Art. What a concept. Most people search for a creative outlet their whole lives. Others find their niche in their middle school art class. Art is defined in many ways, and it looks different to many depending on the person and their experiences. Thinking about traditional artists who paint or sketch for a living, they may see art as an opportunity to share their skills with as many people as possible. It is safe to say that an artist who is just starting out would love much recognition, but as Walter Benjamin proposed, art loses its value if it is mainstream enough. Benjamin suggests, "The uniqueness of a work of art is inseparable from its being imbedded in the fabric of tradition." He then goes on to say that tradition is fluid and changes over time. As time goes on, the value of art shifts.
This same concept applies to pop culture and the art of movie-making. There is a general outline most movies follow. Good guys, bad guys, a problem occurs, and then it is solved by the end of the movie. Think about the best movie out there. What makes it the best? Is it the characters, storyline, or image quality? Either way, there is an art to what the media produces and how it is received by the audience. For example, Marvel movies are often titled as having similar story lines, no matter what characters are involved. Same thing with Fast and Furious, and even eight movies later, there are still those who love to see it.
The most important part of learning about art is understanding the balance that has to take place. There are great ideas, and they can be repeated as many times as needed, but there has to be a balance of tradition and uniqueness, as Benjamin explained. If an artist can be known but not overconsumed, there is a balance between fame and tradition that keeps the essence of art alive and thriving. A question to consider is at what point does widespread popularity diminish the value of art, and how can it be preserved?
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