PHD Proposal
John Bishop
Is Art the Last Stronghold of Elitism?
Introduction
In this world of all inclusiveness I feel that it still does not relate to the art world.
I will examine if what I feel is true or if the art world has changed.
Is the fine art world a mere extension of commercial art? That means making money of the backs of artisans and creating a small group of super elite.
This means making money for the rich being above the content of the work.
Has Art Become All Inclusive?
Is illustration still not acceptable as real art?
Is Outsider Art acceptable as real art?
If the artwork has no meaning is it simply just decoration?
What is Art for Arts Sake?
Secondary to these things I will look at art therapy. I will examine if it does any good or harm.
Being all inclusive with children regarding art do we praise them too much?
Do we give the impression of being all inclusive when in fact the art world is still run for the elite to make vast amounts of profit off the backs of the artist?
I have been involved as a learning deliverer at a major art gallery for four and a half years.
During this period I have been involved in exhibitions involving many different conceptions of what art is or is not.
I have been involved with many students who say they cannot do art.
And I have been involved with many students who think they are artists.
Is being accepted as an artist simply a matter of circumstances, confidence, bravado, money, support, upbringing, can it be all of these or something else?
I intend to take these questions and really attempt to answer what after all is a series of questions where the answers may or may not matter at all.
Research background and questions
Art school is no longer a place to be taught.
Art school appears to be a place to explore your methods and not learn skills.
Previous artists or artisans were schooled in method and technique.
I will examine how artists today get in the door.
My own art practice is multi layered and involves painting, 3d and performance.
I will look at my situation in relation to the art world.
Research methods
I will look at many artists who have made it and those who are outsider artists from today and the past.
Schedule of work
The schedule would involve interviewing artists, Illustrators, Graphic artists, fine artists, non artists, students and those who still feel they are outside the accepted fine art elite.
Bibliography
