The Importance of Bad Art | Liv Kemmsies | TEDxYouth@CHPR

Key Concepts

• Creative outlet
• Modern art criticism
• Obscure art (wonky art)
• Tangible vs. Dismissible art
• Internal vs. External motivation
• Authenticity in art
• Street photography
• Value in the process

Modern Art Criticism

The speaker expresses a dislike for modern art, stating that it often feels devoid of meaning and celebrates mediocrity. This is a personal opinion, not a universal judgment. The speaker acknowledges that others may find value in it.

• Key Point: Modern art is criticized for lacking meaning and celebrating mediocrity (speaker's opinion).
• Quote: "I don't think like I'm not judging if you find this find value in this but for me personally uh I think it's kind of devoid of uh meaning and it celebrates mediocrity."
• Argument: The speaker participates in online discussions about art, where the phrase "I could have done that" is seen as a positive incentive for others to create art, making success more accessible.

Obscure Art: Definition and Value

Obscure art, also referred to as "wonky art," is defined as art that is not conventionally good – messy, honest, and genuine. It exists in a sweet spot between the "not tangible" (too good to fathom replicating, e.g., the Mona Lisa) and the "dismissible" (so bad it's not considered art, e.g., children's drawings).

• Definition: Art that is not conventionally good; messy, honest, and genuine.
• Purpose: To lower the fear of being creative, make mistakes feel less fatal, and instigate unapologetic passion.
• Sweet Spot: Between the "not tangible" (unattainable perfection) and the "dismissible" (unacceptable quality).

Motivation: Internal vs. External

The speaker distinguishes between two types of motivation:

1. External Motivation: Being amazed by other people's achievements without being motivated to pursue them oneself. Example: Watching the Olympics and being impressed by an athlete's performance but not being inspired to train oneself.
2. Internal Motivation: Motivation that comes from within, inspiring one to pursue a creative endeavor. Example: Tim Burton's napkin drawings.

• External Motivation: Admiration of others' achievements without personal action.
• Internal Motivation: Personal drive to pursue creative endeavors.
• Example (Internal): Tim Burton's napkin drawings, which are messy but show that even renowned artists start somewhere.

Authenticity in Art

Authenticity is presented as a crucial element in art, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. Examples include:

• Tim Burton's Napkin Drawings: The messiness and unconventional lines demonstrate authenticity.

• Wes Anderson's Stop-Motion Films: The use of animal fur for puppets, despite the slight movement of the hair between frames, reveals the "fingerprints" of the artists and creates a connection with the audience.

• Key Point: Authenticity is crucial, especially with the rise of AI art.

• Example (Wes Anderson): Using animal fur in stop-motion puppets, sacrificing seamlessness for visible human touch.

Personal Example: Street Photography

The speaker shares their personal experience with street photography as an example of pursuing obscure art. Street photography is described as finding beauty in the chaos of everyday life.

• Street Photography: Finding beauty in the mundane and chaotic aspects of everyday life.
• Benefits: Low stakes (easy to delete and try again), pure way to find beauty.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes with a quote emphasizing the importance of creation over perfection. The main takeaway is that engaging in creative pursuits, even if the results are imperfect, is valuable and essential.

• Main Takeaway: The value lies in the process of creation, not necessarily in achieving conventional perfection.
• Quote: "The only way to fail in a creative setting is to not create."