I am not much of a writer but there is one question in my head that seems to be unanswered. I am writing this post in order to clear my doubt by researching more on this particular topic and also to share some of my ideas and hopefully answers with you. Did people in history have more talent than people now?
From an artistic point of view, I have noticed that most of the art that is being sold and appreciated today was created years ago. Why is that? An idea is that back then, people had more time to improve on their arts and crafts. Whatever people seemed to do then, they did very well. They did not have that much television or the internet as distractions and as a result of that, they produced better and more acknowledged works of art.
It is a widely known fact that human beings are way more productive when they restrict themselves from indulgences like television or internet usage. I am not saying that people these days are not talented in the arts field. I just think that if they spent less time watching television, using the internet (Facebook, twitter, even possibly blogs) or the new obsession with blackberry phones, then maybe the art being currently produced can be compared to historical art.
Personally (as a designer) I'm used to looking at a lot of magazines and fashion books etc with hopes of getting into the whole spirit of design (or something). That did not quite work out and I realized that those magazines and books just distracted me and made me more paranoid and less creative. I eventually just let myself be and started trying to read more(educative) books and watch old inspiring movies.
Now I am going to give a few examples of historical art and compare them to that which is being created now (Mid 1900's to now). *Note this is just what I believe. It does not necessarily have to be fact.
This is a Piet Mondrian painting. Personally, I do not really see the awesomeness. I understand that it was inspired and that it took a lot of thought, but it does not really exude talent.
This is 'The Creation of Adam'; a part of the fresco painting of the Sistine Chapel by (genius) Michelangelo. You can see that a lot of creativity and devotion was put into these paintings.
This is a closer picture of the one above. (Click to view larger picture).
This is the famous Campbell's Soup Cans work of art by Andy Warhol. I am sorry (Andy Warhol fans) but can't you be more creative and paint something other than soup cans?
This is the 'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt. It is one of the most famous paintings in the world ever. This painting is amazing, from the light contrasts to the details. It is evident Rembrandt was a talented painter.
So what do you think?
xx.A
