cody and weber

The excerpt from Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art speaks about art as a defining tool for class structure. Art is not a necessity, therefore becomes a product that is bought for pleasure by people who can afford it. This escalates to a point where those consumers make a hobby out of collecting, and the art that acts as a message or catharsis to an artist acts as no more than bragging rights to others. This view on the art world is completely negative, yet fairly accurate. I agree that art is the world to the creator, him having almost a parental relationship with it. This personal expression can be bought or traded to uninvolved patrons that see it as an opportunity for income.
Weber talks about transformation of the artist in the process of creating public art. He seems to preach to the reader to surpass the unrealistic dreams of making it “big in the art world” and following the “white cube trends”. Weber expresses what he feels matters the most is touching base with society that won’t turn to the next popular craze and leave another behind. There is more fulfillment in having your art viewed by a mass audience and being free of the rules and restrictions of the ever-changing gallery world.
Serrano speaks of the opposing side of displaying art in public. His piece, “Piss Christ”, had a large amount of negative press surrounding its unveiling. Even Congress became involved as the religious world felt scandalized and attacked by the image of a crucifix submerged in urine. Serrano points out that it was a misinterpretation of his work, bringing up the question of limitations in art depending on higher authority.