Carter, Art, Technology, and the Museum

Art, Technology, and the Museum – the one and only Curtis L

This article discusses the tension between functional art and representational art. This tension arises out of the differences in the purpose of the two types of art. Functional art can be beautiful but its main purpose is to help mankind adjust to nature, and representational art is meant to cultivate the mind. People question whether or not these two types of art require different sets of aesthetic values because functional art is so different from traditional art. We do not need to change the values, but we do need to change the way we think of an art museum. It should be thought of as an environment for interpreting art in many different forms rather that a place only for rare treasures. Carter argues that it is the job of the museum to present and interpret the best art irregardless of its form (painting, sculpture, film, or products of technology and design). He says that both fine art and consumer products (industrial design) are functional but in different ways. To do their job an art museum must be open and inclusive for all art. To bridge the gap between fine/traditional art and industrial art, the aesthetics of the two types of art must be linked. In this respect, good design not only serves it practical purpose but it also, “expresses in its visual design the way of life that invented it.” A positive effect of including industrial design in art museums is that it will break down the elitism that has developed. New audiences will be attracted that may have previously found art as unapproachable but will be able to accept this industrial art and appreciate it. The art museums are a place for the exploration and experiencing a diverse array of artistic achievements. The museum is a place where people can encounter cultural symbols, and while the symbolism of a painting may be quite obvious there is still the opportunity for interpretation in industrial design (Carter gives the example of a speaker). While functional art may not address the human concerns that a painting might, but industrial art does exhibit human creativity and achievement. To bring these two types of art together in the museums we must find common ground but also differences so that they can be fully appreciated.