Is children’s art “art”? Steve said that age does not matter; Derek, June, Bob and Arthur were ambivalent. I thought I should ask a Françesca (four and a half years old) for her opinion about what she makes, and also about work by “grownups.”
KARL: What is this?
FRAN: A snake.
KARL: What kind of snake?
FRAN: A normal snake.
KARL: Is it art?
FRAN: No.
KARL: What is art?
FRAN: Nothing, I don’t know.
KARL: What is this?
FRAN: Fireworks.
KARL: Is this art?
FRAN: [Shakes her head, meaning no.]
KARL: Is this art?
FRAN: No.
KARL: How old is the person that made it?
FRAN: Five years old.
KARL: Did a kid make this?
FRAN: No, a big person made that.
KARL: Is it art?
FRAN: Yes.
KARL: Is this art?
FRAN: No, that is not beautiful. My little brother Nino made that.
KARL: Did you make this?
FRAN: I can’t make that. A big kid made that.
KARL: Is it art?
FRAN: Yes.
KARL: What about this?
FRAN: I find that beautiful. It is a bit mixed together.
KARL: Who made it?
FRAN: A little kid, 25, no, 50, no, 15 years old.
KARL: Is it art?
FRAN: Well yes, um, no. Can I use the computer now?
Interesting, that she allows for a 10 year age difference between Klee and Kandisky.
Francesca may be prejudiced by her environment.
Francesca knows how to conduct herself in an interview. I hope to learn from her example.
Kids are so smart, they can’t be tricked. Good interview
Francesca is very astute!
I wrote a poem in high school about how Jackson Pollack ate his paint and then barfed it up on his canvas to make his paintings. Not a recommended technique, but that was my point of view back then…
Fran does not have seem to have a clear idea about “what is art.” She does not seem to have any concept that she should be worried about the issue. Her drawings are a means for self-expression. She makes them because she wants to, without any idea that art is a goal. I find this an interesting approach.
Leslie, any chance you could find that poem?