h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well some of it has to be art. If it takes a certain degree of skill, talent and ability to create, then it's art. But surely anyone can make a pile of bricks or something?

For example, I heard recently of a cleaner in a museum of modern art who accidentally threw away an exhibit. it was a carrier bag ful of rubbish. I mean, really, was that supposed to be art?!?!?!?

Sure, if you're a scavenger.

I suppose they're just trying to produce something novel - look at the way art has developed through the ages with different styles & materials. There seems to be more emphasis these days on the idea behind the piece (conceptual art) rather than producing anything aesthetically pleasing or skillful.

My younger son is planning to do a Fine Art degree, so we're looking at universities. I can't see him fitting in anywhere yet - he's talented but also down to earth. When we hear about students finding themselves as people, sitting in a cardboard box for 3 days & nights to see what happens, or staying silent for a week (using pen & paper to communicate) I think we're in the realms of psychology rather than art.

Yeah. Does sound more psychological that artistic.

I'm sure you *can* produce art work using Tesco bags and other random items, but the bag itself sittintg there isn't art.