Question:
Where have all the artistic giants gone?
Answering a question the other day, I realised that I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on the subject. So...
Cast your mind back across the 20th century and think of an art form. Theatre, dance, film, fine art, music - classical / popular - comedy, the novel, you name it, and see if you can think of leading figures in that medium. Easy, isn't it?
Now think of those same mediums today and think of any great leading figures who are still working at the height of their powers. Hard, isn't it?
I suppose my question is in three parts.
!. Do you agree with my proposition?
2. If so, what's going on here?
3. Does it matter? I would argue that it does. The works of, say, Picasso, Olivier, the Beatles, Brando etc. were important in and of themselves, but just as important was the effect they had on other artists working in their mediums.
I'd even apply this idea to other areas of life. Politics, sport, science;choose your own.
Let me know what you think on this.
Thanks.
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
It is true that there is no steady supply of talents through time. That is why we conceived the idea of renaissance. There is a boom for some time then there is a lean period. I think we are going through that draught. Note that it depends partly on the political situation also. (Second world war has given us many brilliant scientific discoveries). Moreover, true talents are often recognised and appreciated much after their death, examples are numerous. Who knows, some little-known fellow may turn out to be an artistic giant in future.
As for the 3rd part, I think it certainly matters. The more the number of talents, the quicker will be the advancement of civilisation.
I appreciate Jamjan100's comment and agree with him that the question is too intellectual to be posted in yahoo! Answers.
I will further suggest that the rapid advancement in computer science may also be partly responsible for those "missing giants". Painters are now-a-days using computer and not canvas, film-makers are using animations, musicians are using similar techniques ..... this is a hindrance to develop the basic skill of an artist.