Conceptual Art?

Hey there. Happy Monday. I have some thoughts for you today about the way I approach investing in stocks.

But before we get to that, I want to show you something I came across in one of the online art newsletters I subscribe to. Take a look at this:

“In the small New York State town of Kinderhook,” the piece reads, “artist Nick Cave has found himself in a bit of controversy over his art installation: a mural of black vinyl letters standing 20 feet tall and 160 feet across reading ‘TRUTH BE TOLD.’”

Unsurprisingly, the mural, which covers the entire facade of one side of the museum building (and is visible from the street) has caused a stir. Citizens are asking:

Is it a work of art – a profound and moving mural meant to “provoke a dialog over the George Floyd murder and police racial injustice,” as the artist’s lawyer is arguing?

Or is it just a big, ugly political poster – in which case it would violate various town ordinances?

For me, it’s a sad reminder of one of many unfortunate developments in modern art: a small but effete tributary called Conceptual Art.

In Conceptual Art, the idea behind a piece is more important than the aesthetic result of the artwork itself. In this case, Cave’s idea about racial injustice – presumably that it shouldn’t be denied – is what matters.

So, if you think encapsulating that “idea” into TRUTH BE TOLD is brilliant, this installation is a brilliant work of art. If you think it’s a thoughtless cliché, it’s a failed work of art.

Or, if you feel that artists should stick to making things and leave the making of ideas to people who are good at thinking, you will eschew Conceptual Art altogether.

You decide. Now, on to…