MCFA

Massachusetts College of Fascist Arts

A few nights ago a group of students, who will remain anonymous, decided to express themselves through the use of sidewalk chalk.  They did so outside Hoosac Hall all over the walls and ground.  Immediately the next morning maintenance cleaned it off and students were e-mailed informing them that if each person who were involved does not come forward then all living in the dorms were going to be billed.

The issue: The reasoning behind the billing is because the student handbook does inform students that the use of chalk is prohibited and "profanity" was also seen... a valid point

The reality:  For those who have used chalk before they will know that rain will wash it away.  The next day it rained, but before the rain could get to the chalk it was sprayed down with a hose.  Also I personally saw the finished art and it was in no means at all profane.  Oh and did I mention that I witness people who do not even live on campus draw?
Why would a majority in the dorms who did not partake in the use of chalk be billed when it was a select few who were a mix of on and off campus students were involved?  And why would it even be an issue if the rain was going to wash it away shortly after maintenance "took care" it.

I do not think I am wrong in saying that there is irony in this.. a liberal arts college punishing students who most likely consider themselves artists.

Over analyzation of sub genres of art

Today in class we discussed the filming of a play to make it a movie or the recording of a musician's live performance to make it a record.  Does the distribution of the Dave Matthews Band live trax (or any other performing artist) diminish the experience shared by the audience and band or does it give valor and worth the the experience by proving it to have been a great performance to someone who was not present?  

Response to Andrew Roiter's post "what is art vs. what is good art"

Q: Should we even discuss what makes up the qualities of good art?


I think that the word art is a large umbrella and because so much can fall under the umbrella and be classified as art that everyone is capable of making some form of art.  And why should anyones art be susceptible criticism?  I believe negativity has no part in the art world, but this does not mean art should not be shared.  It should be open for discussion and comparison without a competitive mindset.  
This is why I believe discussing what makes up the qualities of art to be unnecessary.  It could only lead to transforming the 'good art' into a popular standard or scientific method towards art of which rebellion will arise and new sub-genres of the art for will form.