Ask Mrs. Hall anything: Questions about Van Gogh and Xeroxing body parts

Bruce Johnson asks Mrs. Hall the following:

Can Xeroxed body parts really be considered art, why or why not and what are the ramifications? Would van Gogh have used a xerox? Would Picasso have enjoyed a scanner?

one: Yes, xeroed body parts can be art. But. It would have to be done in such a way that the body part is undeniably the artist and the image itself- undeniably a xerox copy. Thus blending both man (or woman) and machine. In this way, the muse would be satisfied and heard. Tall order for such a project. But, I have faith it could be done.

Ramifications? None. Mechanically reproducing images is done all the time through the art of photography. The Xerox machine is like a camera. Only slightly more challenging to use.

two: Van Gogh would not use a Xerox. The man was poor as dirt. He could not afford a Xerox machine. Plus, being poor, he was transient. On the move a lot. Xerox machines do not fit in suitcases.

Also, his muse didn't speak Xerox. Ya see, all those letters from Van Gogh, the 6000000000000 letters he wrote to his brother Theo, of which I am reading through, explain his muse. I am know now his muse very well.



I believe the prolific letters are a result of a condition called hyper graphia. He wrote non stop, sparing no detail. He wrote without structure. However, despite the relentless nature, his muse speaks dominantly.

She calls attention to all the details around Van Gogh. The color of flowers, the tinder of church bells, the warmth of the sun, the delicate interaction between others. He was enamored with it all. Kind of like Frankenstein peeking into the cabin. Talking to the little girl. Being exposed to everything as if the first time.

Also, the craft of painting. This drove him. He compared himself to his fellow painters. The process of painting, physically laying paint on to canvas. This fueled his muse.


three: No, Picasso would not have enjoyed a scanner for art. For other purposes maybe. He had a certain machismo type aura. He was a ladies man. His muse lived in his um, nether regions I believe. Unlike Van Gogh muse which shone light on the earth around him, Picasso's muse oggled women. A lot of women.

Again, Picasso's muse was a bit of ladies man.

This painting below is of one of his lovers. And again, his muse was given voice through paint, brushes and canvas.

In short, for Van Gogh and Picasso, a Xerox lacks the visceral appeal of standing in front a canvas, brushes and paints at the ready.

Working the painting like a red headed stepchild so that their muse will be satisfied.

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Next on Ask Mrs. Hall:

Are you a fan of Pink Floyd yet?

Asked by Earl the wandering cat herder

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AND NOW YOU!

Ask any question you like and get an answer from me, an expert on most everything.

Or

xerox/scan a body part and email it to butcher.hollow@gmail.com and let me judge it to be art/not art :)

And please, let's keep all images sent to Mrs. Hall attractive. :)