The Art of Michael Ray CharlesAn Aesthetics Component |
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Some art is primarily didactic-art that teaches a lesson, or art that is instrumental in changing peopleѺs behavior. Political art, religious art, and feminist art are examples. For those who feel that art should have a larger social purpose, the degree to which it is instrumental becomes a criterion for judging art. Michael Ray Charles’ main artistic interests are instrumental. In his works he wants to make people aware of black stereotypes and their negative impact upon both blacks and whites. He wants to educate people through his art. By looking at the photographs of Jacob Riis, the multimedia works of Judy Chicago, and the paintings of Michael Ray Charles, one can establish principles for making didactic art. For example, instrumentalists do not deliver their messages by abstract means. If Jackson Pollock had a clear message for his viewers, then his action paintings do not convey it. Because of their very abstraction, they are open to multiple interpretations, not a simple straight-forward message. AssignmentIf you want to make art to persuade, what rules should you follow, and why? As a guide, think of what Michael Ray Charles has done. |
| Rule | Reason |
| Instrumentalist art should be realistic but not slavishly so. | Political cartoons are good examples of instrumentalist art, and the figures are realistic enough for the reading public to recognize and get the message. |
| Instrumentalist art should encourage the viewer to probe and uncover layers of meaning. For these works, and this applies especially to the work of Michael Ray Charles, discussions about meanings and multiple view points are often enlightening. | If it is too simple, both the artist and the message will appear shallow. |
| The artist may have an instrumentalist goal, but s/he should also be a competent so that the works are orderly and expressive. | Good art is formally pleasing, and expressive qualities indicate that both the artist has strong feelings about the subject. |