The book profiles what was important about the era -- the transition to conceptual art. The art itself makes little sense without written evidence of merit. Each artist needed a theory, a statement, an explanation -- of why their art mattered instead of being just a set of random elements. Wolfe ends the story saying the eventually art exhibitions will become painted words, enlarged sections of text that accompany tiny artworks the size of the placards that we are used to seeing next to the art in museums and galleries. Brilliant, and very true. We live in an era now where literally anything can be art, if the artist intends it to be so. Skill, craft, and the physical making of things is not primary and essential anymore.
On Hyperallergic.com there is a review of the current exhibit at the Denver Art Museum dedicated to the female artists of the Abstract Expressionist movement. As I am not a huge fan of this art style, the art itself doesn't strike me as amazing. In fact, my students could have done this art, and have made similar works using leftover paint on the newspaper that covers their work area. Still, it is good to see an exhibit that focuses on the fact that women were thinking and creating alongside the men, and not just because they were married to them. At least that playing field seems to be leveled these days. Although, in textile arts the men are often seen as exotic and novel. Maybe in fifty years that will change.
What will you make today? Don't think too much about why you will make it!