Have you come across Barthel's "In Defense of Offensive Art" at The Awl yet? Some good food for thought in relation to discussions of OF. I guess I can't post links but I promise it's only a quick google search away :)

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I have not but will look it up. To be clear, I don’t have an issue with offensive art if its creators are able to articulate their intentions with an intelligent, cogent response. Yes I know art can exist outside of the artist’s intentions but with Odd Future I get the distinct sense they, the members, are integral to the performance and content; their work does not exist solely outside of their alter egos/the acts and so, for me anyway, I draw a connection between the work they create and the things they say about their work (e.g., Tyler’s tweet to Tegan and Sara). Fine, be bleak and offensive but if you want the audience to associate you (and your talent) with the work, then have something smart and articulate to say when people criticize your creation. It’s easier to be offensive and hide behind “it doesn’t mean anything, we’re just messing around” than it is to actually own the impact your work has on others. Honestly, and this is just my opinion, to be purposefully offensive and hide behind “it doesn’t mean anything” is more than just a copout, it indicates a lack of artistic and creative integrity. 

Notes

  1. modernandmaterialthings posted this