Say what you will about Kelly Clarkson, I really like this video. I’m not sure I would like the song if not for the video, which makes it even more compelling to me to share. I don’t know that a concept like this has been done before in a music video, and even if it has, this is the first time I’ve seen something like it. Plus, I like her hair in the video (her clothes, not so much).
This video actually got me thinking about a plethora of concepts and ideas about creativity, art and entertainment. I have far more questions than answers, and they start out with something like this: Is music still an art just because it’s music? What is the line between art and entertainment? This video concept is clever and creative… but is it art? You can be creative without being an artist, but can you be an artist without being creative?
Any thoughts about this?
You can be an artist without being creative. I present Exhibit A: Michael Bolton. Maybe your definition of artist is different and hence, you believe that your definition of an “artist” has to be creative.
In response to your music video submission, I counter with Van Halen’s “Right Now” which has to be one of the best videos ever. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkQZOnCN3k) It also helps to have a catchy song that sporting arenas use during critical moments of a game.
my two cents…
first of all, kelly clarkson!?! i mean, maybe ( a big maybe ;P) i secretly dance to her music, but posting her or her video as an example of art is pushing it.
part of the definition of artist includes creativity. are knock-offs an art? i don’t think so. they just copy an original piece of art. i think originality and creativity are an integral aspect of art that we can’t ignore. therefore, if this video copies a concept found somewhere else, it’s more of a knockoff than art. is it creative? not really, especially if the idea has been used before. but, is it entertaining? yes. therefore i think there is a line between art and entertainment.
and no, i don’t believe you can be an artist without being somewhat creative. that’s what makes art difficult. not everyone can push the boundaries and therefore not everyone is an artist.
I don’t think I mentioned anywhere that this video is an example of art, or that it is the best video ever made. I just think it’s creative and then it became a jumping point for these ideas and concepts for me. By the way, I do suppose I should be clear about this stance: just because you sing/play music doesn’t equate to being an artist. You can be a music entertainer and not an artist. The industry has done a good job, however, of blurring the lines there.
Regarding “knock-offs”, people are always going back and recreating things that have done before. Some people do it in their own way (remakes of songs), and other people try to make something for the purpose of it being mistaken as being the original (fake handbags). There are so many examples of great art using a “knock-off” concept, such as the Harper’s Bazaar May 2008 feature of Julianne Moore… or even John Michael Cooper’s “Ophelia”. Too many exceptions to this idea for me, I think.
By the way, nice Van Halen video… a very classic art concept of using text with images to change the viewer’s understanding of the image… and then tied in with music.
Hi Daniel :) I somehow found your site some time ago, but forgot about it. But I saw Jeannie today at the women’s tea, and she reminded me that you’re a pro photographer now :) It sounds like you and Jeannie are enjoying life being who you are and doing what you love to do. Sounds awesome to me.
Anyway, that is a good question and it is something I have thought about before. I kept going back and forth on my answer on this. Maybe I’d have to de-construct my preconceived understanding of art. I sometimes struggle on whether I am a real artist (or maybe truly talented?). Am I really good at copying life through drawings or paintings? Or as a photographer, am I really a good photographer or is it because I take tons of photos that I’d eventually would have a handful of gems/lucky shots? For music, am I musically inclined or am I just good at imitating musical notes? Well, I don’t know if the last question is related. If I get an honest praise or positive review by someone who I consider a great photographer or artist, will be an encouragement to me.