guys.... I didn't say you can't have an opinion or taste...in fact I was at pains to point out that you are welcome to like what you want...no-one will argue with that...But you were maintaining that Emin's work isn't Art and it is. Just because you don't like it is not, with respect. of any more significance than the fact that I do like it (well appreciate that we need it anyway). I'd not give it room space either, but that's not the point. I wasn't talking down to you AK...it's very difficult not to take a stand on these things (and I do happen to think of this as a bit of a crusade), without making an intellectual point...it's an intellectual arguement and if I put it in simple terms you might have thought me patronising?
90% of the popoulation agree with you anyway. But 99% of the population also hated impressionism, and now we think of it as fine and wonderful. I don't think Emin will survive into the history books as more than a one liner, but remember that Artists express and mirror the society in which they live. You (we) deserve Emin because that is how we live...fast and easy, nothing lasting, no depth or craft. Warhol expressed this perfectly with his concept of 'The Factory' as a place to create the Art that defined the 60's and Emins unmade bed defines the 90's. That's why it was in Tate Modern, and that's Tate modern's job, to represent what is relevant to NOW. If you want old masters, you go to the National. What connection can a 'Rembrandt fine art in oils' approach have to the internet world of nuclear war, more unmarried than married couples, fast food, throw away clothes, tabloid journalism and big brother? Maybe what you are syaing is that you long for a return to more traditional values? If so there is Art out there to suit you...as I said, the Summer Exhibition is a brilliant place to see all kinds for all people. Emin is there (or her like), so is Durer and the impressionists. I guess all I'm saying is, the world moves on. We get what we deserve, but if you don't like it, you are free to pick what you do like of course. But I don't feel that you should be in charge of the brake lever, nor I in charge of the throttle. Artists, musicians, writers, poets, architects are special gifted people and we must let them do what they do. I don't think 'the people' ought to be able to say 'we don't like that, stop it'...it's too Prince Charles for me. Freedom of expression, for everyone, please.