There are many definitions stated by Adams, and I agree most of them.
1. Time - Art Lasts
He mentioned that if there is a good art, it can be last for a very long time, even the changing in culture, language and religion. For example the Greek statues that are 2300 years old, we still admire them in the museum.
I agree this definition, if we don't think these statues are art, why would we put them into museum? Moreover, as mentioned by Adams too, there are something that can be as old as the Greek statues, but we don't treat them as an artwork, such as some ordinary tools that preserved for a long time. So this means only a good art can last for a really long time.
However, I think this definition is not standing if it is in an extreme situation. There are many artworks such as Chinese ceramics, Chinese paintings, are being destroyed during Cultural Revolution in China. I think the red guards at that time sure don't treat these artworks as an art.
2. Content - Art has message, Art has content, Art contains idea
Adams also mentioned that the artworks have message to convey to the viewers. I agree with that, even the artworks in Dada, they may seems meaningless by their look, but the creator of these artworks want to challenge the old artworld by these artworks, this is already an idea that this artwork contain. So, I think this definition is correct.
3. Influence - Art makes you feel things
Adams mentioned that, an artwork should make the viewers feel something. I agree about that, no matter in any art form, art can make us have different kinds of feelings. We felt weirdness when we are looking at Magritte's painting, we felt creepy when we are watching "Aliens".
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| Magritte |
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| Aliens |
4. Form - Art is not formulaic
Adams also talk about art should not be formulaic, he also used the example of Dali and Star Wars series. I agree about that, one of the value of artwork is its innovation. If the artist can break new ground then this artwork will be a good art.
However, there is one definition that I don't agree
1. Utility and Saleability
Adams mentioned that the artist should not be involved in merchandising. This idea might not be working now, especially in film and game industry. There are many films that are being produced in merchandising consideration, but they also have a great artistic value, such as "Blade Runner". I think it is important that the artistic consideration is not outweighed by the merchandising consideration.
b) According to Adams, what is need for videogames to be considered as art?
In the conclusion of Adams' article, he gave some advices for game developers, to make their games into art.
- Games must seek to do more than provide "fun"
- There must be an aesthetic for games and gamplay.
- Game developers must experiment with the medium. They must take artistic risks and break new ground
- Games must challenge their players as other art forms challenge their viewers.
- Games must be subject of genuine criticism, not merely product reviews. They must be studied.
I think what he said is to make game is not only about fun, there must be a message or idea inside. Also, game should not be formulaic and keep repeating the same idea.
