Painting Is Dead Analysis

‘Painting is dead’. Mr David Walcott introduced his approach to contemporary art and painting. ‘Use paint only to make texture; and to make the painting into its own independent object.’
Painter is left a little confused. ‘So this isn’t a painting course?’ He politely asks.
‘Well, yes it is technically. In this course you will learn to create and develop your own personal approach that does not rely on any outdated techniques. We will de-construct painting in such a way that you will not need to paint as there is no purpose.’ Mr Walcott answers; honing in on Painter and giving him the smart-arse look. He has a kind face, but unfortunately the ravishes of severe acne have disfigured his skin giving him a pockmarked appearance.
‘Even though
“To answer your question, since World War II painting has progressively become a mode of expression that is outdated. Painting is regarded as a form of expression that cannot represent the social and political developments of the 20th century. The last of the painters, like Sol LeWitt, moved away from traditional painting to installation as a mode of expression to overcome this problem he landed up making murals. Barnett Neumann, another example to illustrate my point, makes paintings that are architectural murals and has come to a dead end. The major trends in art today involve concepts and this has resulted in performance and conceptual art like that of George and Gilbert, Joseph Beuys and Joseph Kosuth. Conceptual Art is the art of ideas, where the illustrative content of painting has been removed and replaced with the artists concept.’ He pauses to see if Painter is still following. ‘Research has determined that the chronology of 20th century art has lead progressively from Pop Art to Conceptual Art.’ He nods knowingly. If the students had been in a bar he might have winked and slapped Painter on the arse, but this is an academic institution and he is about to kick up the intellectual level even
The new media carries the contemporary content.’ The allusion to the friendly saloon is lost in his theoretical lecture theatre antics. ‘On the other hand, art about art as with Minimalist art is part of the current post-vanguard leading to the death of painting. It’s the start of a dehumanised aestheticism where ideas, philosophy, meaning and emotions do not enter into the work.’
‘Isn’t this what this government wants; a self indulgent art that does not question the current political ideology.’ The political activist, Karl, asks. In protest to military conscription Karl changed his surname to Marx; defiantly declaring himself a Communist and anti Apartheid.
Mr Walcott peers at him, as this is not a time to question authority; never mind government policy. Mr Walcott slowly returns to his lecture ignoring the political provocation of the question. As a lecturer talking politics to their students is risky and if reported can land the lecturer in jail and jobless. It is seen as a serious offence and Mr Walcott is taking no