The Genius Of British Art

The Genius Of British Art by Janet Street Porter- Channel 4

"Best British art is challenging, threatening and controversial"- Janet Street Porter

I watched this documentary on how art has developed and changed which was really interesting due to the fact that it was presented by Janet Street Porter, who is an outspoken and controversial figure.

1960's

• Most marked decade Britain has ever seen.
• London's cultural rebirth-new art by young looking to future instead of past.
• Pop art-Peter Blake and american inspiration, David Hockney and sexual liberaion. Richard Hamilton- Collage of American magazines symbolizing classless Britain (right).

1967

• Police declared war on drugs- Rolling Stones
• Gilbert and George- tweed suits turning themselves into living sculpture (got drunk!). Believe they were "created by the enemy" and that they held up a mirror to society showing 'art for all.
• Punk music reinvented art, Johnny Rotten (Picasso of punk) used his music to protest, art is a form of protest. "Rules are for fools" and he loves to offend.

1980's

• Money and ambition rejuvenated art combining Margaret Thatcher and punk's ambition
• Damien Hirst- "bend the system rather than break it". Known as one of the richest artists as auctioned over 200 artworks in less than 24 hours for £95 million, "you either make it in your lifetime or you don't".

2000

• Culture, reality tv, celebrity and life have a huge impact on art
• Tracey Emin- unique selling point " self obsession as an art form" and uses art to express herself. She studied fine art and wants art to speak to people directly. She believes 'the message has to be deeper and last longer' therefore 'is not point in shocking'. Emin believes sex is the last taboo of middle classes.
• Grayson Perry- greatest commentator of how we live today and life in 21st Century Britain. "Sincerity is the only way I can rebel". His artwork(right) shows the traditional image of a women but uses the modern day purse to replace a child. 
• David Cerny- controversial work and enjoys getting a reaction from the audience. Made a tribute to everyone's favourite bad boy, Damien Hirst,by making a version of Saddam Hussein. He is also known for his controversial sculptures such as two men peeing which can spell anything. Recently he created Entropa (below).

 This documentary has gone over many facts I knew but has really emphasized the idea of being controversial or shocking in modern society and the development through art.