On the nature of Art

Art isn’t ugly or malicious or pretentious. It isn’t angry. Nor does it assume a position of superiority.  To be honest, I was disappointed in the way the final critique in NUS Museum unfolded. The video on the Changsha bowl’s journey from the kiln to a display cabinet was amazing. The camera work was confident, the choice of music and variety of visual effects, great. When everyone started pointing out flaws with the film, I was aghast.
Honest commentary is laudable for it helps to hone the film makers’ craft. Some of the points raised were indeed valid. There was a barrage of comments for this video; most of them were, unfortunately, delivered in a negative, not-so-tactful manner. At one point of the critique, I complimented the video; I didn’t want the film makers to have no one recognize their labour; I didn’t want the critique session to be all about criticisms. Yes, it was a critique session. But no, it wasn't a criticism session. 
It wasn’t because I didn’t agree with some of the criticisms raised; it was because I disagreed with the way they were raised. There is a need to respect the efforts of the film makers. Some people were downright rude but dressed it up as professionalism.
Art is beautiful; people have no right to pass rude comments in its name. It isn’t ugly or malicious or pretentious. It isn’t angry. It is about beauty and life. Spreading beauty, understanding life.
People who criticise unreservedly, they are not artists.

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