Contemporary Art and "I Can Do That"...But Yeah You Didn't

I feel that when the debate focuses on contemporary art, especially the disciplines that are tech-enabled (such as photography or digital editing), the critiques are often laced with a condescending attitude of "Oh, I can do that. A child can do that."

But yeah, you didn't.

Take the kaleidoscope pieces above, for example, which were collaborative pieces between the photographers, who took the original images, and the digital craftswoman (April Johnson-Shults of @kaleido.scorpio) who used technical tools to reimagine the original photos into different forms, geometric patterns, compositions, and colors.

A detractor might sneer at the simplicity of the techniques compared to traditional art forms like painting or sculpture. "What's the big deal? It's just pushing a few buttons. I can do that."

But yeah, you didn't.

Because if you closely analyze the final products, you will notice that the end designs require a series of skillsets and intentional decisions. The photographers have to produce a captivating initial image. The digital editor has to conceptualize the patterns, shapes, and color arrangements that would render the desired effects.  And finally, both the photographers and the digital craftsperson have to be competent at maneuvering their tools - the ultimate goals being an intriguing feast for the eyes and a completely new interpretation through the lens of the digital artists, while still honoring the essence of the original visual.

And sure, maybe the critics "can do that." But yeah, they didn't.