What is Art?

Above photograph “Judas and the Corruption of Men” by Daniel W. Coburn.

I’m interested in what people have to say on this subject and how different people define the nature of art. Just about everyone has an opinion. Powerful characters throughout history have challenged the definition of art.

Fountain by Marcel Duchamp 1916

Marcel Duchamp

In 1915 Marcel Duchamp presented a series of objects that he referred to as readymades. His bicycle wheel and urinal are examples of these experiments which represent Duchamps conscious effort to break every rule of artistic tradition. His intention was to create a new kind of art that engages the mind instead of the eye in an effort to make the observer participate and think. Duchamp started by eliminateing arts most fundamental values: beauty and artisanship. He removed the hand of the artist from the process of creation and substituted manufactured, assembled, or “readymade” objects in an effort to create works without the pretense of artifice. Duchamp was not concerned with imitating reality.

Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol 1967

Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol began his career as an illustrator and commercial artist. He never abandoned his quest to use mass media to capture significant moments in American history and culture. He raised controversy in the 1960’s when he transformed highly charged political images into art. Warhol began to make paintings of famous products such as Campbell Soup Cans and Coca Cola products. He founded a studio called “The Factory” where he switched to silkscreen prints which he produced in quantity. His philosophy was not to make art of mass produced items, but to mass produce the art itself. Artists like Jeff Koons continue in this tradition. Warhol declared that he wanted to be “a machine” and therefore minimized the role of his own hand in the production of his art. It was because of this fact that his work quickly became popular and controversial. In many ways, Warhols superficiality and commerciality, was a mirror of the times.

John Cage

John Cage

John Cage was a leader in indeterminate music. Indeterminate music is generally defined as partially composed, requiring the performer to make decisions and improvisations while playing. Cage was a student of composers Arnold Schoenberg and Henry Cowell who were both known for their radical innovations in music. Cage’s major influences came from his interest in Zen Buddhism and Asian Philosophy. His work 4′33″ challenged the art of music like never before. A pianist sits in silence for the duration of four minutes and thirty three seconds. The sounds made by the audience and the room become the musical experience. At the end of the duration the performer leaves without ever playing a note.

So do we separate those who make art from those who challenge art? Is there a difference?

My Definition of Art

Part 1
I believe that art must be beautiful. However, I define beauty much differently than most people. My definition of beauty as it pertains to art:

Any artistic work that celebrates, and uniquely portrays, the triumphs and tragedy of the human condition. The work must communicate these feelings with passion and fervor.

I’d love to hear your definition of beauty. Please leave your remarks in the comments section.

Part 2
We all see the world from a unique vantage point. We all express our vision differently. I think a successful work of art expresses an individual point of view. It challenges the viewer to see things differently than they ever have before.

This topic should make for interesting conversation. Please post your thoughts in the comments section.

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. For more information and photographs visit his official website

Daniel Coburn Interview on Channel 13 WIBW

WIBW recently posted my Sunday “Art Talk” segment online. You can see the video by clicking below. I’ve been very busy with photography lately since we’ve had some very interesting weather. Check back regularly to see my latest photos.

Click here to see the interview.

I spotted some wildflowers on my last storm chasing trip that were begging to be shot in color. June is a great time for wildflowers in the flint hills. For those of you who aren’t familiar with my work I am mostly a black and white photographer.

Photograph below by Daniel W. Coburn

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. For more information and photographs visit his official website.

Summer Celebrations @ Strecker-Nelson Gallery/New Black and White Photo

Above photograph is a brand new release from Daniel W. Coburn entitled “Deep Creek Road”

Please Join me at Strecker-Nelson Gallery for the opening of their latest show entitled “Summer Celebrations.”

I will have several pieces in the show!

Join me at a pulbic reception for the artists!
Friday June 13th 5-8pm
Refreshments Snacks and Adult Beverages provided by the good people at Strecker-Nelson Gallery.

Summer Celebrations
June 13th – August 16th 2008
Strecker-Nelson Gallery
406 1/2 Poyntz Avenue,
Manhattan, KS 66502
785-536-2099

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. For more photographs and information visit his official website.

Color Landscape Photos/My Recent Adventures in Storm Chasing

Above photographs by Daniel W. Coburn.

Tuesday night an impressive line of storms moved over Topeka. As the sun began to set, the tops of these huge storms became visible. I drove west and stopped halfway between Topeka and Manhattan (On the shoulder of I-70 :c) This gave me about an hour to shoot this amazing scene. Kind of makes you feel small when you stand in front of something like this.

For those of you who want to get technical, I used a fill flash to light the foreground as it got a little too dark to capture detail. It seems like an amazing coincidence when all of the right variables come together to create something this beautiful. Just off the shoulder where I stopped I discovered some prairie grasses like I hadn’t seen before and some purple wildflowers. Maybe those of you are familiar with these type of things can identify the grasses from the photos. This experience is definitely on my top 10 list.

I hope you all enjoy. More black and white photos coming soon.

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. To find additional photos and information visit his official website.

Good Morning Kansas Interview/Book Signing

This morning I did an on air interview with Gina Terlizzi for Good Morning Kansas which airs on Channel 49 KTKA. It’s always painful to watch myself on television but I think the interview went well, despite a little nervous stuttering. For those of you who know me I usually don’t appear so “stiff.” You can see the video by visiting www.ktka.com

All of this hoopla has been arranged to support the release of my latest book and my signing at SouthWind Gallery of Topeka tomorrow night. Details are listed below. If you don’t live in Northeast Kansas the book can be purchased on my website

First Friday Gallery Walk and Book Signing Party
Friday June 6th
6-9pm
Snacks and Refreshments will be served!

SouthWind Gallery
3074 SW 29th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66614

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. For additional information and more photographs visit his official website.

Daniel Coburn @ SOHO Photo in New York/New Work

Above Images: “Gut Wagon Graveyard” and “Tiny Dancer” by Daniel W. Coburn

I learned recently that my my image “Gut Wagon Graveyard” was selected by Juror Charles Traub for inclusion in the SOHO Photo Gallery National Juried Competition. I wrote in a previous post about how these untraditional portraits were getting me some national recognition.

I have a particular interest in children and how they are raised to fit into different stereotypes and fulfill specific roles. The above two photographs are some recent examples.

SOHO Photo Gallery
15 White Street
New York, NY 10013
212-226-8571

2008 SOHO Photo National Competition
July1 – Aug 9, 2008

Opening Reception
6-8pm Tuesday, July 1 2008

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. For more information and photographs visit his official website.