Raymond G. Taylor
Bio
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
Stories (43/624)
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This is not a work of art
When I created this digital image, I was not intending to create a work of art. I was just having a bit of fun with AI. Having created it, though, I think I have inadvertently done just that. Created a work of art! Yes, really! Why, then, have I called this story "This is not a work of art"? The simple reason is that the digital image IS a work of art precisely because it IS NOT a work of art. The artistic value of the work is defined in its own contradiction. Now, this might seem complete nonsense, and perhaps it is, but I will try to explain what I mean.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Art
Long-lost Constable painting found in basement
A mystery painting found in a South London basement could be a long lost Constable. The painting, found in a house in Beckenham, South London, is believed to be a long-lost work by John Constable R.A. (1776 – 1837) known as A Summer Meadow. The work is currently under examination by art history academics at the National Gallery in London.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Art
Tea set by a suffragette . Top Story - June 2024.
Pankhurst is a name well known to the history of women’s suffrage. Who hasn't heard the name Emmeline Pankhurst, founder of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an all-women organisation campaigning for the right to vote? The group that helped to achieve the right to vote for women in Great Britain and Ireland in 1918. Some know of her daughter Christabel, both being honoured by the Pankhurst memorial in Victoria Palace Gardens, London, right next to the UK Parliament buildings. Sylvia Pankhurst is notably not included in the monument. Why? Because she split with the WSPU to campaign against Britain's entry into First World War.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Powerful painful empowering. Content Warning.
Not an easy exhibition to see, Lost in Parys describes in painful detail the love and loss of a mother following her son's death at the age of 19. Artist Alison Lapper is perhaps best known as the subject of a nude sculpture by Marc Quinn, which was mounted in Trafalgar Square, London, between 2005 and 2007. Controversial at the time and drawing the obvious idiotic comments about nudity, beauty, the female form and whether pregnancy and disability were suitable subjects to put on display in a public place. These days one would hope that the world is a little more tolerant and a lot more understanding.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Images of wonder
If you have yet to see A World in Common at the Tate Modern you have run out of time. That is, unless you can get to London by January 14. That said, you may still be able to enjoy the magnificent photographic works of some of the best contemporary artists from the diaspora on show there.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Culinary magic. Top Story - December 2023.
Is it art? This is a question I have heard many times. It follows on from the broader question: "What is art?" I see a lot of art in art museums, sometimes in artists' studios and exhibitions, some of which I might struggle to understand. The question of whether it is art never particularly concerns me, however. Although I do sometimes ask myself why it can be considered art or, more to the point, how and where does the artistic spirit of the work exist.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Would you pay $139 million for this painting by Picasso?
Not sure I would buy it at the price, but then again I don't have 139,000,000 in folding to spare. To me, Picasso is one of the artists who define the 20th century. He was 18 years old when the century began (strictly speaking 19) and he lived through a fair chunk of it, not least two world wars.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Art for our sake: eight
Ever wondered what art is all about, what art is for, who is it for? For that matter, what is art? All of this week's reviews touch on this issue. When I tell people that I volunteer at an art museum, it's not unusual for the conversation to include them saying that they know nothing about art. Let me turn that argument on its head. I attended a series of presentations recently about African heritage art and one of the presenters in particular made a point that we are all art experts. We all know something about art because we have all created art at some point, we have all seen and appreciated paintings, sculptures, buildings, statues and other forms of art. More importantly, we all have opinions about art. This edition of Art for our sake, explores this theme.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
