Meaning:
The quote "The idea of avant-garde art is a very suspicious thing to me, the idea that poetry is new and it keeps being new the way Chevrolets every year are new" by Robert Morgan Soldier raises interesting questions about the nature of art and the concept of innovation in creative expression. In this quote, Robert Morgan Soldier appears to express skepticism towards the notion of avant-garde art and the idea that poetry, or art in general, is constantly reinventing itself in a manner similar to the annual release of new car models.
Avant-garde art refers to innovative or experimental works, particularly in the realms of visual art, music, literature, or film. The term "avant-garde" originally comes from the French military term for "advance guard," and it has been used to describe artists and movements that push the boundaries of traditional artistic conventions. This often involves challenging established norms and conventions, and embracing unconventional or non-traditional forms of expression. The avant-garde is associated with being at the forefront of artistic exploration and pushing the limits of creativity.
In the quote, Robert Morgan Soldier seems to express a sense of suspicion towards the concept of avant-garde art. He questions the idea that poetry, or art in general, can continuously be "new" in the same way that new car models are introduced each year. This comparison to the automotive industry implies a certain degree of skepticism towards the notion of constant innovation and novelty in art. It suggests a skepticism towards the idea that art can be consistently and reliably "new" in the same way that consumer products are marketed as new and improved.
This sentiment challenges the prevailing notion of perpetual artistic innovation and prompts a critical examination of the nature of creativity and originality in art. It raises questions about the commodification of art and the pressure to constantly produce something new and groundbreaking. The comparison to Chevrolets, which are mass-produced consumer goods, highlights the potential dangers of reducing art to a product that is expected to be regularly refreshed and rebranded.
At the same time, the quote also invites reflection on the evolving nature of artistic movements and the dynamics of creative expression. While some may view avant-garde art as a continuous cycle of novelty and reinvention, others may argue that true artistic innovation is more complex and multifaceted. The quote challenges us to consider whether the pursuit of "newness" in art should be measured by the same standards as consumer products, or if there are deeper, more enduring qualities of creativity and expression that transcend the notion of constant novelty.
Additionally, the quote prompts consideration of the role of tradition and continuity in art. It raises the question of whether there is value in preserving and building upon established artistic traditions, rather than constantly seeking to break new ground. This perspective invites a reevaluation of the relationship between tradition and innovation in artistic practice and challenges the assumption that artistic progress must always entail radical departure from the past.
In conclusion, Robert Morgan Soldier's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the concept of avant-garde art and the idea of perpetual newness in artistic expression. It challenges us to critically examine the nature of artistic innovation, the commodification of art, and the role of tradition in creative practice. By questioning the comparison between avant-garde art and the annual release of new car models, the quote encourages us to reconsider our assumptions about the nature of artistic creativity and the pursuit of novelty in art.