First, there are a few specific facts about the history of art, especially in the 20th century.
There is a famous Christie's auction. The work of Andy Warhol has been sold there for a huge amount. Namely for $ 12 million. Andy Warhol is the famous American artist, the creator of aesthetic direction of pop art.
This picture is called «Campbell's Soup Cans»
Another fact.
About 15 years ago famous English artist Damien Hirst bought the Australian shark caught dead. He sent it to London, put it into a glass cube in formaldehyde and called it very difficult «The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living". The name is the most important thing in such works.
«The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, 1991"
In 2004 it was purchased by famous collector of Modern Art Charles Saatchi for $ 12 million. As soon as the artist sold it, he became as famous as Kandinsky, Malevich and Jasper Johns.
It’s difficult to argue with one American critic Robert Hughes who said:
It repeatedly become rotten, the artist had to change the sharks, but the title remains the same, "the impossibility of death." It is also a work of modern art.
Several years ago, 600 critics met to award the prize of the great British artist Turner to the best work of the 20th century. Most critics have chosen the work of Marcel Duchamp, «Fountain».
Marcel Duchamp, «Fountain»
It was an ordinary porcelain pisuar. It was put on exhibition in 1919, and became the most outstanding work, which allegedly influenced on the development of the whole European art. Here, it is difficult to argue. It really affected.
What are these facts about?
About the development, progress or about the decline?
In the early 20th century German philosopher Oswald Spengler wrote a book called «The decline of the West». The work, which states that European culture has to come to an end.
"The day will come when no longer exist the last portrait of Rembrandt, and the last beat of Mozart's music. Though painted by Rembrandt canvas and sheet music notation may remain, but will disappear the most important - the last eye that understands what he sees and the last ear that wants to hear this music. " Oswald Spengler
Now, many people who understand art inclined to think that the art is in a state of decay.
When did it start? What happened to the world art? When did it happen?
The answers to all these questions need researchers which I´ll try to work out in nearest time and present you in my next article here.
Thank you for being enthusiastic about art.