The Debate Between 'High' and 'Low' Art Is Not A Debate | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Debate Between 'High' and 'Low' Art Is Not A Debate

There is not a distinction, because the human experience cannot be placed into a hierarchy.

869
The Debate Between 'High' and 'Low' Art Is Not A Debate
Bill Watterson

This semester I decided to take an "Introduction to Comics" English class as one of my electives for my Creative Writing degree. I heard my peers express doubt and even disbelief at my choice in this class; while they'd taking molecular biology, I'd be reading "Batman: Year One".

I shrugged it off, figuring it would be more challenging than they thought. As I progress in this course, I am not surprised that this class has more substance than initially would appear on the surface. Indeed, on the first day we discussed a debate that rages on in the art world, that there is such a thing as "high" art and "low" art.

I can't remember a time in which I didn't enjoy newspaper comics. (According to my class, newspaper comic strips are not considered comics, but cartoons. More on that later). I learned to read by sprawling out on the carpet with newspaper comics in front of me. I went exploring with Calvin and Hobbes, played baseball with the Peanuts gang, and ate lasagna with gusto like Garfield. I collect newpaper comic books and use them as a coping mechanism when anxiety overwhelms me. I consider newspaper comics to be high art along with the great Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.

Some people may say that comics are a form of "low art", while Warhol obviously created works of "high art." Then again, Warhol created screen prints of Campbell's Soup cans, something that immediately contradicts the argument that content defines "high" art. So is it content that makes a piece of art valuable or quality? Surely, Warhol's art has both elements of "high" and "low" art, if there is such a delineation. I argue that neither of these elements makes art valuable.

(Andy Warhol, Campbell's Soup II, 1969).


The value of art is ultimately subjective. In my "Introduction to Comics" class, we have discussed how comics have value, because they can convey meaning like any other work of art, and (in my opinion) speak to the human experience. Although we make a distinction between the mediums of Superman and the Calvin and Hobbes strip, we still discuss how both works have implications on pop culture, philosophy, and politics. Art is supposed to allow the audience to grapple with an interpretation of human experience, and it can make you feel anything at all, then it has succeeded.

So, there isn't really a debate, because there is no such thing as "high" and "low" art. Maybe this a simplistic point of view to take, but to me, art is a way to make sense of the human experience and grapple with this idea. What is nobler than that?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24596
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10271
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7529
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments