You don't need great skill to be a great artist

You don't need great skill to be a great artist

28 May 2010

Some of the most important voices on contemporary art tackle the contentious questions: Is craftsmanship still important in creating the great art of our times? Are conceptual artists taking us for fools? Is there more value in art “made” by an artist’s own hand? Is skill in art limited to the technical? Do auction results or museum endorsements create the great artist?

Speaking in favour of the motion 'You don't need great skill to be a great artist' are Anthony Gormley and Tim Marlow.

Anthony Gormley argues that artists today are presented with the unknown and that skill is less important than many other factors in the making of a great artist.

Tim Marlow argues that mimic and trickery are ever-present in the history of western art and that skill is but a small component part of a great artist.

Speaking against the motion are Sarah Thornton and Hans Ulrich Obrist.

Sarah Thornton expands on the definition of ‘skill’ in order to argue for the necessity of a vast number of skills for great artists and the manner in which they should be employed.

Hans Ulrich Obrist again expands on the idea and definition of skill in art. He argues for the fluidity in the nature and range of skills necessary for artists.

FInal Vote: 248 For, 157 Against, 6 Don't know

This debate was hosted by Intelligence Squared Asia and took place in Hong Kong on May 28 2010. Thank you to IQ² Asia for allowing us to use this video.