Letters

It is intended that through the Static Pamphlet letters page a vibrant culture of criticism can be established. Static is keen to receive letters and comments covering all arenas of cultural activity, and pertaining to any geographical location. Static will attempt to publish every letter received, whatever the subject, but reserves the right to refuse to publish if the material is without significant merit or interest. The letters page presents the opinions of the letter writers, these are not necessarily the opinions of the Static Pamphlet Editors.
................................

This issue...
We wait responses to the two 'Us and Them' essays: "WIR?" by Martin Conrads and 'Movement' orchestrated by Julius Nils.

Under articles, what do you think of Ramsden and Shaw's review of Josie Appleton's comments on conceptual and contemporary art, and how do you react to Kelly Large's 'Further on I listen back…' a review of ‘The Whisper Heard’ by Imogen Stidworthy, Matt’s Gallery, London.

This months letters section begins with the views of Darren Guy who questions the "pretentious" aspirations of the pamphlet's themes, a view not shared by Sue Macdonald who claims the Static Pamphlet "should be exclusively for people who choose to be challenged and want to look further than everyday banality"....What do you think?

Pamphlet letters section is updated daily.

Date/Time of Posting: Nov 26 2003 / 22:28:27

Firstly I can never access the articles. And secondly why do you deal with such pretentious themes?
I'm sorry that last comment was not meant to be cycnical or anything else, becaue I did only manage to access the comments someone made about the debate - I do think its important that debate is opened up for artists and with artists in the city - but what is the realvance of debating 'us' and 'them' it sounds like a couple of philosphy students.
It seems like its an attempt to make sure only a small exclusive crowd of people can debate in art circles. I find it really boring especially in a world that is being ravaged by neo-capitalism/imperialism and a US foreign policy spearheading the intrest of huge global corporations. A policy that aims to do in and do for any real artist (by that i mean someone who refuses to comply with corporate intrests).
Anyway I dont wish to go on - the point is art, I believe, should be aiming to be relavant to the lives of ordianry people. If it aint then what is it?

Darren Guy

Date/Time of Posting: Nov 28 2003 / 02:35:32

What does Darren find pretentious? Maybe he feels embarrassed by the intellectual traditions of art (well may be not in Britain) or may be he just doesn't like anything that requires a bit of work. The world might be being ravaged by imperialist forces (what's new!) but if we're not prepared to think beyond 'everyday life' then what hope do we have for tackling capitalism?
I think Static Pamphlet should be exclusively for people who choose to be challenged and want to look further than everyday banality. It should be for those who are prepared to put a bit of effort into reading, thinking and discussing, and don't get bored as soon as they are confronted with something different.
In reply to Darren, we don't need to be told about everyday life we all live it everyday. If you're so keen on making art about everyday life then may be you should forget art and just get on with life.

Sue Macdonald