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exhibit the violent nature of such words. Sometimes it is necessary to be
‘harsh’ in art to portray a message effectively.
Another example illustrating the line between vulgarity and horror may
be the Vagina Monologues which came into existence in 1996. 12 This episodeplay
has excited audience all over the world, mostly due to the fact that
there is little horror, and a great deal of crudeness in that play which
provides for ‘good’ entertainment and enjoyable shock value. 13
An art film is one which cultivates a strong appreciation for creativity in
cinematography, and has a highly specific target audience. The reason why
many art-films do not sell as well as more commercially oriented films, is due
to their non-conformance to the Hollywood prototype which forms the ideal
model for good entertainment, leaving little space for the appreciation of
true creativity. Entertainment-appeal is the deciding factor of the success of
the way in which art is received, not necessarily its creative value. 14
The artist’s point of view necessarily makes art a mechanism for freedom
of expression, which is dealt with extensively by Modiri and Heyns
respectively. Art, a creation of human ingenuity, is philosophical by nature. 15
The themes portrayed in an artist’s work should be analysed by the viewer
and should leave the viewer questioning their existence in the world. 16
When looking at Victor’s work, ‘Made to measure’, one tends to forget
to look beyond the horror of the focal point. To the left of the etching, Victor
suggests a ‘hang-man’ game. Could she be suggesting the reinstitution of the
death penalty? Is she insinuating that society is systematically hanging itself
due to the apathy of the State as well as individuals to be actively involved
in bringing such crimes to an end? The statement made is clearly much
deeper than the initial shock-value.
The majesty of art, to me, lies in its ability to break social constructs and
to result in change. This change may be in the form of thought patterns, or
activism as explained below.
12 Written by and originally starring Eve Enslin.
13 A Meadows ‘The Vagina Monologues’ The Tech Theatre Reviews (2002).
14 E Bruno ‘5 Reasons why films fail’ It’s not always the quick buck (2010).
15 A Rand The Romantic Manifesto (1972): ‘Art is a selective re-creation of reality
according to an artist's metaphysical value-judgments. An artist recreates those
aspects of reality which represent his fundamental view of man's nature.’ 45.
16 PD Uys (2005) Between the devil and the deep: a memoir of acting a reacting 9.