I hope that artists are working away from the elite view and that “the public” is becoming more aware of contemporary art; that artists and art will serve some real function directed toward society, giving it the fruits of their struggles and searches, and society will nourish itself on these fruits and become healthier. The reality that confronts us at every turn is that “the public” looks quickly if at all at contemporary art, that too many artists are ambitious for themselves and not ambitious enough for their works. The very forms of art that were supposed to reach greater audiences have only formed their own elite groups. In video we reached the ridiculous situation of showing works in art galleries that were meant to be aired on television. We were put in that position because broadcasters refused to show anything but the most palatable work and never on a regular basis. This is understandable when you realize that you are looking at an industry that censors itself (from within) at every level.
In our manipulation of language “the avant-garde” is really also “the salon,” and we can’t see it because we are seated in the middle of it. The reply that artists can only be responsible for their own work, keeping it honest and pure, is defeatist and dangerous. What one must do is erode the system by affecting an uncompromising attitude in dealing with the art-world structure. This is the most difficult path possible because the results of one’s labors are almost nonexistent, but then there is no other choice. If enough erosion occurs over the years there will be an eventual change in the system and artists will have a closer participation with society. To me it sounds like Eden.
—peter campus
