Criss-Crossing Culture

Lippard discusses folk art in "Crossing into Uncommon Grounds." The essay tries to distinguish who are the "outsider" artists and clarify why they and their folk art should not be shunned by the art world and considered outsiders. I think that the point of classifying art is a bad thing for the general public is true. Why are certain things considered art? Who has the definite say so when it comes to saying that a tribal pot is not considered a masterpiece? I just think that it is not fair to divided the art world into high and low and say that certain things are not deserving of the title of actual artwork.

Oguibe talks about how non western artist struggle to make it in the art world that everyone is familiar with in "Double Dutch and the Culture Game." He describes that the culture game is something challeneging that artist go through in order to cross over from their culture into the western art world. Although it is tough, many people have suceeded and crossed over. Although many cultures of today have the same thoughts and are exposed to many of the same things, the different cultures are expected to be totally different, therefor causing their art to be totally different. I just do not see how people are still thinking this way. Yes, although some cultures are sheltered from the rest of society, many cultures share similar interests and are exposed to many of the same things happening around the world in these modern times. Yinika Shonibare's "Double Dutch" was thought of as breaking the cultural lines because of the clever use of materials and details. I looked up the peice on the internet and I thought that it was very creative. I think that it is interesting how something like that can be considered to break through the western culture of the art world but some things never will.

Questions:
1. What are some characteristics of Western Art?

2. Who are some artist that have broken through the cultural barriers?

3. What are some examples of folk art and what makes them be considered folk art?