We mentioned artist and author Ted Mikulski’s new controversial book “Art Is Dead” a while back here on an-mag.com. We thought the idea behind the book was so intriguing we had to interview Mr. Mikulski about what prompted him to write this book. Read the interview here.

Art has no resonance and has little to no impact on our society.

Art Nouveau Magazine: Tell me about your background in art.

Ted Mikulski: My formal training is in architecture from Norwich University. However, I have always had a strong passion for art and would spend late night hours in the school library studying and learning about art. I was excited by the 50’s-60’s art scene, which made art a household topic at the time. Shortly after graduation, I set up a small art studio and found myself spending the majority of my time there. I am attracted to bold abstract work and expressive painting and sculpting. I found myself painting solely in abstract expressionism for a number of years. Tunxis Community College then asked me to teach art there as an adjunct and I was also asked to teach abstract painting at Manchester Community College. I have exhibited and continue to exhibit in galleries through the Northeast.

ANM: Tell me about your book “Art is Dead.”

TM: My book is based off of the idea that there is a tremendous lack of art appreciation in the U.S. The book is written in a very universal way and from a first person perspective. It is intended not to be overly intellectual and lends itself to a wide audience. The goal was not to pander just to the art community but to allow others to pick it up and question why visual art has no impact on our culture anymore. The book is meant to stir up conversation and to question the status quo.

ANM: What made you want to write this book?

TM: As I begin to get deeper and deeper into the art world I noticed that at gallery openings it was mainly artists attending. I also noticed the looks I was getting from individuals when I told them I was an artist. The turning point came when I began teaching and posed the question ‘Who is your favorite living visual artist?’ to my 70 students. Of the 70 students, 2 had an answer… and one of them was ‘Van Gogh’. This trend continued semester after semester, in the affluent state of Connecticut. It was the catalyst to over a year of research in determining my own standpoint towards art beyond my art circle and my art studio. It was my conclusion that to the majority of Americas, art was dead.

ANM: Why do you think Art is Dead?

TM: First let me clarify that art is being made every second. There are plenty of artists and since there are plenty of artists, many ask, how can you say art is dead? Simple. Beyond the art community, art has no resonance and has little to no impact on our society. Ask someone on the street who their favorite living artist is and with 95% certainty they will not have an answer for you. Without this type of admiration for artists, the work they then create has little to no value in terms of its perception by the public. Say what you will about the music industry but music affects everything from clothing to language and just about everyone can name a musician. When was the last time art had that affect? Music, just like visual art, is just another form of communication. I think in a society filled with screens and constant advertising, visual art has evolved into a relic, into a forgotten past time. Many artists need to recognize this and since so many are ensconced in the art world, they fail to see how art is view on a macro scale.
ANM: Could one argue that some people just aren’t into art just as some aren’t into literature or watching tv. Isn’t it a personal choice?

TM: Absolutely art is a personal choice. As is music, movies, and literature. Fortunately for music, movies and even literature, it has big money behind it marketing it and is constantly being shoved in our faces. It is difficult to go through life without being exposed to it. With that convenience of exposure, we allow it to become an integral part of our everyday lives. Visual art does not have ease of exposure so we have to rely on education to fill that gap. Unfortunately for art, budgets are being slashed and contemporary art steps aside for the ‘traditional masters’, artists who died a hundred years ago with no relation to todays generation. It is no wonder art and artists are the ‘weirdo’s’ of society. Art is a classic form of human communication. It is as important if not more so than any other communication genre like film or music. However America is a nation built upon exposure, convenience and the power of attraction. Art has failed to do any of these things in the modern day.

ANM: Tell me about the artists that contributed to the book. How’d you get them involved? What made you select the artists you selected?

TM: I did not want to be the only one to weigh in on this very important topic. So I got in touch with other artists to see how they felt about the subject. 16 artists answered the call, some world famous in the art world and some locally famous. All had something to say in regard to the topic and were given complete freedom to weigh in on the subject. The artists selected were based largely on their wide range of diversity. They were not chosen because they happen to agree with me and in fact several did not. Since this book is a discussionary tool and quite subjective, I wanted the content to range in opinion as well. By allowing for multiple opinions to be included, it was my way of allowing the subject to be as objective as possible. The list of contributors includes: Nathan Janes, Peter Smolenski, George Boutwell, Nicole Bernard, Jon Brodel, Leif Nilsson, David Szydlowski, Balam Soto, Chriss Pagani, Shawn McNulty, Mike Ming, Robert Holton, Heidi Taillefer, Yuri Shimojo, Ronald Mallory, Robert Perless.

ANM: What has been the response to “Art Is Dead” so far?

TM: So far I am finding out that once people are presented with this way of thinking they can agree with me on several levels. Many just never took the time to think about art in this way. This book was also written on the basis of many many discussions that took place between myself and others. It has been incredible to be able to talk about art and find out that many artists and creatives agree with my standpoint. It has been even more incredible finding out that those not involved with art are beginning to wonder why they know nothing about art or artists. I am very much looking forward to when everyone can read the book and have even more meaningful discussions come October 15th.

ANM: What’s next for you?

TM: That is a tough question considering I tend to be focused on my art and what direction it goes in. From a writer and academic point of view, I have been exploring the topic of atheism and art. Since traditionally art history is filled with religious themed and inspired art, how has atheism (or at least a lack of belief in a higher power) been affecting art? Atheism is slowly becoming more acceptable due to scientific breakthroughs and its increase of exposure and legitimacy as a belief system. How does that lack of religion inspire, or not inspire? It is a topic that is quite complicated but I am looking forward to tackling it. This type of book, of course, would pander to the art community.

ANM: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

TM: I would just like to thank all of those who were involved in the book and who helped inspire it. If you would like to learn more about the book, see video interviews, voice your opinion, or pre-order the book you can visit ArtIsDeadBook.com.

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