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Taylor Houlihan
Art&Des 150-003 Michael Bianco
Word Count: 584
Necessity of Conceptual Art within the State
Taylor: Plato, Pussy Riot is feminist punk rock activist group comprised of 11 members
famous or infamous for their protest against President Putin in Russia. The country Russia
recently has been under critical observation on the world stage due to their breaches of human
rights. Do you believe there is a place for conceptual artist within the State? Or do you believe
that they are Mimesis crippling the ignorant masses thoughts and corrupting their souls?

Plato: Please define conceptual art and explain what is the purpose of their art.

Taylor: Conceptual art is an art form in which the artists concept and idea behind their work takes
precedence over the aesthetic of the finished product. They use art as a platform for their political
activism. Pussy Riot performs songs that address feminism, LGBT rights, and opposition to their
President. They scream provocative lyrics in flamboyantly colored balaclavas and skintight neon
dresses. Pussys riots punk rock songs consist mostly of yelling lyrics that are poorly recorded.
However, their art is intended to shock the masses, creating a scandal in order to challenge the status
quo in current Russian society. Knowing this, is Pussy Riot imitators of reality? How could they be
third removed from the truth when they are attempting to highlight injustices in their Republic?

Plato: It seems as though they are trying to subvert the States calculated and selective approach to
history. If what you are saying is true, these women are using art as an outlet of expression since they
cannot freely think in their State. I am still having difficulty comprehending art as a way of provoking
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the ideals of the State. I have always thought that art takes us away from reality, taking away from
the ideal form, only obsessed with appearances and representations.

Taylor: I understand that you might think that art is double copies and twice or even further
removed form the concept of things. It can seem that art separates us from reality, therefore
distancing ourselves from the truth. However, Pussys Riots conceptual art has a specific purpose of
creating a just state.

Plato: Are you saying that art be used to promote politics ideology, and that politics can be made
into art?

Taylor: Yes, political expression is intrinsically interconnected to freedom of artistic expression.

Plato: Can you give me one specific instance of their conceptual art? I think that will give me a
clearer idea of their craft.

Taylor: Well, they have acclimated mass media attention when they sang on the chancel in
Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Christ the Savior of Moscow. This was a cause of much disturbance
because the church is a symbol of the Orthodox Churchs resurrection after the Soviet Union
collapsed. It is forbidden for women to stand on the chancel. But that is part of their political
statement.

Plato: This makes me think whether their work is dangerous to the State.

Taylor: I agree that some of their demonstrations can be seen as extreme, but that is their art. I
think it can be considered high art less because they have received attention of nations all over
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the world, but rather they are creating global awareness and pushing Russian citizens to protest for
a more just society and demanding change.

Plato: Pussy Riot, through their art, seems to represent the silent citizens and oppressed in
Russia. They arent producing reflections. They are producing virtues of courage, temperance,
wisdom, and justice. Therefore, there should be a place for them in the State.