Our identity is rooted in our history and icons from each person’s cultural heritage. Folk art, or the art of the people, comprises one aspect of this cultural heritage. But if folk art represents our history, then this must be constantly evolving and accumulating, with each passing year? It can not, by its nature, be static. As time marches on, so must our cultural heritage.
‘Folk art’ encompasses art produced from an indigenous culture, or by peasants, or other laboring tradespeople. In contrast to fine art, folk art is primarily utilitarian and decorative rather than purely aesthetic. – [Wikipedia]
The art of the people or ‘ folk’ represents a moment in time; it talks of what life was, and is, like, for those folk,or people. Is it important to preserve that for future generations?
What is today’s cultural heritage or folk art? Traditional artifacts, or everyday objects and memories that are relevant for individual people?
“Even though many objects produced today are mass produced consumables, with a short lifespan, they represent an important pillar for our identity.”
[Valdres FolkeMuseum, Fagernes]
Iconic objects that have strong personal or cultural meaning may also comprise folk art and memorabilia of today’s society.
Some objects may represent passion or tell a story, have some aesthetic frame around people’s lives or have some meaning in a cultural sense.
What objects would you include in a museum exhibit from this decade?
What object has meaning to you, in today’s society? What could represent your folk art, or cultural heritage from this decade? Is it a photograph, CD, machine, or artwork?
Please share your thoughts.
Something to Ponder About 