Response to The Aesthetics of Narcissism

In her article, The Aesthetics of Narcissism, Rosalind Krauss comments of the introspective nature of video. While other art forms tend to focus the "objective, materials factors specific to a particular form", video, Krauss says, is much more psychological. Its focus is either the artist looking in on himself, the artist questioning the art of video, or the bringing in the viewer to consider their own involvement in the work.

Although it was a difficult article to get through, I am glad we began the semester by reading The Aesthetics of Narcissism. I was compelled by how the examples Krauss used did not usual emphasize entertainment as their primary goal. While defining the aim of video, this prolix article reminded me that the true nature of art is not always for beauty or amusement. Art can be anything you want it to be. It gave me a better sense of what multimedia is about, while allowing me to reflect on art as a whole, and what I want to produce as an artist. I want to use this semester to push myself ask the big questions (usually reserved for late night reflection) while exploring this new form of self expression.