1 - Carmen: What is art?

Art is active. It depends on the interaction between artist/audience, form/content, intent/interpretation, and physical manifestation/emotion. Art can be created, performed, observed, interpreted...regardless of the exchange, it is driven by its relationships with the people with whom it interacts. As a result of its active nature, art does not simply observe the world. Rather, it intentionally recreates our perceptions, critiques them, and inspires discourse. One of my favorite quotes addresses this issue beautifully: "Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." (Bertolt Brecht)

"Oaxaca" 

collaboration between Swoon & Monica Canilao

Feral exhibit, Luggage Store Gallery (2008)