BXX

Where do our notions of visual art as a solitary activity come from? What are the benefits and limitations of engaging in collaborative works of art?

I think that the whole notion that everyone's out there to benefit themselves doesn't help that notion. When looking back at history, everyone regards artists as solitary people. They aren't considered collaborative in any way. At the same time, it could the the natural difficulty that occurs when you work with other people. It's only natural for their to be conflicts of interests and perspectives. Also, gifted and introverted individuals are given the credit of being more creative, from what I've heard. Because of that, all these artists can be seen as artists, or the stereotypical individuals that go off on their own to dream up their next piece without the company of the whole of civilization.

Collaboration with other artists can be extremely benifical in the fact that the artist gets to see other perspectives, learn new techniques, among other things. The play off of the creative energy in a group can be so amazingly positive and create something that none of the artists could have made individually. Nonetheless, there are the times in which personalities can clash - or even just moments which groups of close artists clash even if very good friends. It's the nature of human interaction. Though there are obstacles to collaboration, I feel it teaches an artist a lot more than an artist can learn on his or her own. There are things that an artist needs to explore individually, don't get me wrong - I love my alone time too, but working with others presents different opportunities than just learning alone.

Once again, I preach balance.