This past summer, I worked at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in eastern Oregon. In our museum, I noticed that when some of the visitors learned that some of the fossils on display in the museum were replicas, they became very disappointed. In the eyes of the visitor, I totally understand this reaction. Why should anyone drive all the way out there to look at nicely painted plastic? However, in the eyes of a scientist, extremely important scientific discoveries could be made in the future concerning that particular fossil. In order to properly secure the fossils, they have to be kept locked down in the collections room. Scientists just can't take the chance of it being stolen and losing important information.
To me, this example illustrates the differences between art and science. I feel it is okay to create fossil replicas and put them on display, but it doesn't seem right to put art replicas on display. I believe I feel this way because art is meant to give pleasure to the viewer. Science seems much more utilitarian. The actual fossil can further our knowledge of evolution or ecology in a way no replica could, and that is really the point of digging them up in the first place. The point of art is to be viewed. While I don't believe it is right to allow a historically important piece to disintegrate, if it can't be protected without completely being cut off from public view, it is not worth it to have the original waste away on its own without anyone being able to appreciate it.
So, what is art? Art is an expression of an artist made in some medium which is meant to arouse feeling in a viewer. It is meant to be seen, not hidden.
The picture I included is a replica of a fossil Hoplophoneus skull.
-Elena
1 comment:
So many people in either their dorms, apartments, or homes have replicas of art hanging on their walls. While the picture quality may not be precisely the same in terms of texture or even print, the picture or the fake is put up in appreciation of the original. For me, replicas seem to be the one way to enjoy art. Replicas allow art to be seen by everyone and lets go of all social restrictions. We argue that replicas lose something that the original piece has, but the function of a replica is for viewing and wider appreciation. It is not a method of deception or otherwise, but something quite practical.....as is the fossil replica above.
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