I saw a Polish journal on the internet which included articles on bullshit art. what could such art be
ChatGPT said:
Here’s an illustrative image highlighting how adding pseudo-profound—but ultimately meaningless—titles or descriptions can enhance the perceived depth of abstract art.
So, What Is “Bullshit Art”?
The term bullshit art was notably explored in the Polish Journal of Aesthetics in an essay by Lucas Scripter. He introduces the concept through his social pretense theory: bullshit art represents a mismatch between the prestige or value society grants a piece and the fact that it lacks coherent meaning or substance. The term isn’t just about deceptive language—it’s about how certain works are elevated despite being fundamentally nonsensical. PhilArchive
This concept is distinct from kitsch—sentimental or lowbrow art—but is connected through the way both can manipulate cultural perception. PhilArchive
Artspeak: The Language of Art That Sounds Deep—but Isn’t
A related idea emerges in another article from the same journal issue by Pascal Unbehaun, who examines artspeak—the kind of inflated, jargon-laden commentary often attached to contemporary art. Artspeak uses vague, mythic language about artists being “autonomous,” “critical,” or “free,” making work seem profound when it often isn’t. He defines it as a kind of “evocative bullshit”—language that sounds meaningful but lacks clear grounding in truth. PhilArchive
Art Enhanced by Pseudo-Profound Bullshit
Interestingly, psychological research supports the idea that bullshit can make art feel more meaningful. A study in Judgment and Decision Making tested whether giving abstract art random, pseudo-profound titles (like “Evolving Model of Dreams”) increases perceived depth. It found that such pretentious-sounding phrases indeed boost viewers’ judgments of profundity—even when the titles are completely meaningless. Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Examples and Critiques of “Bullshit Art”
- Dan Graham, a conceptual artist himself, famously called conceptual art “bullshit,” arguing it often hides inaccessibility behind philosophical pretension. conversations.e-flux.com
- In the UK, critics like Culture Minister Kim Howells derided the Turner Prize as “cold, mechanical, conceptual bullshit”—highlighting public frustration with work seen as overly cerebral or devoid of traditional craft. WikipediaThe Guardian
These critiques reflect how “bullshit art” is often shorthand for art perceived as pretentious, inaccessible, or unintentionally hollow.
Summary: What Makes Bullshit Art
| Factor | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Prestige sans meaning | When art is celebrated but lacks coherent substance—Scripter’s “social pretense” |
| Jargon-heavy description | Artspeak that sounds profound but is emotionally manipulative—Unbehaun’s “evocative bullshit” |
| Pseudo-profound framing | Inflation of art’s perceived depth via fake profundity—supported by psychological studies |
| Synonyms and critiques | Dismissive labels like “conceptual bullshit” or reactions to art perceived as overly self-indulgent |
If you recall the title of that Polish journal or any specific article, I can help track it down. Are you curious about any specific examples or how this concept intersects with movements like neo-conceptual art or Stuckism?