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Monday, 28 September 2026

But Is It Art?

I was on my way home early evening yesterday after a pleasant day out visiting friends when I spotted this pronouncement:


I could claim that I have posted that photo in an attempt to spark a stimulating debate about the nature of art - and if it has prompted you to give an opinion feel free to share it in the comments. But the reality is that when I got home I realised I had not prepared a post for today and remembering this made me opt for songs about art and artists.

Considering the slapdash way the post was put together I think it has turned out pretty well. And the Ugly Creatures and A House between them have raised another interesting question - does art remain endless when the artist has exited? Answers on a postcard please.


"Artist" - Ruth Lyon

"Exit For The Artist Exists" - The Ugly Creatures

"Endless Art" - A House

"Art On 45 (12" Version)" - The Royal Family And The Poor

"Pablo Picasso" is of course a Jonathan Richman song but I couldn't find a decent live clip of him doing it on YouTube so the Dame is doing double duty. Him and the next two blokes are OK but I have saved the best until last.

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7 comments:

  1. Charity Chic28 September 2026 at 08:17

    No 10cc?

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  2. Swiss Adam28 September 2026 at 18:20

    Art is whatever the artist or the viewer says is art. I guess. I'm not sure it has to set a bird inside one free. Some art is ugly, grotesque and challenging- maybe that sets some people's birds free though. I agree that art definitely goes on beyond the artist and therefore is indeed endless.

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  3. Alyson28 September 2026 at 22:58

    Whatever happened to Bryan & Michael?

    As for art, I'm personally quite fond of the work of George Ginnis. He cleverly represents the dichotomy between man and beast (but not bird).

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    Replies
    1. Ernie Goggins30 September 2026 at 06:57

      Thanks for reminding me about Ginnis. I believe it was you and Mr WIAA who first introduced me to his work in Newcastle. I'm still not sure whether I enjoy his art but it is certainly thought-provoking.

      As for B&M, Brian (real name Kevin) died in 2023 but Michael is still with us. As well as their own hit they were the songwriting geniuses behind these timeless gems:
      https://youtu.be/6ZVGyxFfyZA?si=e5IU5cwGWSdn0NVc
      https://youtu.be/4YLTkA6QYtE?si=jQlTa1Y6yYOuJPUg

      Fun fact: Brian/ Kevin's brother used to be in the Dooleys

      Delete
  4. C29 September 2026 at 22:34

    Definitely art, I would say, and I like the idea of an inner bird being released. I think mine still spends too long lingering around the bars of the cage and needs to fly a bit further afield. It certainly wants to! I was just going to say the same as Alyson about George Ginnis's work too...

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    Replies
    1. Ernie Goggins30 September 2026 at 06:48

      If you have an inner bird that would explain all the chirruping in your ears.

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