In computer science there is a concept called team programming. This is where more than one programmer program on a large complex system (a program) because it would take one programmer a lot longer to do it himself. Also, it makes sense. Why handle a complex problem in its entirely when you can break it up into smaller easier to digest (mentally, ie) parts and have each programmer only worry about his part. This is in a nutshell is the team programming concept. Could this concept be applied to the fine arts? Let's explore that notion.
Painting. I think it could be applied here. In landscape painting, you have several elements that could be done by several painters (probably not at the same time). One painter could be responsible for the sky, another could be responsible for the mountain(s), another painter could paint the ground, and yet another one doing the trees. For every element in the painting, a corresponding painter could paint. The same for portraits. Break up the face into eyes, ears, mouth, etc.
Literature. Here again this can be broken up. One writer is responsible for dialogue, another one could write the details of the setting, and maybe another one who is responsible for the plot.
Music. Music has already been doing this in a way. Where you have one who is the lyricist and the other one who is responsible for the melody. Technically, this is not a team, but a dual. A team is composed of at least three players. Musicians other than soloists sort of apply the team concept. One person sings, one plays the percussion instruments, one plays the keyboards, one plays lead guitar, etc. as in a rock or country band.
How realistic are these scenarios? Not very realistic. Artists tend to be individualists and their creations are a part of them.They have a hard time detaching themselves from their creations. (Actually, I believe that anyone who creates has this emotional reaction.) Also, the fine arts is about communicating emotion especially in music and painting. It is not about solving problems like computer science is. This maybe why you don't see team painters for instance.
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1 comment:
You wrote about the possibility of artists doing assembly-line landscapes (paintings), as an example. That is actually a very big business in reality. I own several paintings done that way and have seen it being done... the canvas moves along a belt, pausing at each artist's station. The work is beautiful.
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