Hi Matthew,
I am just judging the actual "performance" as a stand-alone piece, as an observer or receptor of "art". If the guy was raising money to cure Cancer, I would not like this stunt any better. I try and separate the "explanation" behind the art from the "art" itself - but that is me. (Tom Wolf's book "The Painted Word", explores this issue, that has become rampant in the visual Art World.) So, If Hitler had painted beautiful paintings, should our response to his art be tempered by his other horrible actions? I've spoken with former members of Ray Charles' band, who say he was a pretty nasty person. Should this diminish my opinion of his music? (I try not to think of his personal shortcomings when listening to his beautiful music.)
Yes - this type of improvised performance is not my "thing", but when someone presents a work of art to he world, I believe that there is an implicit agreement that the listener/viewer/observer will experience some sort of honest "reaction", positive/negative/(or a mix of both). I am just completing the transaction between artist and recipient, and, yes, I'm not always as polite as some people. (This is one of MY many "personal shortcomings", perhaps?!)
I've had my say, and maybe it's time I shut up...
Thank You for your time and civility. I appreciate both.
G'day, Mate?
This is ridiculous even by your standards Don. Clayton is raising money to fund an arts festival - that is comparable to genocide in your book? You don't have to like his playing - although if you listened to a few random minutes of a 24 performance I'm not sure that'd equip you to judge - but he's doing something pretty impressive (as well as a really fun idea) and for a very good reason. For what it's worth I've met him and heard him a few times, think he's a fantastic bassist and a really nice bloke.