POSTMODERNIST

TV Programme Transcripts
Module 12 Unit 8 Programme A
DRAMA PART 1
DANNY
You're really into that art appreciation course of yours, aren't you? And I thought
scientists were just people who wore white coats and talked about things the rest of
us can't understand.
OMAR
In my opinion, all scientists should learn to appreciate art. In many ways, I think
science can be art. Art is something that can seriously feed the scientific mind.
DANNY
I prefer to feed my non-scientific stomach. Have a crisp.
OMAR
No, thanks. This module's on Postmodernism. You know, contemporary stuff. I've
got to write a gallery review.
DANNY
Postmodernist art. It's controversial. Like when you see a pile of rubbish, and put it in
an exhibition? I prefer more classical art. You know, artists that can really paint and
draw.
OMAR
Are you saying this artist can't paint? There's a lot of skill and imagination needed to
create this image. It's original... Thought-provoking!
DANNY
I prefer this one. It's really memorable, you know? The way the light and shade are
used to create an atmosphere. So much modern art's predictable and overrated.
OMAR
Everything was new and shocking once. For years nobody painted using
perspective. The painters that did, really shocked the world. Yes, some modern art is
dreadful but there's a lot that isn't. In my class I'm learning that originality is the key.
DANNY
That's my point exactly. 'A gallery specialising in new artists'.
OMAR
I'm going there for my review.
1
DANNY
'Works included in this exhibition aim to explore the relationship between humans
and the environment we all share.' Now, performance art? That really is just the
worst kind of pretentious rubbish!
DOLORES
I'm an expert on these emerging artists. I think this carries a message. Humankind
must nurture and protect our fragile world or risk a disaster that will end life as we
know it. It's slightly too literal for my taste. I prefer more original, thought-provoking,
witty work combining different media.
OMAR
I rather like it…
DOLORES
I mean, the figure should be naked. That would convey a sense of danger,
conveying our vulnerability in the face of Nature's power.
OMAR
Nudity in art is something that seems rather predictable and superfluous. Just shock-
value, really. It would make this work less approachable.
DOLORES
Well, the paintings I saw in the next gallery were much more avant-garde. Do you
want me to explain them to you? They're quite complex.
OMAR
Not really but I'm sure you will anyway. Of course, that would be wonderful.
DOLORES
Excellent. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with a handsome young man.
DRAMA PART 2
OMAR
Do you mind if I talk to you for a minute? I'm on the run, you see.
SAFFRON
Of course, you're the guy I saw talking to the dreaded Dolores. How long did it take
her to talk about nudity in art?
OMAR
About 10 seconds. 'It's easy to see why this work is so popular. Seeing the naked
human form creates a visceral, almost primal reaction.'
SAFFRON
Come on, let's look at the paintings in here. I can recommend them.
2
OMAR
There's a brilliant performance piece in the next gallery. Highly recommended… by
me, not Dolores. Abstract but really thought-provoking. You should go see it.
SAFFRON
Sorry, that's impossible. I'm in it, you see. I'm the artist responsible for the piece.
OMAR
Really? You definitely have your own style. Where do you get your inspiration from?
SAFFRON
Well, I'm doing an Arts degree. You know, painting, drawing, video, sculpture,
photography and so on. The tutors strongly recommend specialisation, but I like to
keep my options open so I work in all sorts of different media.
OMAR
And the connection between humans and the natural world is something that
inspires you, right?
SAFFRON
Definitely. Environments destroyed or affected by human exploitation are always
fascinating. Listen to me, sounding pretentious.
OMAR
I'm trying to write a gallery review for an art appreciation course. How about coming
round to dinner next week? My cooking is highly recommended by my housemates!
SAFFRON
Come on!
SAFFRON
Wow, amazing! Now, that's art! I can see why you're popular with your housemates!
OMAR
You're too kind. Now, I'm dying to hear about these photos. This is very atmospheric.
SAFFRON
It's an ancient tree, about to be cut down. This guy walked past it every day for years
and realised it was going to disappear.
OMAR
That's a very powerful metaphor. What about this one?
SAFFRON
It's about time, ageing... and the way nature continues.
OMAR
This is very… uplifting. Literally, for the ants!
3
DANNY
Hi! You must be Saffron. Omar tells me you're a performance artist. He speaks very
highly of your work. These are beautiful! Did you take them?
SAFFRON
Yes.
DANNY
They're just the sort of thing I'm looking for. Look, would you like to do some work
that can make a real difference? I've been asked to recommend some artists for a
new government environmental awareness campaign. These are pictures I'd love to
use. They connect people and nature. They're very evocative.
SAFFRON
I'd love to. It's always a pleasure to meet someone who appreciates all kinds of art!
STREET INTERVIEWS
Nicole
Uhm, I write mostly short stories and poetry, and a lot of my paintings are very
strange. I like to do TV stars, pop culture, that sort of thing.
Glenn
Ah, I write comedy sketches and I perform in a monthly show in New York.
Chelsi
I sing, so I think I can... write a little poetry from time to time. Just a little bit, not too
much. I'm not like, the best at it, but I can be creative when I'm writing.
Brandy
Uhm, I can play the piano, just a little bit, a couple of songs.
Victor
From pencil on paper, to oil on canvas to computer graphic design. I just, I graffiti, I
just like to express myself in colour.
Thierno
I think that I haven't even reached my creative potential yet, you know what I mean?
I think that I love to create stuff, you know. If I, if I need it and I don't have it, I'm
going to make it. That's how I came up with this, I wanted something that's bold and
shocking and, you know, that's if I walk by, you're gonna do a double take, you
know? So, I love to create stuff, yeah.
George
I've cultivated visual skills. I worked in mosaic art for twenty-some years, and now
I'm cultivating the art of listening.
4
Borislav
When I was a little kid I used to draw a lot, I thought I had a talent for drawing, but it
turns out... I started playing basketball. That's where my skills lie.

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TV Programme Transcripts

Module 12 Unit 8 Programme A

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