CULTURAL HIERARCHIES
What is Culture?
The arts and other examples of human intellectual achievement that is considered collectively. Generally, societies consist of a dominant culture, subcultures,
and countercultures.
- The Photographers' Gallery
- Magnum Photos
- Hauser & Wirth - Stable of artists, wide variety of work who invest in artists commercially.
- Tate - Variety of types of 'Tate' all over England, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool etc.
- Turps Banana - mainly restricted to paintings, the public pay to enter and view these publications, very explicit.
What is Hierarchy?
An institution can be described as 'hierarchical' when elements within the structure are ranked according to levels of importance.
Looking at buildings in particular, we can see in photos how one building seemingly has a larger hierarchical form than others.
For example:
Liverpool Cathedral - 2nd largest cathedral in Europe. You clearly see the authority and dominance it has over the other houses and buildings around it. This building is a grand, magnificent structure and thats very evident. Even though the environment around it will no doubt change, we know that cathedral will stay firmly in place.
The Mormon Temple in Utah - imposing strong build but nothing in comparison to a cathedral which imposes strong religious authority which will not fade. This building doesn't look as permenant as a cathedral does, even though they are probably the same size, one holds more hierarchical importance than the other.
Looking at museums now:
British Museum - Holds so much history in the structure of the building that will never be destroyed, permenant state of hierarchy. The intimidation this building gives you, wondering how long it's been there (262 years) and how long it will remain to be there.
Guggenheim Museum in Spain - Designed by Canadian/American Architect Frank Gehry. As magnificent as this building is and the incredible design it shows, it doesnt hold that superior hierarchical reputation like the Brisish Museum does.
Universities:
Bristol University - Again holds that historical structure, the brown/yellow stonework showing age and authority, located in the city centre at the highest point - it shows off authority over other buildings.
UWE Bower Ashton Campus - A much more modern structure, doesnt hold the same hierarchical power as Bristol University does. Probably wont last 100 years but older, more historical buildings will.
Using hierarchical structure in listing artists in order of their talents and publically publishing this online, this is degrading to the contemporary artworld - positioning people in order of their talents, praising the 'Power 100' but what about the ones that didnt make it onto the list? They arent good enough? Their work is rubbish? Stating that these ARE the best artists of 2015 and those who didnt make it onto the list are nothing.
This shows a strong state of hierarchical grading, is it positive? To those 100 maybe but what about the rest?
Using hierarchical structure in listing artists in order of their talents and publically publishing this online, this is degrading to the contemporary artworld - positioning people in order of their talents, praising the 'Power 100' but what about the ones that didnt make it onto the list? They arent good enough? Their work is rubbish? Stating that these ARE the best artists of 2015 and those who didnt make it onto the list are nothing.
This shows a strong state of hierarchical grading, is it positive? To those 100 maybe but what about the rest?
