Mason Cooley: 'If you are going to break a Law of Art, make the crime interesting.'

If you are going to break a Law of Art, make the crime interesting.

Mason Cooley's quote, "If you are going to break a Law of Art, make the crime interesting," carries a profound and insightful message about creativity and the boundaries within art. In essence, the quote suggests that when artists choose to deviate from traditional norms or rules in art, they should do so in a way that is captivating, thought-provoking, and ultimately adds value to the artistic expression. It emphasizes the idea that breaking conventions can be a worthwhile endeavor if it leads to something innovative, unique, and memorable.The importance of this quote lies in the encouragement it provides to artists to push the limits of creativity and explore new possibilities. It challenges artists to think outside the box, take risks, and experiment with unconventional ideas or techniques. By doing so, artists have the opportunity to redefine what is considered acceptable or "correct" in art and pave the way for fresh perspectives and interpretations.Now, let's delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to add an intriguing layer to the discussion. The notion of chaos theory offers an interesting perspective when considering Cooley's quote. Chaos theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with complex systems and their unpredictability. It emphasizes the idea that small changes can have profound and unforeseen effects on a system, leading to unexpected outcomes.In the context of art, chaos theory can be seen as a metaphor for the act of breaking a Law of Art in a way that is interesting. When an artist disrupts established norms or conventions, it introduces an element of chaos into the artistic landscape. This disruption can spark a chain reaction of creative exploration and innovation, ultimately resulting in a reordering of artistic conventions and boundaries.By embracing chaos theory in the realm of art, artists can harness the power of unpredictability and serendipity to create compelling and dynamic works that challenge the status quo. Breaking a Law of Art in an interesting way becomes not just a creative act but also a philosophical inquiry into the nature of innovation, experimentation, and artistic evolution.In conclusion, Mason Cooley's quote invites artists to embrace the spirit of rebellion and daring in their creative endeavors. By making the "crime" of breaking a Law of Art interesting, artists have the opportunity to disrupt the norm, challenge conventions, and forge new paths of artistic expression. When coupled with the philosophical framework of chaos theory, this concept takes on a deeper significance, highlighting the transformative power of creative disruption and the boundless potential for artistic exploration and reinvention.