theartsdesk Debate: But What Does It Mean? + Can Art Still Shock?

The latest in the live events staged by theartsdesk aims to shed light on controversies and myths about the value and purpose of contemporary visual art. Taking place at the heart of the London Art Fair, where more than 100 galleries will present work this week, this double debate, chaired by our visual arts critic Fisun Güner, is the place to come and ask the tough questions about the relationship between artist and viewer.

But What Does It Mean? considers how much we should take into account an artist’s intention. Is the viewer’s response more important than what, if anything, the artist intended to say, and do critical interpretations help or hinder an audience’s appreciation of a work of art?

Can Art Still Shock? considers whether an artwork’s power to shock creates or adds artistic value, and whether a  transgression of boundaries can always be distinguished from mere bad taste.

The panel for this double debate includes ICA executive director Gregor Muir, former Brit Artist Mat Collishaw and contemporary art critic Sarah Kent, who also writes for theartsdesk.

The talk on Friday is from 2pm in the Talks and Discussions Theatre, located on Gallery Level 2, in the Business Design Centre, Islington. The talk is free with a ticket to London Art Fair but we strongly recommend that you reserve a seat online here, or mail Matt Railton: matt@colmangetty.co.uk to secure a place. Please click here for events information (the event is listed under Friday 20 January).

• The London Art Fair runs from tomorrow to Sunday at the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH