The philthosa/destruction model was created in the summer of 2003. The aforementioned inventors fancied themselves as rather good art critics, particularly when under the influence of cheap wine and reeling from previously held annoying conversations with fellow gallery-goer’s.
It is a simple, and intensely effective way of distinguishing good art from bad art, or as philthosa/destruction term “total shit / totally excellent”
The p/d model requires only one art viewer, but the model works most effectively with two participants. Three or more can also participate, but all must be in agreement of the inherent validity and complete accurateness of the p/d model. Conversations that challenge the model whilst it is being implemented serve no purpose apart from revealing the argumentative participant as a “wanker”.
1. Participants begin at the art piece to the furthest left of the art space. If this beginning point cannot be determined, the participants should agree on a randomly determined piece.
2. Participants ponder the piece together in silence for approx 10 seconds.
3. In no particular order, participants should vocalise one of two potential responses, “Yes” or “No”.
4. Participants move to the next piece and repeat steps 2 & 3.
note: If the gallery is jam-packed full of stuff, and it is not possible to look at each individual piece, the participants may rate the entire exhibition with the “Yes” or “No” response.
A “Yes” response may inspire the participants to further engage in cheap wine and annoying conversation.
A “No” response may inspire…..exactly the same thing.
“Yes”. (i feel it may be possible to utilise the p/d model in other contexts, if it is not in fact, universal.. genius..)
What i like with this method is the exponential increase in interest that results from 2 or more participants overlapping/contradictory judgements. While the binary value-judgement of one viewer is not to be undermined, with two/three/four/more people it becomes interesting to record each persons result – totally worthy of extended anal analysis.
Hypothetical Question – If all participants give it a yes (or no), does that make it good art? Or are they all just really lame douchebag critics with no discerning taste & low low standards..?
And how many otherwise solid relationships & friendships will be destroyed when there is disagreement about the yes-ness or no-ness of a work. I reckon lots.
Regards, Anal