Cow Patty

I recently had an experience at a relative’s house of seeing an unusual work of framed installation art. I recalled the piece from my childhood and remembered hearing the story of the search for the perfect model. You see, it is a framed cow patty or a hunk of waste or a beautiful work of art depending upon your perspective. When cows rid themselves of unwanted digested food, the result is often a well-shaped spiral object. Each pile has a unique shape and substance. I do suspect that more “attractive” piles of manure are not from any particularly beautiful cow but instead can demonstrate the beautiful random qualities of nature and its output.

Years ago, I had some family members who upon recognizing the positive aesthetic qualities of a cow patty went on a quest for the perfect patty. After searching far and wide through fields of grain, the right looking and attractive patty was found. After a lengthy aging process and drying out period, the patty was spray painted gold with a light coat of varnish to give it a shine. A plastic flower was placed slightly off-center to add a spark and ambiance to the work. The piece was then placed on a colorful backdrop and framed with a glass covering thus completing the artistic achievement.

Upon first glance, the framed piece is rather attractive and aesthetically appealing. The spirals give it motion and line and the contrasting colors give it dimension. Since it is a form of installation art, it has a natural 3-D appearance mixed with realism. Although at first rather abstract and asymmetrical, it is difficult to apply abstract formalism to naturalism. Careful examination of the piece, however, presents a different emotion. When the viewer finally realizes the content of the work, a plethora of reactions occurs. Curiousity, disgust, surprise, humor, joy, confusion...all these and more are typical reactions to the Cow Patty.

Strangely though, the framed Cow Patty is more than a conversation piece. It does provide an element of artistic diversity and an opportunity for philosophical discussion. I have noticed that the eye is drawn to the piece perhaps more than most art in the same room. This does bring to mind the age-old discussion of what art is, what it means, and what is the difference in good art and bad art. It also reminds me of Plato's assertion that an artist does not belong in the "city" due to causing unwanted and unnecessary emotions. But if it is okay with everyone, I would prefer to discuss art and its purpose and role in culture at a later date.

For now, however, I would like to know which one of these philosphies and reactions serves the greater good.

One: The Cow Patty demonstrates a wonderful and glorious opportunity to turn what originated as waste into something special. This proves that all things have the potential for artistic merit; furthermore, this means we should never give up or turn away in disgust at things or even people who first appear to have nothing positive to offer. There is good in everything and potential in everyone. A little shine, a little polish, a small flower, a pretty backdrop, and a nice frame makes the world a better place. Perhaps that should be our purpose--to find beauty and joy in everything.

Or Two: No matter how much polish, shine, framing, flowers, love, and care is applied to the work, it still will remain always and forever a cow patty!

To which view do you subscribe?