_Mark Curtin is a Senior Film Studies/English major at MU. He is an opinion columnist who writes about local issues for the Maneater._
Art makes life beautiful. While not a particularly controversial statement on its face, the claim raises some questions the more one considers it. What is art, for instance? Who gets to decide whether or not it is worth keeping? How can it be spread without being garish or impractical? These inquiries may be fodder for philosophers, but the humble author can hazard to explore them.
A lot of things can be considered art. Paintings and the like are only the most obvious. Buildings can be art. The device or newspaper you’re reading this on can be art. Can is the important word here. Intention is what matters. If the designer of an object intends for it to have creative value, then it does. Simple as that. This means that contributing to campus culture is easier than one might think.
MU fortunately possesses a large number of recognizable statues and sculptures to enhance the environment. From the Beetle Bailey statue by Reynolds Alumni Building to Tiger Plaza to the busts outside Jesse Hall, our campus features diverse, quirky and unique artwork that highlights our history and characters (both fictional and real) without being distracting. That, I think, is a highlight of good art – it contributes to the environment instead of detracting from it.
Students are allowed to contribute to this atmosphere, as well. Chalking, though it includes some stipulations, is a great way to express oneself, as is hanging up posters. I’ve learned about many clubs and events through these methods despite the high-tech world we live in. Anyone can post a notification about a concert or event on the corkboards scattered around campus. Famously, The Shack allows students to carve our names for posterity. With painting the M and everything else, I feel MU has more opportunities for artistic expression than many universities. I’m grateful for that.
The only trouble is that they seem to never come down – there’s one particular faded “Students for Rand Paul” sticker on a light post that makes me roll my eyes every time I pass it. While we have great opportunities to express ourselves here, that freedom should be tempered with consideration for future pupils. People who chalk or put up flyers should do their parts to keep MU clean and beautiful by removing their work by the end of the semester at latest.
Oftentimes, I think college students forget the beauty of their own campuses, taking the décor and artwork for granted. It shouldn’t be so, especially when we can contribute to the atmosphere ourselves. If you’re feeling creative, get some warm clothing and a stick of chalk and draw to your heart’s content. Just make sure you don’t within 100 feet of any hospital.
_Edited by Bryce Kolk | bkolk@themaneater.com_
