Just that. You have outlined our new syllabus, Betty, thank you. What is art? What makes...

Susan Delacorte:

[Katherine shows the class a painting of a rotting animal]
What is that? Katherine Watson:
You tell me. "Carcass", by Soutine, 1925. Susan Delacorte:
It's not on the syllabus. Katherine Watson:
No it's not. Is it any good? Hm? C'mon, ladies, there's no wrong answer. There's also no textbook telling you what to think. It's not that easy, is it? Betty Warren:
Alright, no. It's not good. In fact, I wouldn't even call it art. It's grotesque. Connie Baker:
Is there a rule against art being grotesque? Giselle Levy:
I think there's something aggressive about it. And erotic. Betty Warren:
To you, everything is erotic. Giselle Levy:
Everything *is* erotic. Susan Delacorte:
Aren't there standards? Betty Warren:
Of course there are! Otherwise, a tacky velvet painting could be equated to a Rembrandt! Connie Baker:
Hey, my Uncle Ferdie has two tacky velvet paintings. He loves those clowns. Betty Warren:
There *are* standards! Technique, composition, color, even subject. So, if you're suggesting that rotted side of meat is art, much less *good* art, then what are we going to learn? Katherine Watson:
Just that. You have outlined our new syllabus, Betty, thank you. What is art? What makes it good or bad, and who decides?