Very interesting discussion of some rather complex matters. As we know, success in the art world often depends on getting attention that sets the artist apart from his or her peers. One established way of doing that is through "transgression," and Mapplethrope certainly capitalized on that. Another example of that might be Andres Serrano, whose "Piss Christ" once held a world record for price.
I'm not sure the rather antiquated concept of "Art For Art's Sake" is still relevant. I'd like to see a list of artworks that fit this concept. The only thing I can think of might be"minimalism." But these days, art criticism finds it easy to uncover "coded" meanings in just about any artwork, most of which can be construed as political. And when it comes to religious art it can be quite difficult to distinguish what is beating you over the head and what is saving your soul.
I'm not sure the rather antiquated concept of "Art For Art's Sake" is still relevant. I'd like to see a list of artworks that fit this concept. The only thing I can think of might be"minimalism." But these days, art criticism finds it easy to uncover "coded" meanings in just about any artwork, most of which can be construed as political. And when it comes to religious art it can be quite difficult to distinguish what is beating you over the head and what is saving your soul.