The series SpongeBob SquarePants has been rather lackluster. It suffered from massive seasonal rot, and resulted in a Family Guy-esque tendency to overindulge itself on disturbing content and character derailment. (Although, I have heard that Season 9 shows signs of improvement. I’ll have to check that out at some point.) That said, there are quite a few episodes I missed due to that loss of interest. One of them came to my attention as it was reviewed by TheMysteriousMrEnter (or Mr. John Enter) as part of a list of episodes that showcased Patrick Star’s derailment from a lovable oaf into a thoughtless ass. This episode, entitled “The Googly Artiste”, reminded me a lot of an earlier episode, “Artist Unknown”. From there, I started to take a look at how both episodes relate to a trio of themes: what art is, how criticism comes into play, and how artistic capabilities are suppressed. It is interesting where a review can take you, isn’t it?
For reference, a brief summary of both episodes is in order. “Artist Unknown” concerns local struggling artist Squidward Tentacles as he teaches an Art 101 course at the Bikini Bottom Rec Center. Unfortunately for him, the only one who signed up was SpongeBob-and as this was pre-character derailment SpongeBob, the yellow sea sponge has his sympathetic qualities. SpongeBob reveals that he’s quite talented, albeit in a comically overdrawn fashion demonstrated via creating a perfect circle by erasing a perfectly illustrated human head and cracking a tall block of marble into a statue reminiscent of Michelangelo’s David. Squidward, feeling envious of SpongeBob’s natural talent, begins to suppress these skills by forcing SpongeBob to adhere to a series of “rules” in order to put the sponge beneath himself in terms of artistic output. This comes back to bite Squidward in the ass when an enthusiastic art collector becomes enraptured with SpongeBob’s statue, and-due to Squidward’s acts to suppress his abilities-SpongeBob is effectively unable to create another one just like it.
“The Googly Artiste” is something of a parallel episode from the later seasons, post-character derailment. Squidward is once again pompous and arrogant, assuming that his latest artistic creation will appeal to a visiting art critic. SpongeBob and Patrick Star are making arts and crafts as this happens, and SpongeBob manages to get Patrick’s less than spectacular skills rolling when he introduces the concept of gluing googly eyes to rocks. The critic trashes Squidward’s art, as well as SpongeBob’s crafts, but becomes inexplicably taken with Patrick’s attempt at a googly-eyed rock (read: gluing probably an entire box’s worth of them onto a rock). Patrick gets paid a fairly high amount of money for rather poorly-assembled googly-eyed rocks. After failing to live up to his sudden quota, Patrick tries to create more art, and eventually ends up at the Krusty Krab. Patrick consults Squidward at work, effectively seeking Squidward as a teacher as SpongeBob did. But rather than demonstrate further artistic talent, Patrick recreates the same thing, only substituting Krabby Patties for rocks, which leads to more inexplicable success by the episode’s end.
Of course, both episodes raise the question of what counts as “art”. As this is often a question addressed by many different people in many different ways, let us go by this set of criteria for the sake of review. From my experience, “art” implies an amount of effort, talent, and appeal within a work as crafted by the artist. Of course, “effort”, “talent”, and “appeal” are all fairly broad (and sometimes loaded) words by themselves. To clarify, I understand “effort” as a degree of how much detail and attention has been put into an art piece. (I have decided to not add “time” as a quality because of how artistic ranges vary. Some may finish quickly, while others take much longer. The amount of effort can be the same, but a lot of it hinges on a case-by-case basis.) “Talent” has become something of a loaded word among artistic persons from what I have seen, especially those who consider it nonexistent or overdone. To me, “talent” indicates an ability to perform a task in a manner that demonstrates skill, be it a talent that was already extant, or building upon one’s skill-set. (Because, let’s face it, some people just won’t be able to pull it off, no matter how hard they try. It’s just a fact of life. Some people can’t make art, some can’t sing, some can’t dance, etc.) And finally, we have “appeal”, which I admit is rather hard to narrow down because of its subjective nature. Generally, when I understand “appeal” in terms of art, it’s a mix of both taste based on personal interests and fascinations, and following a particular set of guidelines-whether it’s going by an appeal to traditional understanding of art, or by connecting to a specific theme, mode, zeitgeist, what have you.
Both “Artist Unknown” and “The Googly Artiste” attempt to address the theme of what art is, albeit through inverse means. The former episode contrasts Squidward’s typical self-aggrandizing art with SpongeBob’s initial bouts of instant artistic output. The aspects of effort, talent, and appeal are put into focus. Squidward’s forays into art, true to his character, all revolve around his own image as a theme. From a casual glance, there’s not (as) much effort, talent, or appeal in any of them. In fact, they are rejected by the art collector, and the public at large, due to following a single theme with an appeal that only exists with its source. (And since this is a series where Squidward is typically demeaned and humiliated, that happens quite often.) Of course, this ties into Squidward’s arrogance, assuming that his abilities are far greater than they actually are. On one hand, a person could acknowledge a kind of effort and talent that exists in how Squidward experiments with different mediums of art, but ultimately, his art is limited to one subject (his image), which lacks appeal. And judging by the examples he presents in the episode itself, a wire-connected abstract sculpture and an obtuse painting, there’s not a lot of effort and talent put into it, either. So, naturally, SpongeBob’s initial output far exceeds Squidward’s capabilities, demonstrating effort, talent, and appeal in quick succession. The guy cracks a block of marble and creates a David-worthy statue that shows far more detail, far more attention, and far more quality. And since this is shown alongside different works, such as piecing scraps of paper together to make an image of SpongeBob and Squidward playing leapfrog, it also demonstrates a willingness to experiment with different art subjects. With that in mind, the episode seems to push a message that more “genuine” art is that which is willing to move from one subject, thus combining effort, talent, and appeal.
In that regard, while it is a parallel episode of sorts, “The Googly Artiste” could be considered the antithesis of “Artist Unknown”. The episode’s approach to art shows the opposite, wherein the tendency to create the same subject over and over is actually rewarded, while the work that is varied-at least in the context of the episode-is rejected. Of course, given one’s familiarity with the series, the audience knows that Squidward is once again indulging himself by recreating his own image, this time in the form of a sculpture that, like SpongeBob’s, is in the same vein as an iconic piece of art-in this case, the Venus de Milo. But within the context of the episode, this statue effectively takes on the role of the willingness to work with different subjects, especially as it contrasts with the googly-eyed rocks and Krabby Patties that capture the art enthusiast’s attention. It’s almost ironic, as on this occasion, Squidward’s work actually demonstrates more effort and talent, notably in its marble composition (which, if “Artist Unknown” is to be taken as continuity, is something Squidward would have to spend quite a bit of time sculpting to get down even remotely correct). Despite this repetition, Squidward’s artwork is arguably better than the googly-eyed creations of Patrick Star. It is explicitly shown that the googly-eyed rocks and Krabby Patties take very little (if any) effort, illustrate virtually no talent, and yet somehow manage to have appeal when many real-life instances could hardly be sold for five dollars, much less fifty. (Granted, later episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants do present the residents of Bikini Bottom as morons at times, and that’s the impression received from this episode.) True, Squidward demonstrated the usual arrogance as he did in “Artist Unknown”, but this time, it was somewhat justified in that, by contrast, it’s shown that what he was up against did not take as much to create. It could hardly be called a talent, and it could be hardly called effort, yet it managed to have appeal when the sculpture didn’t.
Both episodes utilize their approaches to art for a comedic effect, particularly at Squidward’s expense. But it is interesting to see how they contrast in that aspect, as well. By the set criteria I have made regarding what makes “art”, “Artist Unknown” highlights an example of “art” that presents effort, talent, and appeal that is set along another example that, within the context of the episode, lacks all three. However, “The Googly Artiste” presents an example of “art” that lacks effort and talent, yet has appeal despite its absence, while another example lacks appeal, but, in comparison, demonstrates more effort and talent than gluing googly eyes to rocks and buns (and that says something when it’s Squidward’s usual foray of self-aggrandizing art). So, what morals could be taken from either of them? Well, if either is to be taken to have morals at all (especially “The Googly Artiste”), the former would be to not cut down one’s abilities out of jealousy, while the other would appear to be that trends can be taken advantage of. Yeah, between the two, I wasn’t crazy about “The Googly Artiste”, but it was interesting to watch them side-by-side and see how the question of art was approached.
That said, the question of what art is segues into the second topic: how criticism is handled in both episodes. “Artist Unknown” seems to present a comparatively more reasonable example. In it, the art collector obviously trashes Squidward’s pieces for carrying that repetitive subject matter and, quite honestly, not showing a lot of effort or talent applied in their creation. However, the art collector addresses particular aspects of SpongeBob’s statue, noting its “angelic form” at first glance, “amazing detail” while observing the feet, and “perfect censorship” regarding the clever seashell touch over the groin. Granted, the former isn’t exactly constructive criticism-and why would it be when the idea to effectively humiliate and humble egotistical Squidward? But the latter at least offers a bit of insight as to what, at least by the criteria presented, makes “art”. It is short-lived, but does confirm the appeal of SpongeBob’s effort and talent, even if it is quick and relies on comedic exaggeration. And of course, this contrasts with Squidward who effectively acts as the other source of criticism in the episode. But unlike the former, it is made very clear that the “criticism” is given in order to put down, rather than to reaffirm the present results. Hell, Squidward even admits the statue is beautiful in sheer awe before immediately reverting to his insults. However, this “criticism” is then forced onto its head, acknowledging the effort, talent, and appeal of the work, even if it is only so that Squidward can get fame, fortune, and a full head of hair. But by then, the damage is done, at least for that episode. At the very least, “Artist Unknown” showed how “criticism” can come from a, shall we say, destructive source-especially one hell-bent on ruining another’s artistic capabilities to bolster one’s own (in theory).
“The Googly Artiste”, however, presents criticism as…well, it borders on rather horrible parody. The critic of that episode dismisses Squidward’s work that demonstrates more effort and talent, yet praises Patrick’s which has appeal, but neither of the other two qualities. However, the critic never fully gives reasons for either. At best, his praise for Patrick’s “art” is that it’s “primitive” and “naïve”, both adjectives I usually hear in a negative context. Unlike the art collector of the previous episode, this man of the arts doesn’t even address particulars of why the googly-eyed crafts are better, much less being worth five hundred dollars when it probably took less than five to create it. Then again, the art enthusiast is played far less seriously in this incarnation, and shows signs of being a deliberate jab at critics in general. (This is spectacularly demonstrated when the critic laughs at SpongeBob’s question of whether he creates anything, and then bluntly states that critics only judge things in an affront and rather snobbish manner.) Like many, I very easily can see it as a shot at the critics of the show by portraying the usual retort of “It’s easy to criticize” in a visual manner. This is only furthered as the critic proves that, at least in how the episode is framed, he is a moron who can’t recognize actual art when it’s competing with schlock. (Of course, this raises questions about the aim of the episode. If it is meant to say that the critic-and by extension, everyone else who partakes-is an idiot with bad critiquing skills, then how exactly does that work in favor of the episode’s obvious attempt at presenting Patrick in the right light? Wouldn’t that mean that one is meant to acknowledge the effort, talent, and appeal ironically found in Squidward’s work? Then again, it’s probably thinking too much about what’s likely meant to be a cheap shot at the critics.)
With those two subject matters acknowledged, this leads to the final theme of note: the ways in which artistic capabilities are suppressed. “Artist Unknown” makes this theme obvious. Squidward gets jealous of SpongeBob’s far superior artistic quality and creativity, and then acts to keep them suppressed by condemning them for not following the rules-his rules-of how art should be accomplished. One thing that can be appreciated about “Artist Unknown” is how it shows the consequences of such an action. Squidward breaks SpongeBob’s creativity down to the point where the sponge no longer can demonstrate any effort, talent, or appeal. What makes it even sadder is that SpongeBob never reclaims this wonderful creativity, at least in this episode, although it is rightfully presented as a bad thing. Granted, Squidward is only trying to bring it back so he can reap the benefits for himself, but at the same time, the episode makes it very clear that it was wrong to do, and that he’s done enough damage to ensure that it will come back to bite him. Honestly, I really felt for SpongeBob as a character here. The guy demonstrated effort, talent, and appeal that I could only wish for, even if it was exaggerated for laughs. And to see that get crushed out of sheer envy is pretty heartwrenching. It serves the theme of how artistic capabilities are suppressed quite well.
“The Googly Artiste”, on the other hand, seems rather conflicted in its approach. If anything, it seems to actually be encouraging artistic capabilities and suppressing them at the same time. If you go by the criteria established here, Patrick’s “art” lacks effort and talent, thus meaning that potential artistic capabilities are suppressed, and yet, this is presented as a good thing. He never develops beyond swapping a rock for Krabby Patties when he runs out, thus maintaining that same subject over and over for the apparent appeal. But if you were to judge entirely by how people react, then perhaps Patrick’s artistic capabilities are indeed being encouraged, even if it’s just the same thing over and over. (Which is something he doesn’t even continue on his own, delegating the work to Squidward while mockingly stating he could never be a “real artist”.) From where I stand, the episode seems to support suppressing artistic capabilities in favor of constantly making the same thing. And in a weird way, Patrick does this to himself. There is a scene where Patrick, in a desperate attempt to make more of his “art”, actually manages to recreate The Starry Night and The Thinker by simply tossing paint at a canvas and smashing a block of stone. Of course, in his shortsightedness, Patrick dismisses these two classic pieces as nothing, and destroys at least the former. Granted, it’s meant for comedic effect and to illustrate how much of a moron the character has become. However, if you were to look at this scene again, it does suggest that despite his bumbling, Patrick demonstrates some potential to really create art that fits into the established criteria of effort, talent, and appeal. Unfortunately, he suppresses this quality out of shortsightedness and stupidity. (Even if he has no idea what either piece is, one could still argue that their details alone are worth preserving.) This could be pointed out as quite tragic in its own right, showing how one could do more with their art, yet chooses to dismiss it. Even worse, the episode seems to present this in a positive light, making Patrick’s assembly line-esque redundancy successful and desirable despite this loss of potential.
Then again, these are but two episodes of a comedic series, with the latter being derived from the problematic seasons of the show. However, as I watched both, I couldn’t help but take notice of how these three themes were presented in both. Yeah, both meant to play it all for laughs, and likely not really carry much of a moral at all-at least in the case of “The Googly Artiste”. And yet, they still managed to address that subject of art that I, a person who mostly just dabbles in MS Paint recreations, can observe. All in all, it was just something to think about, especially as I revisited this series for the first time in a while.
And, he does comics, too:
http://rennon-the-shaved.deviantart.com/gallery/
