Whilst in San Francisco recently, I happened to view a couple Jeff Wall images. Coincidently, I also watched a recent program on Jeff Wall, Rodney Graham and Ian Wallace and their art activities during the 70's in Vancouver, Canada where they were "investigating" some new techniques. One of which was pouring a barrel (50 gallon?) of orange glue down a hillside while photographing same. One of the discussed images was of a purposely "trashed" bedroom, including a ripped/sliced mattress. The image was shown to a museum curator (the Met, I think but not completely sure) who immediately purchased it for $5000, and the estimated value in todays dollars is in the millions.
I must say, I just don't get it. I realize art is different to each person and has it's own value based on a number of factors. However, I wonder if ten (or a hundred) average people who looked at the same image, without knowing the maker, would even give it a second glance? Are we to the point where "art" is only that which some expert says it is. while the rest of us/me are/is left shaking our/my head(s)?