Is children’s art “art”? Steve said that age does not matter; Derek, June, Bob and Arthur were ambivalent. I thought I should ask a Françesca (four and a half years old) for her opinion about what she makes, and also about work by “grownups.”

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KARL: What is this?

FRAN: A snake.

KARL: What kind of snake?

FRAN: A normal snake.

KARL: Is it art?

FRAN: No.

KARL: What is art?

FRAN: Nothing, I don’t know.

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KARL: What is this?

FRAN: Fireworks.

KARL: Is this art?

FRAN: [Shakes her head, meaning no.]

KARL: Is this art?

FRAN: No.

KARL: How old is the person that made it?

FRAN: Five years old.

KARL: Did a kid make this?

FRAN: No, a big person made that.

KARL: Is it art?

FRAN: Yes.

KARL: Is this art?

FRAN: No, that is not beautiful. My little brother Nino made that.

KARL: Did you make this?

FRAN: I can’t make that. A big kid made that.

KARL: Is it art?

FRAN: Yes.

KARL: What about this?

FRAN: I find that beautiful. It is a bit mixed together.

KARL: Who made it?

FRAN: A little kid, 25, no, 50, no, 15 years old.

KARL: Is it art?

FRAN: Well yes, um, no. Can I use the computer now?