Thanks Chris,
You're right about some of these differences (your example of the Mona Lisa and The Temptation of St. Antony is particularly striking). However, note that there are two distinct forms of judged bonsai shows:
1. Artist competition - specifically to showcase the artists' best efforts and compare/judge them.
2. Judged bonsai shows - specifically to determine the tree(s) that have the greatest beauty, most impact, best composition, best overall effect, ...whatever.
The second incarnation of show is seldomly found. Too many characteristics of the former incarnation creep into the mix - to the detriment of the event. We seem to have trouble distinguishing the two and properly characterizing the aims of each one. I say that this is harmful to our endeavor.
Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
http://www.bonsai365.com/ :: living bonsai every day
zone 8, Texas