Let’s Get This Out of the Way
I’ve been editing art magazines for 22 years. I’ve seen alot of crap. I’ve also seen some brilliance. But honestly, the brilliance is way less common than people think. And I’m not afraid to say it.
Last Tuesday, I was at a gallery opening in Brooklyn. You know the type—white walls, pretentious wine, people nodding like they get it. I mean, come on. Half these people are just here to be seen.
I was talking to a friend, let’s call him Marcus, about this exact thing. He said, “You’re just bitter because you didn’t make it as an artist.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.
Modern Art: The Emperor’s New Clothes
Look, I get it. Art is subjective. But there’s a difference between subjective and “I don’t get it, so it must be profound.” I’m not saying all modern art is bad. But I am saying a lot of it is completley overhyped.
Remember the $87 million banana duct-taped to a wall? What is that? A statement on consumerism? A joke? A scam? I’m not sure but I think it’s mostly a scam.
And don’t even get me started on the “artists” who just slap some paint on a canvas and call it a day. I saw an exhibition last year where the artist basically just threw paint at the wall. Literally. Threw it. And people were praising it like it was the Sistine Chapel.
But Here’s the Thing…
I’m not saying art should be realistic or traditional. I’m saying it should have some kinda commitment to skill or meaning or… something. I mean, if I can do it, is it really art?
I tried this once. I took a canvas, splattered some paint, and called it “The Chaos of Modern Life.” I showed it to my colleague named Dave. He looked at it and said, “Wow, that’s deep.” I said, “Dave, I did this in 10 minutes. With my eyes closed. While eating a sandwich.” He paused. “Still deep,” he said. I gave up.
A Quick Digression: The Art of Selling Art
Now, let’s talk about the business side. The art world is full of people who are succesfully selling nothing. They’re not artists. They’re marketers. And they’re really good at it.
I remember this one time, about three months ago, I was at a conference in Austin. There was this guy, let’s call him Greg, selling “exclusive” prints of his “art.” I asked him what made his art so special. He said, “It’s about the energy.” I said, “What energy?” He said, “The energy of the universe.” I said, “Can I get a refund if I don’t feel the energy?” He didn’t laugh.
If you’re gonna buy art, do your research. Look, I’m not saying don’t support artists. But don’t be a sucker. Check out this return policy comparison guide before you commit to something you might regret. Trust me, I’ve seen too many people buy something because it’s “trendy,” only to realize it’s just a bad painting of a cat wearing a hat.
The Role of Culture in Art
Art is a reflection of culture. But sometimes, it’s more like a funhouse mirror. It’s distorted and exaggerated. And that’s okay. But it’s also okay to call out when it’s just plain silly.
I remember this one exhibition I saw in Berlin. It was all about “deconstructing societal norms.” But honestly, it was just a bunch of mannequins in weird poses. I turned to Marcus and said, “I think my grandma could do this.” He said, “Maybe she could, but she didn’t.” Touché, Marcus. Touché.
Why I’m Still in This Business
Despite all this, I still love art. I love the good stuff. The stuff that makes you think, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming.” The stuff that challenges you and makes you feel something physicaly.
I remember this one painting I saw in Paris. It was by this artist named Claire. It was just a simple landscape, but the way she used light… it was like she captured a moment in time. I stood there for 36 hours. Okay, maybe not 36 hours. But a long time. I couldn’t stop looking at it.
That’s the kind of art I want to see more of. Not the gimmicks. Not the hype. Just the good stuff.
So, yeah. Modern art is overrated. But art itself? It’s still the best thing we’ve got.
About the Author: Jane Doe is a senior editor with over 20 years of experience in the art world. She’s seen it all and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks. When she’s not editing, she’s probably complaining about the state of modern art over a glass of wine. You can find her on Twitter @janedoeart.
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