Hi guys,

I was talking to some friends about some paintings by local artists. We were comparing two artists, one of them is still alive and well known, while another just passed away yet is less prominent. Their styles are similar however, the works of the one still living have a higher demand, so are priced higher. It was generally agreed, however, that the paintings of the one who passed away, were far superior in most every respect.

It's not uncommon for this field to have a less superior work of art to fetch a higher price. In this field, the benefactors or supporters play a huge role in raising the artist up to a level of distinguished prominence.

Unless the artist led a colorful life full of drama, there's little chance for an artist to be recognized on their own regardless of the quality of work they're capable of. What they need is a powerful benefactor who can "present" them to the art world as a sort of sponsor. Without this kind of "marketing" there's little chance for an artist to be well known.

In the past, it was kings and queens who filled this role, these days it's rich art collectors. What this essentially means is that it may not follow that what these people perceive as beautiful is actually the case. And it's a shame, really, because there are probably hundreds of artists out there who are excellent and original who aren't being given much thought simply because they lack the support.

I'm not saying however, that everything these benefactors support is of poor quality, rather that since they only represent a very very small percentage of the population, their ideas of beauty may not be the same for most.

Just thought I'd share an opinion. Any artists or art lovers out there? What do you guys think?

regards,

lorsban

[quote1239693960=lorsban]
Hi guys,

I was talking to some friends about some paintings by local artists. We were comparing two artists, one of them is still alive and well known, while another just passed away yet is less prominent. Their styles are similar however, the works of the one still living have a higher demand, so are priced higher. It was generally agreed, however, that the paintings of the one who passed away, were far superior in most every respect.

It's not uncommon for this field to have a less superior work of art to fetch a higher price. In this field, the benefactors or supporters play a huge role in raising the artist up to a level of distinguished prominence.

Unless the artist led a colorful life full of drama, there's little chance for an artist to be recognized on their own regardless of the quality of work they're capable of. What they need is a powerful benefactor who can "present" them to the art world as a sort of sponsor. Without this kind of "marketing" there's little chance for an artist to be well known.

In the past, it was kings and queens who filled this role, these days it's rich art collectors. What this essentially means is that it may not follow that what these people perceive as beautiful is actually the case. And it's a shame, really, because there are probably hundreds of artists out there who are excellent and original who aren't being given much thought simply because they lack the support.

I'm not saying however, that everything these benefactors support is of poor quality, rather that since they only represent a very very small percentage of the population, their ideas of beauty may not be the same for most.

Just thought I'd share an opinion. Any artists or art lovers out there? What do you guys think?

regards,

lorsban
[/quote1239693960]

You are right but ART like any other arts fall prey to such "price fixing" gimmicks. Sometime the not so good things becomes good by one single prominent figure in society. For example a not-so-good musician is invited to perform at the Queen's palace, do you know how much his music could sell in UK thereafter? But there also cases of direct influence on things like beauty of paintings by influencial people, one rich guy who sees beauty in a somewhat stupid painting can inflate the price of such an art forever by bidding it highly, his "beauty of the painting" can create a global acceptance of beauty for such a painting and the value of the paintaing will forever be high whether re-sold or stolen!

But is only in galleries? we easily get influenced by prominent people's views, taste, reactions etc a clothing fathion worn by Justin Timberlake or Michael Jackson be silly or not might result in half the globe youths wearing the same, Mohammed Ali's assessment of a boxing fight between two boxers might create that 'agreeing with Ali's assessment' picture when you actually go to watch the match. But sometimes stupidity also comes in where one is atleast expected to use commonsense. Look at the classic case of Tony Blair and G. W Bush? Tony knew deep down how not-so-good idea about the Iraq war and possibly talked about it in his bedroom with his wife but George was so much of an influence on him that G.W's brain was a prototype to him! ... what followed thereafter?? We even had countries like Tonga sending in troops!

The problem is that while artists want to make money for their art in order to continue working solely with what they love rather than being pressured to split their creative time to work elsewhere, can in the process betray their creativity in order to satisfy this popularity. It is not often an artist can be loved for their creativity while they remain independent and without influence (hence why many unknown artists become more popular when they are dead).

If I were in your situation, I would go for what moves you, for the artwork you find more powerful and try to overlook all the games being played in the background. In this case, the artist least popular.

Can you show us some of the paintings, maybe we can discuss the differences of styles...

The problem is that while artists want to make money for their art in order to continue working solely with what they love rather than being pressured to split their creative time to work elsewhere, can in the process betray their creativity in order to satisfy this popularity. It is not often an artist can be loved for their creativity while they remain independent and without influence (hence why many unknown artists become more popular when they are dead).

Totally agree with you here. Artists do need to make a living after all.


Can you show us some of the paintings, maybe we can discuss the differences of styles...

Not sure how to go about this since their subjects are very different, but I'll see if I can find something close and more easily comparable.

But is only in galleries? we easily get influenced by prominent people's views, taste, reactions etc a clothing fathion worn by Justin Timberlake or Michael Jackson be silly or not might result in half the globe youths wearing the same, Mohammed Ali's assessment of a boxing fight between two boxers might create that 'agreeing with Ali's assessment' picture when you actually go to watch the match.

Or how many teenage girls want to be like Paris Hilton. Man, it's crazy how the weirdest people suddenly become "authority" figures.

Personally, I think the masses are giving the "elites" too much credit.

[quote1243127123=lorsban]Personally, I think the masses are giving the "elites" too much credit.
[/quote1243127123]

Precisely.

"I don't know the answer but there's someone out there who does."