The Challenge of Artistic Excellence: Why There Seems to Be More Bad Art Than Good

Pretty much all art is first considered ldquo;badrdquo; before people get used to it and then call it ldquo;good.rdquo; This phenomenon brings to question whether the art world is stuck in a rut and whether we truly have an appreciation for innovation and creativity. The idea that only classical works like Madonna and Child should grace our walls is reminiscent of a time when progress was halted in its tracks. However, it is equally frustrating when modern artists like Picasso, who had his own struggles with styles like Cubism, are misunderstood.

Amygdala Art: Beyond the Surface

Jeff Koonsrsquo; balloon dogs and other such pieces are often labeled as kitsch or gaudy. But in fact, works like these, even if they are not labeled as happy art, can be profound statements. My experience with art as a means of expressing the pain and indignities of human relationships can only be seen as powerful. Words Can Hurt, my ex-partnerrsquo;s insults, cut like sharp, thin metal, reminding me of another gaslighter, Donald Trump. These artworks capture the raw emotion and complexity of human interaction.

The Landscape of Contemporary Art

Itrsquo;s easy to walk into any hotel and see dreadful, subpar abstract works plastered on the walls. While itrsquo;s positive that more young people are getting into art, the public often underrates the hard work and dedication required to succeed in this field. Becoming a successful artist requires substantial time management skills, a deep understanding of mathematical principles, a curious and creative mind, and the ability to solve complex problems.

Rising Above the Subpar

Many young artists focus solely on technical proficiency, believing that ldquo;prettyrdquo; is enough. They think that minor levels of effort are sufficient to produce ldquo;good art.rdquo; However, true artistic excellence is more than just technical skill and superficial beauty. It requires a deep connection with the world around us, the ability to encapsulate beauty, pain, and life itself.

I remember meeting a young girl around 14 who could draw hyper-realistic celebrities flawlessly from her Instagram account. She had been in art classes from a young age. However, if you asked her to ditch the script, she couldnrsquo;t create anything at all. She could complete commissions but struggled with the creative processes necessary to stand out in a crowded market.

The Journey of a Master Artist

True artistic geniuses, like many of the greatest artists of our time, never assume their work is worth a lot. They continuously strive to improve and learn, immersing themselves in the world for its beauty, pain, and life. Success in art is not just about talent; it involves hard work, continuous improvement, and a deep commitment to the craft.

The art world needs more dedication to fostering true artistic excellence. Letrsquo;s embrace the innovation and creativity of the modern era and the complexity of emotions and experiences that it can capture.