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Dear ,
In this month's newsletter, I'd like to share with you a list of important topics that have been on my mind and insights that are crucial for navigating these changes.
Exploring the Art Market Crisis and New Avenues for Artists
The art market has experienced significant turbulence in recent times and discussions about its downturn are becoming common. It's not a surprise. Even before the pandemic and the shift to a more remote/online existence, the traditional art market format was facing challenges already: obsolescence of older generational views, calls for greater transparency to address issues like money laundering, sexism, racism, and ageism, and artists recognizing their power and role in the art world as businesspeople, just to name a few.
Amidst this crisis, however, opportunities for artists are emerging. We now have the chance to explore new avenues for conducting our careers, to experiment more, and to sell directly to new collectors. As usual, adaptability and innovation are crucial for navigating this environment successfully. However, it's essential to exercise caution. While there are opportunities, there are also opportunists and speculators seeking to exploit the situation. Artists should conduct thorough research, avoid impulsive decisions based on inflated promises, and carefully consider their actions.
Creating and Transferring Value in the Arts
I firmly believe that artists should persevere to be independent from the art world. By independence, I mean that whether an artist chooses to engage in the traditional art world or explore new arenas, they must prioritize self-sufficiency. Our skills as artists extend far beyond merely churning out artwork; we are inherently creative beings capable of sustaining (and protecting!) our practice and careers in diverse ways.
Achieving success in life and in the art world, hinges on grasping the dynamics of value creation and transfer. It's not solely about producing exceptional artwork; it's equally about effectively communicating the value proposition to the audience and potential buyers/collectors. Placing artwork strategically in environments that enhance its value and facilitating meaningful interactions and transactions are essential components. And such environments don't need to be established and big institutions, museums, or prestigious collections. Sometimes, associating with these entities can backfire if driven by opportunism and speculation, potentially harming or even destroying an artist's career. Instead, it's vital to seek out spaces (IRL and/or online) that align authentically with our identity and creations, places where our work resonates and shares key values. These are the environments where our art can truly thrive and find its rightful place in the world.
Value is synonymous with meaning; it signifies importance within a culture. As artists, we must recognize and harness the significance of our creations, ensuring that they resonate deeply with audiences and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape.
Having an art piece in one's home should be regarded as important as owning a smartphone, if not more so.
Special vs. Important: Demystifying the Artist's Persona
The notion of a hierarchical structure within the artistic community and their creations can often undermine artists, perpetuating a fixation on what is considered more or less "relevant" by authorities in the art field. While artists may be perceived as special individuals, it's essential to recognize that there's no hierarchy of inherent artistic prowess. Of course, those who are deeply committed to their artistic pursuits will stand apart from those who engage it more casually, without the same level of dedication. Yet, perhaps we need to consider such matters from a broader perspective, acknowledging the influence of cultural biases on determining what is profound, powerful, and good.
Let's redirect our attention to the significance of art and its accessibility: art stemming from a genuine, committed interest in expressing something beyond the artist themselves—this shared source of creative impulse—shouldn't be confined to luxury or elitism. There's an abundance of exceptional art beyond the confines of established institutions. Art can be more affordable, supporting numerous artists, and it deserves to permeate every aspect of our lives. Let's move beyond notions of being "special" or "superior" and collectively acknowledge the importance of art once and for all.
Moving Beyond the Search for a Savior
The era where artists relied solely on gallerists or patrons to champion their work is long gone. The idea of seeking a savior figure to validate our artistry has faded away (or do you still hold onto it?). As artists, whether we like it or not, embracing our entrepreneurial agency and taking control of our destinies is paramount.
However, if you disagree and persist in the belief that artists should be sustained and served by others simply because they and their work are "special," it's vital to understand that there's no free lunch in a capitalist society; someone always pays the bill. If you're not investing your own resources to support your growth, career, or business, someone else is. It would be much more beneficial for you to understand investment in your art and how to plan its return.
While it might seem fair to receive services "for free" (what a trap!), it's wiser to understand the source of the funds and the true motives behind such generosity. Exercise discernment in your decisions, as grasping the underlying dynamics can help you navigate the art market landscape more effectively.
And if you can support other artists like yourself by paying for their work, that's fantastic! Collaborating to circulate money among ourselves can enhance the value transfer, which will undoubtedly return to you if done sincerely and meaningfully. By contributing to the success of fellow artists and supporting their practices, services, projects, etc., you not only foster a supportive community but also contribute to the overall vitality and sustainability of the art ecosystem.
Sincerely,
Carolina Paz
UA Artist Founder and Director
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