Can we remystify art please?
As much as I am a proponent of education, I also believe in the saying "a magician never reveals their trick."
Is it possible that, thanks to social media, there are TOO MANY resources? These algorithms prioritize "content" it deems "useful." And so, that means tips. Lists. Factoids. Infographics. Diagrams.
They fail to identify any inherent usefulness, any quantifiable social value, in art.
In my opinion, the trending intersection of art and DIY culture undermines the base function of art and the role of the artist within society. Our job is to create art that drives revolutionary action, not to create content that drives standardized reiteration.
Presenting your art with a how-to may drive engagement online, but is it for the right reasons? Are people sitting with and appreciating your art? Are they interpreting? Feeling? Or are they mining you for information? Does the art that you made even matter in this exchange anymore?
Real artists don't want to copy the art of another artist. They want to feel and express via their own creative processes. So who are these tutorials made for? People who "like art," but don't value artists enough to pay them for it. People who see the beautifully articulated work of an expert and convince themselves "I could do that!"
Artists teaching art techniques to other artists is good! Artists teaching art techniques to the entire internet is bad. Society is collapsing. We need plumbers. Teach that.
But to experience art is to witness magic. There's an agreed upon deception at play where the audience's satisfaction is derived from the successful execution of the performer's illusion. Because magic only feels like magic until you learn the trick.
It's one thing to wonder how they did it and another thing to actually know. We deserve to experience wonder again. I want that for us.
I'd love to know what you think about this! Is my take shit? Share your opinions in the comments!
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