I am always mystified by how we perceive ourselves, either personally or through our work, in the eyes of others. The disparity between how we see ourselves and how others see us is an interesting dynamic, one that has so many contributing factors that it can’t be fully explored in a daily blog.
For an artist this is an important point. We definitely see our work in a certain light and often have little idea how the work is really thought of in the outer world. Every artist thinks of their work as serious and important but does the public see it as such?
If so, why? If not, why not?
What makes some work weightier than others?
If you’re expecting an answer from me I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I’m in the dark like everyone else. I have some ideas but of course they’ll only be justifications for why I see my own work as important. Anyone who values their own work would do the same.
Now, I’ve seen work that is considered important and deep and have turned away scratching my head. I am not impressed. I am not moved. I feel nothing from the piece. Is this a reflection on my shallowness or lack of perception? Sometimes it seems like a perception of the work is adopted that has little to do with how it is really seen and the public will go along with this popular opinion because most feel they lack the knowledge to dissent, especially when those who offer the popular opinion are considered expert- critics, gallery owners and curators.
Granted, these people have certain knowledge and a usually wider exposure to many forms of expression. But again, art is not a calculable science and the opinion-makers, the trendanistas if you will, throughout history have often been wrong.
So what’s the point here? I don’t know. Perhaps I only want to ask the question of the general public ( and feel free to answer):
What draws you to a piece of art?
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This week marks the beginning of my affiliation with Lovett’s Gallery in Tulsa, OK.
Redtree Times 