"Contemporary Art" is a Cult - Here is Why

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"Contemporary Art" is a Cult - Here is Why

Alright darlings, gather 'round! Let's talk about something that's been swirling around in my creative brain for a while now: Contemporary Art. Now, don't get me wrong, I adore art in all its glorious forms. I live and breathe visual storytelling, celebrate imagination, and find immense joy in making something meaningful. But sometimes, I can't help but feel like the contemporary art world… well, it feels a little… cultish.

Now, I'm not throwing around that word lightly. I'm not saying artists are intentionally brainwashing anyone (though some collectors' wallets might disagree!). But there are certain dynamics at play, specific unspoken rules, and a heavy dose of insider jargon that make navigating the contemporary art scene feel like joining a very exclusive, and sometimes baffling, club.

So, let's dive in, shall we? Let's explore why I think "Contemporary Art" (with its invisible air quotes, naturally) can feel a bit like a cult, and maybe, just maybe, figure out how to break free from some of those constricting dynamics.

The Mystification of Meaning

One of the biggest reasons I feel this way is the tendency to over-intellectualize and mystify meaning. Art, at its core, should resonate with us, evoke emotions, and perhaps even spark a dialogue. But often, with contemporary art, the piece itself is secondary to the elaborate explanation that accompanies it.

Think about it. You walk into a gallery, and there's a pile of bricks on the floor. You, a perfectly intelligent and aesthetically-inclined individual, are thinking, "Huh, a pile of bricks." But the wall text, oh, the wall text! It's a 500-word essay on the deconstruction of societal structures, the inherent fragility of the human condition, and the post-structuralist interpretation of… well, bricks.

Suddenly, you feel like you're missing something. Like you should be seeing the profound meaning. Like you should be deeply moved by this pile of bricks. And if you're not? Well, maybe you're just not "getting it."

This, my friends, is a classic cult tactic: creating an "us vs. them" mentality based on perceived enlightenment. Only those "in the know" truly understand the deeper meaning. Everyone else is an outsider. It breeds a dependence on the "guru" – in this case, the artist, the curator, the art critic – to interpret the "truth" for you.

The Language of the Initiated

Ah, the art world jargon. It's a language all its own, filled with terms like "liminal space," "interrogation of the gaze," and "performative intervention." While it's useful for academics and critics to have a shared vocabulary to discuss complex concepts, it often serves as a barrier to entry for the uninitiated.

It's like a secret code that only members of the cult can decipher. You hear people throwing these terms around at gallery openings, nodding sagely, and you feel like you're eavesdropping on a conversation in a foreign language. And if you dare to ask for clarification? You risk exposing your ignorance and being branded an outsider.

This specialized language creates a sense of exclusivity. It reinforces the idea that contemporary art is only for the intellectual elite, further alienating those who might otherwise be drawn to its beauty and power. It's a shame, really, because art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their academic background or their knowledge of art history.

The Power of the Authority Figures

In any cult, there are authority figures who wield significant influence over the group's beliefs and practices. In the contemporary art world, these figures include:

a. The Critics: Their words can make or break an artist's career. A glowing review in a prestigious publication can send an artist's prices soaring, while a scathing critique can relegate them to obscurity. Their opinions are treated as gospel, shaping the perception of art for collectors and the public alike.

b. The Curators: They decide what gets shown in galleries and museums, shaping the narrative of contemporary art. They act as gatekeepers, determining which artists get a platform and which ones remain hidden. Their choices are often influenced by personal biases and institutional agendas.

c. The Collectors: The ultra-wealthy collectors who are willing to spend millions on a single piece of art. Their purchases drive the market, influencing what artists create and what galleries promote. Their tastes and preferences can dictate the direction of contemporary art for years to come.

These authority figures have the power to define what is considered "good" art and what is not. They can elevate obscure artists to superstar status, simply by endorsing their work. This creates a hierarchical structure that can be incredibly stifling for emerging artists who don't have the connections or resources to gain their attention.

The Pressure to Conform

Within the contemporary art world, there's a subtle but powerful pressure to conform. To embrace certain styles, themes, and ideologies. To align yourself with the prevailing trends and narratives. To be "woke" and "relevant."

This pressure can stifle creativity and originality. Artists may feel compelled to create work that they think will be well-received by the art world establishment, rather than work that is authentic to their own vision. They may self-censor their ideas and experimentations to avoid being ostracized or dismissed.

The fear of being "cancelled" or labeled as "problematic" can be particularly intense. Artists may hesitate to explore controversial or challenging themes, fearing the backlash from social media and the art world gatekeepers. This creates a climate of conformity that can be detrimental to artistic innovation and expression.

The Obsession with Novelty

Contemporary art often prizes novelty above all else. The pressure to be "cutting edge" and "groundbreaking" can lead to a relentless pursuit of the new and the different. Artists may feel compelled to create increasingly bizarre and outlandish works in order to stand out from the crowd.

This obsession with novelty can sometimes come at the expense of beauty, skill, and craftsmanship. The focus shifts from the intrinsic qualities of the artwork to its shock value and its ability to generate buzz. Art becomes less about creating something meaningful and beautiful, and more about making a statement.

While innovation is certainly important, it shouldn't be the sole criterion for judging art. There's value in tradition, in mastery of technique, and in creating works that are simply beautiful and uplifting. The relentless pursuit of novelty can lead to a sense of superficiality and a lack of substance.

Breaking Free From the Cult

So, what can we do to break free from these cult-like dynamics and create a more inclusive and accessible art world? Here are a few ideas:

1. Question the Narrative: Don't blindly accept the pronouncements of art critics and curators. Develop your own critical thinking skills and form your own opinions about art. Ask yourself what the work makes you feel, what it communicates to you, and whether it resonates with your own experiences.

2. Embrace Diverse Voices: Seek out art from artists who are not part of the mainstream art world establishment. Explore different cultures, styles, and perspectives. Support emerging artists who are creating authentic and original work.

3. Reject the Jargon: Don't be intimidated by the art world's specialized language. Ask for clarification when you don't understand something. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't "get" a particular piece of art. It's okay to have your own preferences and opinions.

4. Focus on the Experience: Remember that art is ultimately about the experience. It's about the emotions it evokes, the ideas it sparks, and the connections it creates. Don't get caught up in the intellectual analysis and the theoretical frameworks. Just let yourself be moved by the art.

5. Create Your Own Art: The best way to understand art is to make it yourself. Experiment with different mediums, styles, and techniques. Don't worry about being "good" or "original." Just let your creativity flow and express yourself.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a more inclusive, accessible, and authentic art world. One that celebrates diversity, encourages experimentation, and values genuine expression over superficial trends. One where everyone feels welcome and empowered to participate, regardless of their background or their knowledge of art history.

So, let's raise a glass (of sparkling water, naturally!) to breaking down the barriers, challenging the status quo, and creating a future where art is truly for everyone. And maybe, just maybe, we can reclaim the joy and wonder that art is meant to inspire, without feeling like we need a secret decoder ring to understand it. Now, go forth and create, my darlings! The world needs your unique vision.