In this niche art field I was in, the most successful people either grew/sold weed or had wealthy parents. Makes a huge difference when both your parents are doctors and can just buy you a $50,000 studio, and you don’t have to worry about making smaller work or having a sustainable business for years and are free to experiment and think big.
I would have to disagree. Sure, in the modern world, one function of art is to “move money around,” but it’s far from the only function or even the most important function.
Your favorite painting was likely commissioned by a rich person, and the person who received credit for it probably had most of the work done by an apprentice of theirs.
Rich people don’t like fine art and wine because they are so much more intellectually advanced than we are, they like them because they are a great tool of the wealthy. These people can’t tell the difference between a $7 wine and their $25,000 wine in a blind taste test, and if you tell them so, they will smile and nod, because the taste isn’t the point.
Your grandmother’s knit sweaters would be considered fine art if it could be used to launder money.
You’re not wrong but I think you’re making too strong a version of your argument. Many people, including wealthy people, are genuinely, deeply moved by art. I love the symphony, opera, and ballet. If I were rich I’d absolutely commission the shit out of some music and get a lot of real joy out of that.
In this niche art field I was in, the most successful people either grew/sold weed or had wealthy parents. Makes a huge difference when both your parents are doctors and can just buy you a $50,000 studio, and you don’t have to worry about making smaller work or having a sustainable business for years and are free to experiment and think big.
…And when your rich parents have connections to other rich people who might want your art.
Important since art is just a way to move money around.
I would have to disagree. Sure, in the modern world, one function of art is to “move money around,” but it’s far from the only function or even the most important function.
Your favorite painting was likely commissioned by a rich person, and the person who received credit for it probably had most of the work done by an apprentice of theirs.
Rich people don’t like fine art and wine because they are so much more intellectually advanced than we are, they like them because they are a great tool of the wealthy. These people can’t tell the difference between a $7 wine and their $25,000 wine in a blind taste test, and if you tell them so, they will smile and nod, because the taste isn’t the point.
Your grandmother’s knit sweaters would be considered fine art if it could be used to launder money.
You’re not wrong but I think you’re making too strong a version of your argument. Many people, including wealthy people, are genuinely, deeply moved by art. I love the symphony, opera, and ballet. If I were rich I’d absolutely commission the shit out of some music and get a lot of real joy out of that.
I think you underestimate how much rich people like their toys. Other than that sure.