Is Art for Everyone


This post is a request for your input.  I am torn between two arguments about the accessibility of art to the general public.  Should art be inexpensive enough to be collected by anyone and everyone?  Or should art remain scarce and priced so that only the advantaged are able to collect.  There are valid arguments on both sides.  Where do you stand?  Please comment.  I hope to write about the topic soon.  I would value your insights.

9 Responses to Is Art for Everyone

Jarig Straatsma
via web
I should say, art is for everyone. It is possible to make small oils (8 x 6 or so) and make it available for anyone, rich or not. I believe that in all layers of richness people love art, as much as a lot of people (rich or not) love books or anything else That is also the reason I believe, why museums are or free or cheap to enter.
Monte Wilson
via web
Hello Keith,

I agree with Jarig above. Art should be for everybody. That doesn't mean I advocate giving it away. But there are instances such as studies and smaller works (as Jarig mentions above)where art can be offered at less expense. In this way, someone who may not be able to afford a high end piece could acquire an original work.

Clint Watson
via keithbond.com
Keith,

If we're talking about original art, I don't think that it's realistic that art can be "be inexpensive enough to be collected by anyone and everyone." At least not in the context of any particular artist. For example, I agree everyone would love to enjoy a Richard Schmid painting, but it would be wrong to somehow tell him he's doing a disservice to mankind because he doesn't keep his prices "accessible to everyone."

Should diamonds be accessible to everyone?
Should expensive wines be accessible to everyone?
Should everyone have a private chef and a private jet?

The fact is that we live in a world where there are things not accessible to everyone.

I do think that art museums should exist and be affordable enough for most people to view masterpieces. Prints serve a need for people who can't afford originals. Even books. As a little boy from a lower-middle-class family, I POURED over art books - a lot can be learned and enjoyed just from books.

I don't even think the question can be "SHOULD" art remain scarce. It doesn't matter. Art is a hand-created one-at-a-time "product." Art WILL remain scarce and we'll just have to live with these realities.

I kind of rambled here, so I sincerely hope this comment makes since after I click the submit button.



Jiddje
via keithbond.com
In my comment earlier I was talking about art in general. In first instance art should be available for everyone. You can't exclude a group of people. Cars, for instance, should be available for everyone. I know, I couldn't afford the latest BMW, but that doesn't matter. I can affford a car. As well as I can afford a piece of art. Not Richard Schmid's art, but from another, maybe unknown, artist which work I love. I can afford a Karen Jurick. So Clint's words as Should expensive wines be accessible to everyone? and Should everyone have a private chef and a private jet? are not correct. That is not in general. That is for the happy few. I can afford a housekeeper for a few hours a month, though. But than again I know that when I sell my work at a local art market, people are willing to give me $25 for a 8 x 6 painting. That is not realistic. I gladly want to own a Rembrandt, even if it is a small one. But I know I can't. All I want to say that everybody can, once or more than once, buy a piece of art starting let's say from $150. And that is good. It is up to the buyer if he/she wants to spent that kind of money or not.

Interesting discussion.
Jiddje
via keithbond.com
Sorry, but I just noticed: both Jarig Straatsma and Jiddje are the same person.
Jennie
via keithbond.com
Re: Is art for everyone?

I think that fine art originals should remain rare. However, I think that everyone should have access to certain paintings- that is in a reprinted form. (Deciding which works this would apply to is a whole new discussion...) As for my point, for example, everyone should be able to enjoy the Mona Lisa, and for more than a few minutes or hours while passing through the Louvre. You don't have to make reprints of every beautiful piece of work ever created, but let those of us designated as poor serfs just trying to decorate our homes with beautiful works of art have some way to enjoy that spice in life that is fine art.
Clint Watson
via keithbond.com
I guess it's like a lot of things in life - art IS for everyone, but not ALL art is for everyone.

(Everyone can have a watch, but not everyone can have a Rolex)

Dawn Blair
via keithbond.com
In your comment, you ask if diamonds should be accessible to everyone, or if expensive wines should be accessible to everyone. There's one rule I've found to be true: people will afford what they want to afford. If someone wants a diamond, they will find a way to buy a diamond. If people want that 6 pack of beer even though they are on food stamps, they will find a way to buy the 6 pack. I get the opportunity to see a lot of people in various income levels and they are always affording what they want to afford.

I have one blog post about art collecting you might be interested in: http://dawnblair.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/art-collector-join-the-growing-number/ . I've also just recently posted a blog about how I have children becoming art collectors -- it's a little further up in The Final Frontier entry I believe.

You've certainly provided food for thought here. I can't wait to see what you finally come up with.
Val Coltharp
via keithbond.com
I would like to see everyone who wishes to be able to purchase artwork. I think every artist could contribute to this goal by painting pieces that allow for a wide range of prices amoung his/her artwork.








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