#1 “Contemporary art is either something you love or hate!”

Is this to say that there is only one kind of contemporary art? Contemporary art’s specific characteristics are its diversity and indefinability. If you say, “I don’t like contemporary art”, it implies that you are an expert on all contemporary art. This is impossible considering all the existing styles, movements, and works. Even more important, tastes change with time, leading to many great surprises.

#2 “Even if I could do it!”

This is the biggest misconception about contemporary art. This statement overlooks the fact that every piece of contemporary art is an artist’s work. It takes a lot of hard work and an artistic approach. These skeptics should look closely at these artworks to go through the exhibition catalog and learn more about the artist. Tell them to keep it if they believe they can do the same. You never know, they might have an artist in them that needs to be discovered. !

#3 “Contemporary Art is only for the Rich.”

We have to be real. If you want to buy art by Andy Warhol or Jeff Koons, you might need to remortgage your home. Remember that “contemporary art” also refers to emerging artists, which means lower prices. Many talented and unknown artists offer their work for as little as a few hundred dollars. 

#4 “Contemporary Art is Just for Snobs …”

It would be wrong to assume that contemporary art is snobby or elitist. While some people might not be as interested in art as others, art is accessible to the intellectual and social elite. They’re not the only ones. Art is universal and unclassifiable by its very nature. It touches all social classes across time and eras. There’s something for everyone and every taste. If someone insists that art is only for snobs after you have explained it to them, encourage them to visit museums and galleries. This will ensure one less person doesn’t contribute to the overall balance.

#5 “I don’t know much about it, it’s not my thing.”

Many people mistakenly believe that you must have a certain amount of knowledge to understand contemporary art. Although learning a language can take many years, art is more dependent on emotion than any other field. A work of art will stimulate your eyes, emotions, thoughts, and memories. Even art that isn’t clear or explicit can be even more powerful because it only stimulates emotions.

#6 “Is this supposed to be beautiful?”

Ah, beauty… Beauty… This question takes us back to school-day philosophy lessons. It doesn’t matter if you don’t find the artwork beautiful. It doesn’t matter what! It doesn’t matter! This is a good thing because it means that we don’t all like the same things, and there will be constant competition to obtain them. Diversity is good! Diversity is good!

Source: pixabay.com (Photo edited by KAZoART)

#7 “Success does not mean being controversial!”

What exactly does the term “successful” mean? This is not the true definition of success in the art marketplace. Many provocative pieces don’t find buyers simply because they are too outrageous or outlandish. However, this statement is true if you look at art history. Many pieces once considered controversial or provocative at the time, such as the works of Caravaggio or Manet, are now completely acceptable. Artists are expected to be controversial or push the boundaries.

#8 “It’s all about money.”

Money indeed controls a significant portion of the world. Art prices are determined by external factors (such as gallery managers’ influence and social skills, etc.). These factors don’t always reflect the intrinsic value of an artwork. It’s important not to limit yourself to the handful of artists who regularly appear in the news or at major international art exhibitions. Most artists don’t make a living off their art, and many gallery owners struggle to make ends work. This is proof that their love for art drives them.