Why does it seem to have become accepted that some parts of the art world are only for the few, rather than being aimed at the masses? Although we can spend a lot of time thinking about how this situation came about, it's perhaps easy to agree on the fact that it's rather peculiar.
There is no particular reason why the enjoyment of paintings, sculptures, photography or other art forms should be governed by your levels of education and income. Despite this seemingly obvious fact, there is certainly a separation between many and the works of art that surround them.
It seems to me to be rather sad to think that many people struggle to actually engage with this world at all. Is this because there are true barriers in place, or could it simply be an image issue? It's perhaps wise to start by saying that the prices raised when famous paintings are sold at auction may be part of the problem here.
The world's most famous artworks almost inevitably fall into the hands of the rich and those who have influence. This is, in some senses, a rather sad state of affairs. It can also be said, however, that it simply mirrors activity in so many areas of life. The good news here is that many owners are keen to share what they have.
This is an interesting area to consider, since many art collectors actually send valuable pieces to public galleries, where they can be viewed by many more people. This is certainly to be applauded and means that many of us can get access to them. But what happens when we're faced with the idea of visiting a gallery?
How many of us are prepared to take the time to do so? Even though some are free to enter, there can be a feeling that they are not aimed at the general public. You may feel that you don't have an appropriate understanding of the history of art to be able to appreciate pieces. This lack of knowledge may hold you back, but it really needn't do so.
It's certainly easy to see how a gallery can be daunting, but it's also true to say that individual pieces will tend to produce unique reactions. If you have a particular opinion, then it is not for others to suggest that you are wrong. Rather, this merely displays the fact that you are able to enjoy a piece in your own way.
But it's also true to exclaim that art isn't all about galleries. You can buy reproductions, or inexpensive original pieces, and place them within your own home. In fact, this is something that can work incredibly well. By doing so, you can enjoy art on a daily basis. You can also demonstrate your own tastes to your friends and others who may choose to visit your home.
There is no particular reason why the enjoyment of paintings, sculptures, photography or other art forms should be governed by your levels of education and income. Despite this seemingly obvious fact, there is certainly a separation between many and the works of art that surround them.
It seems to me to be rather sad to think that many people struggle to actually engage with this world at all. Is this because there are true barriers in place, or could it simply be an image issue? It's perhaps wise to start by saying that the prices raised when famous paintings are sold at auction may be part of the problem here.
The world's most famous artworks almost inevitably fall into the hands of the rich and those who have influence. This is, in some senses, a rather sad state of affairs. It can also be said, however, that it simply mirrors activity in so many areas of life. The good news here is that many owners are keen to share what they have.
This is an interesting area to consider, since many art collectors actually send valuable pieces to public galleries, where they can be viewed by many more people. This is certainly to be applauded and means that many of us can get access to them. But what happens when we're faced with the idea of visiting a gallery?
How many of us are prepared to take the time to do so? Even though some are free to enter, there can be a feeling that they are not aimed at the general public. You may feel that you don't have an appropriate understanding of the history of art to be able to appreciate pieces. This lack of knowledge may hold you back, but it really needn't do so.
It's certainly easy to see how a gallery can be daunting, but it's also true to say that individual pieces will tend to produce unique reactions. If you have a particular opinion, then it is not for others to suggest that you are wrong. Rather, this merely displays the fact that you are able to enjoy a piece in your own way.
But it's also true to exclaim that art isn't all about galleries. You can buy reproductions, or inexpensive original pieces, and place them within your own home. In fact, this is something that can work incredibly well. By doing so, you can enjoy art on a daily basis. You can also demonstrate your own tastes to your friends and others who may choose to visit your home.
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