Until recently, the term “patron of the arts” was associated with deep pockets, famous last names, and/or powerful social connections. Viewed as superfluous, extravagant, elitist – and basically irrelevant to us plebs.
Fortunately, the past few decades have dramatically changed the way the art world operates. Definitions are changing, gatekeeping is a thing of the past. Art (and art collecting) is now more democratic, accessible, and wildly diverse than ever before.
Social media in particular has blown the old paradigm apart – today artists and collectors can interface directly without a middleman. Creators are able to personally curate, explain, and display work as they see fit. With greater access to diverse media, we (the consumer) have more freedom to aggregate our own unique tastes and preferences. People can make what they want, when they want – and let their audience be the judge.
Sounds utopian, but here’s the catch – artists are typically analog people.
While mastering algorithms and launching a new brand might come naturally to some, most artists just want to make cool stuff with their hands. There’s a constant battle raging between content, art, and where to draw the line between them.
As new talent emerges – how do we adapt and become savvy modern patrons? How can we find what we love and support the person behind that creation?
Patronage can come in many forms, it doesn’t have to be a huge investment. In fact, a bit of your time and attention can go a long way. Online it looks like engagement: follow, subscribe, like, comment, share (you know the drill). If you like what they’re making – consider buying something. Purchases (even small ones) mean a lot more to enterprising individuals than they ever could at Target or Bed Bath & Beyond. By participating in the creative economy, you’re ensuring that we don’t end up living in a monoculture. You also run the risk of being told you have excellent taste.
While online progress is compelling and convenient – it’s a cheap replacement for viewing work in person. If you’re only scrolling online, you’re seriously missing out. Something downright magical happens when you’re standing face to face with artwork. It just hits different. Handmade objects emanate a quality that can’t be captured by our devices – you simply have to be there.
That’s probably why some artists opt out of social media altogether. You’d be shocked by what your neighbors are making in their spare time. Turning out for shows still matters. It gives you the chance to meet the person behind the brush, torch, chisel, etc. – face to face. Plenty of artists aren’t present online – you have to seek them out in the wild.
Art is not frivolous. It is worth making, admiring, and collecting – whether that happens digitally or in the material world. We can’t stop progress, but we can harness it to adorn ourselves and our lives with richness, beauty, and awe as often as possible.
