Such a worthy illumination. Technology changes have brought widespread access (in theory) but have just shifted the nature of the fight for artists of quieter work. The struggle to be seen, shifting from a lack of adequate outlets and platforms to a plethora of platforms all so crowded by noise that they occlude everything, on-and-offline. In TV and film, I often notice quieter, more subtle/nuanced work getting attention, an antidote to the constant bombardment of louder forms. It seems a far, far steeper climb among the visual arts community given the algorithms they’re up against.
This is such an interesting point! Even though we still pine for blockbuster movies and thrillers and true crime (all of the things I equate with sensationalism in the visual culture), we still have room for quieter, smaller, independent movies to find audiences. Is there a way to figure out how to do that for visual art too?
Part of it is certainly tied up with the very movement you and others strive for in terms of valuing art in our day to day lives. If people were engaged more often by art, there would likely be more room for quieter work/moments. But it strikes me that another significant effort is the creating/cultivating of smaller spaces like this substack that create places for people to gather and have a moment away from the hubbub, where quieter work is among the art allowed to have its moment. Many small spaces isn’t the same as a few large ones (we need both I’m sure), but it does seem a vital part of the effort.
For everyone reading this: not only did Stephen figure out that app, but it's worth it to download it for yourself just so you can read Stephen's intro.
If you want a walk-through, just let me know. You're such a valuable part of this community. (For what it's worth: it takes me a bit to get comfortable with new technology, but I found the app and the chat feature pretty intuitive. Happy to give you step-by-steps if you want them.)
Such a worthy illumination. Technology changes have brought widespread access (in theory) but have just shifted the nature of the fight for artists of quieter work. The struggle to be seen, shifting from a lack of adequate outlets and platforms to a plethora of platforms all so crowded by noise that they occlude everything, on-and-offline. In TV and film, I often notice quieter, more subtle/nuanced work getting attention, an antidote to the constant bombardment of louder forms. It seems a far, far steeper climb among the visual arts community given the algorithms they’re up against.
This is such an interesting point! Even though we still pine for blockbuster movies and thrillers and true crime (all of the things I equate with sensationalism in the visual culture), we still have room for quieter, smaller, independent movies to find audiences. Is there a way to figure out how to do that for visual art too?
Part of it is certainly tied up with the very movement you and others strive for in terms of valuing art in our day to day lives. If people were engaged more often by art, there would likely be more room for quieter work/moments. But it strikes me that another significant effort is the creating/cultivating of smaller spaces like this substack that create places for people to gather and have a moment away from the hubbub, where quieter work is among the art allowed to have its moment. Many small spaces isn’t the same as a few large ones (we need both I’m sure), but it does seem a vital part of the effort.
VERY excited to have this new chat opportunity available!
Hope to see you there!
I hope I can figure out this Substack app. I'm not shy, but I am a bit of a Luddite.
For everyone reading this: not only did Stephen figure out that app, but it's worth it to download it for yourself just so you can read Stephen's intro.
If you want a walk-through, just let me know. You're such a valuable part of this community. (For what it's worth: it takes me a bit to get comfortable with new technology, but I found the app and the chat feature pretty intuitive. Happy to give you step-by-steps if you want them.)