This Post is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.
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We often hear from art critics, curators, even gallery owners that "so-and-so" is an
important artist, or that "such-and-such" piece is an
important work of art. I have always taken issue with such statements. What does "important" mean anyway? Who decides that an artist or a piece of art is important? What makes the artist or the work important? Perhaps I just don't get it, but to me it seems that it is nothing more than a biased opinion.
A critic may argue that a particular work was so well executed and received that it changed the career of the artist. Does this make the artist's other works less important? Certainly the artist could not have done this great work without first completing the many other works which honed the artist's skills. In my mind, this makes all the works important.
Sometimes the critics may say that the artist is so original that a new movement is born. Does this make those other artists less important? Certainly there are those who are so enthralled with a certain artist that they seek to emulate him/her. Yes, there are artists who are deservedly in the limelight. There are also many who may not be in the limelight, but are equally as gifted.
I would like to make a bold statement to critics and artists of such mindset. All sincere art is important. All honest artists are important.
All Art is Important
Art has the ability to touch people in very personal and unique ways. What touches me may differ from what touches you. Every sincere work of art will touch others deeply (it won't touch everyone, but it will touch someone). It penetrates their souls. It enriches their lives.
To be important, art need not shout to the world. It needs only be a sincere statement from the artist. There will be those who recognize that statement and are moved by it. Yes, all art has a place. All statements have value. All sincere art is important.
All Honest Artists are Important
I use the term "honest" to differentiate from those who are not true to their artistic voice. An honest artist creates from within. This artist has little concern for creating for the market, but rather must satisfy that need to express. If an artist is genuinely true to these inner voices, the work will be sincere and important. This makes the artist important.
Be an Important Artist
Be true to your inner voice. Create sincere art that only you can create. As a unique individual with a unique voice, you are important. No other artist can say what you have to say in the way you can say it. You are original. Keep your art true to yourself and it will be original. If you do, your work will resonate with those who love your work. You will be important to them. By enriching their lives, you are contributing to a greater society, to a greater world. This makes you important to the world. You are an important artist creating important art. Don't give that up for anything, even for the accolades of the critics.
Sincerely,
Keith Bond
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