Making sense of art and design industries

By: ritnas

Who even really cares about art? is the question running through my mind as I sit here, desperately trying to learn about art and all the different markets and what they all mean.

That is –who even cares -besides the people involved in the developing and marketing process of it all. The buyers probably/maybe do? But I mean, if you were to try and discuss art with your everyday average joe, I’m pretty sure your only response would be a massive yawn. Nevertheless, as discussions of art in modern mainstream media arise, might this same person suddenly voice a strong opinion.

Modern media provides us with the ability to share and/or sell artwork, while also providing us with the ability to promote art to a variety of different art markets. The differences between these markets can, however, create compications when it comes to discussing art in mainstream media.

So what are the differences between these art markets and why does it matter?

The art market is divided into four seperate markets. – The ‘branded art market’, which consists of the works of contemporary 20th century artists who have developed a strong brand. – The ‘avant-garde art market’ which is a term used to describe the more ‘radical’ and ‘innovative’ works in the art market. – The ‘alternative art market’, which is quite similar to the ‘avant-garde’ in the sense that it also aims to be innovative, but a lower, national level. – And lastly the ‘junk art market’, which refers to art that is merely considered decorative and ‘inferior’ to the other art markets.

A variety of art markets means that people of all interests can find something that fulfulls their interests, so how can these differences create complications?

You see, art sparks controversy, and the difference between each art market can undoubtedly create collisions, and thereby discussions, between the interested parties within said markets. Furthermore, the continuous development of massmedia makes it easier than ever for any average joe to get involved in these discussions.

Take ‘avant-garde’ art for example. This type of art is often made to create a reaction, due to their often radical nature, but can be difficult to present in media because it’s radicallness can be met with negative reactions, causing others to believe only ex. ‘branded’ art, a more classical art market, to be “real”art. Where as others will find this markets lack of innovativeness dull and toss qritique through the medias in their direction instead.

And ‘junk art’? which by some will be described as irrelevant to the rest of the market, can by others interested in said market, be contradicted with claims that all other markets are unnecessary.

With the simple click of a mouse we’re all provided with the ability to read and qritique all opinions that don’t correlate with ours. So who cares about art? The answer is pretty much everyone seems to. Whether they actually care about the art itself or just a specific artwork or market. -And the reason behind this is mainstream media, which gives us all the ability to have an opinion about anything.