Do Artists Today Preference Realism Over Abstraction?

As a professional artist, art dealer, and consultant with over four decades of experience, I've witnessed the evolution of artistic preferences and the criteria that drive artistic success. The criteria for art, especially in realism, have always included elements such as focus, values, contrasting colors, gestures, and structures. However, the criteria for modern art contests often boil down to whether the artwork 'looks like a picture' and the effort put into it. This shift in assessment has significantly impacted the art market and the trajectory of artists' careers.

Historical Context and Contemporary Trends

Forty years ago, the art world, driven by critics, academics, and art magazines, had a strong prejudice against realism. Art that lacked abstraction or non-representational elements was considered commercial and relegated to specialized galleries. The prevailing belief was that a progression from realism to abstraction, and subsequently non-representation, was a natural and expected path for many artists, influenced by the evolution in the works of iconic artists like Picasso, Braque, and others.

It was assumed that artists would follow this progression to maintain relevance and sell their work. Realism, which once held a place in niche markets like Western art or decorative arts, was deemed a relic of the past. Critics and market setters collectively discouraged artists from focusing on realism, leading to a challenging environment for realist artists.

The Shift in the Art Market

In recent years, however, the art market has undergone a significant transformation. The barriers to selling realistic and semi-realistic artwork have been lifted, providing artists with a much more open and diverse landscape. Today, artists can readily sell in any genre they choose, whether it be realism, abstraction, or non-representation. The 'Abstract Sword of Damocles' that threatened realist artists for so long has been removed, giving artists the freedom to pursue their artistic passions without fearing market restrictions.

The Impact on Artist Motivations

Artists, driven by a dual desire for artistic challenge and financial success, now have the opportunity to be enamored with any genre without fear of marginalization or market disfavor. Economically and psychologically free from the constraints of abstract-only preferences, artists can now focus on their creative instincts and artistic goals. Previously, some artists pursued abstraction and non-representation solely to ensure their marketability, but today this is not the only path to success.

Conclusion: A New Era for Realism

The recent shift in art market dynamics has opened the doors for artists to explore a variety of genres, including realism, with greater freedom and openness. This is a significant step away from the one-size-fits-all approach to artistic evolution and success. As the art world continues to embrace a more inclusive and diverse range of styles, it is clear that artists today have the opportunity to be enamored with realism, abstraction, or any other genre they choose.

Artists should strive for excellence in their chosen medium and direction, understanding that the era of strict artistic progression is over. The era of economic and psychological freedom for artists has arrived, allowing them to focus on their passion and creativity rather than market pressures.

References and Further Reading

For further reading and deeper insights on this topic, consider exploring articles on the evolution of the art market, the impact of art criticism on artist careers, and the diversity of contemporary art.