THE INVISIBLE ART WORLD

In 2021 an Italian artist sold an “invisible” sculpture titled lo sono (which translates to “I am”) for £12,959 at an auction. Salvatore Garau’s sculpture “Io sono” was to be displayed in a private room away from any obstruction.

It also had to be kept in an area that is about 5 ft long and 5 ft wide. Although lighting and environment control were optional.

In the same year a Danish Museum gave an artist, Jens Haaning,

$84,000., to produce work for an exhibition. In return, the museum received two blank canvases called ‘Take the Money and Run’.

"It is a breach of contract, and breach of contract is part of the work," he said, according to Danish public broadcaster DR.

This invisible art world does not stop here, it extends to the anonymity of buyers, which makes for an advantageous environment for money laundering and tax evasion. This culture among the rich has created a demand for high end art, while creating an elitism within the market. This practice stifles artistic evolution and creates a need for gatekeepers.

But has technology changed like the music industry. Where artists now have agency and access to art collectors through the world of social media.

But is this all-good news? Do other unfair indicators still exist without the consideration of the actual creativity?

Unfortunately the answer is yes! Our new gatekeepers are now the number of followers an artist has acquired, that measures their skill and the joy they bring with their art.

Notwithstanding this the probability of an artist being discovered or simply selling their pieces, is greater in the social media era. It’s currently easier to kick down virtual walls than brick ones.

In a world where white male artist still dominate. This change could mean a new art experience, the chance to see something removed from the norm.

For those more attentive readers you will have noted I said, "It's currently easier to kick down virtual walls', because by the same token these virtual walls are also easier to manipulate to maintain financial havens for those who have the loudest and more influential voices.

In a world where influences matter, what will our new art legends look like and be producing? How big can we create in a world where the walls are more penetrable?