It is an artist’s role in society to be a storyteller, whether it be through a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, an installation, a song, musical performance, or some other medium. Right now we are at a time in history when most of us feel we have no control over our future. The global pandemic is causing a paradigm shift in our society. The US government is led by the most corrupt and inept of leaders, causing more death, more destruction, a failing economy, record homelessness, and protests by hundreds of thousands throughout the land. People are worried, anxious, sleepless...
Artists are compelled to tell the story of our times – and they are. There is no better inspiration for surreal art, political art, and dynamic expressionism than the tumultuous reality of our world today. For most artists, this is a time of incredible creativity, due to the intensity of the various situations around the world that offer inspiration – and their somewhat forced isolation. The daily changes in economic, health, political and international issues, the upcoming US election, and social unrest all offer important topics to memorialize through art.
Over the past three months, I have conducted virtual studio visits with over 60 artists, and have seen an abundance of provocative, topical, timely, and meaningful work. The history of 2020 will be told through the eyes of the artists who see it for what it is – a turning point from which there is no return.
The massive death toll by COVID-19, the epic failure of our government, and the racial tension over police brutality amid the realization of systemic racism in our country are all being historically preserved while artists are in lockdown. The statement-making work now being created includes political satire, bold portraits of frontline heroes, dark and foreboding dystopian scenes that contrast wild fantasies of life on another planet and passionate exuberant expressionism. I predict the future art market (and probably the world in general) will soon be described through the “Pre or Post-Covid” definition.
The problem for artists (and art enthusiasts) is that galleries are closed for the most part, which means the most traditional and popular method of buying and selling art is no longer a viable option. Many galleries around the world have closed for good (including the one I used to manage.) The rest are operating on limited hours, by appointment only, or via virtual viewing rooms. New technologies allow a guest to experience a gallery show in virtual reality, walking through a gallery, stopping at a painting and hearing the artists’ voice tell you all about it. Instagram stories and Zoom presentations, YouTube TV and Facebook Live are fast becoming the new norm. Artists in every medium now need to become technology-savvy (or have a manager who is,) in order to compete in the new reality of virtual presentations and online-only gallery exhibits. There will not be openings, special events, interactive installations or dramatic performances to enjoy either. Collectors will need to adapt to new methods of buying art which they likely will not see in person before purchasing, leading to a massive shift in how business is conducted.
For a look at a virtual art exhibit that I recently curated, please visit this link, for a collection that was in-part inspired by these troubling times. Featuring whimsical dreams, fantasy creatures, and the occasional despondent nightmare, we embark upon a journey into destinations unknown, through surreal and figurative art. Welcome to “A Surreal Life.”
https://www.artsy.net/show/castelli-art-space-a-surreal-life-whimsical-dreams-and-lucid-nightmares
