.gif)
Galleries Have Always Been Standard
Since the dawn of humanity, going back to the first cave paintings ever discovered, it's been clear that art needs a space to be exhibited. It goes hand in hand with logic: I have this object I need to show off, so I need somewhere to put it. Cavemen did this by painting directly onto stone walls. The Renaissance, home to history's greatest masters, used cathedrals, castles and museums to immortalize its masterpieces.
What Could Bring an End to Traditional Galleries?
You would never think anything could cause the decline, or the outright elimination, of something so simple. How could displaying artwork on gallery walls ever be done for? I'll admit, not even in my darkest prophecies did I imagine something would come along and bring our reliance on galleries to a halt. Yet it arrived, in the form of a global health pandemic.
It's not my style to discuss heavy outside topics that may come off gloomy, but I'm making an exception here, because this one concerns preserving the future of art and how it's displayed. The pandemic hit us full force and sent us into a three-month lockdown back in March of 2020. Now it's July, and the world has permanently changed. By permanent, I mean forever. What we knew as standard is simply not returning. That's a reality I'm choosing to accept now rather than later.
I'm the type to adapt, not perish; to push forward and create a new solution if one isn't there. That's how one evolves. When great pressure challenges your way of life, you respond with fight or flight. Either you abandon your pursuits, or you forge yourself into a stronger version that can handle the new environment.
So, the million-dollar question: where do we go from here as artists? What now?
Pressure Forms Diamonds
The old saying that pressure forms diamonds rings truer than you may believe. Not everyone is good under pressure, but those who persevere gain a great new strength. In my opinion, artists make fine pioneers when they're focused, because they excel at coming up with ideas and solutions. It has to do with the way our eyes and minds are trained. In a way, even our spirit is trained to see beyond what's in front of us, so that we can find resolution in chaos.
For an artist, losing their way of life, their livelihood, their very happiness, is something that will not be left undone. Art is one of the most stimulating and healing things we humans enjoy. It's one of the ultimate forms of self-expression, with the power to lift your being to a higher level of love and understanding. For that reason alone, I know in my heart we will reinvent art altogether if that's what it takes.
What Is the Future of Art?
Time to put my Nostradamus hat on! In my personal prediction and professional observation, the “normality” of public events will not return. Even if full-capacity gatherings were legally allowed again, I don't see “full capacity” ever being what it used to be. I'd bet it will be reduced by at least 50% of the usual load, for the sake of health and safety. Whether the pandemic is 100% authentic or exaggerated in any way, it won't make a difference in stopping the change that's coming.
As a curator since 2011, I was personally in denial about everything taking place. But I've come to accept the inconvenience and to use it as a means to transform the gallery scene. What exactly do I have in store? I can't say just yet; I don't want to spoil the surprise. I believe it will give artists that same feeling of pride, joy and accomplishment once they take part. Stay connected with my blog and you'll see the announcements in due time!
Until then, fellow artists, hang in there! You can still paint and show it off online, on live streams, or by live painting at a park or outside your home. Meetups are still possible as long as you keep them intimate and take the proper precautions. It's all about adapting. I believe the art world will grow for the better once all is said and done. I have full faith in us.