Why I Hate Contemporary Art
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- The artist formula: www.driesketel...
In this video, I delve into my disdain for contemporary art, sharing the three most powerful observations I've made over the last six months. These insights will potentially shift your perspective on 21st-century art in two minutes or less.
Firstly, I discuss "For the Love of God" (2007) by Damien Hirst and compare it to a similar piece by John Lekay. Both artists have created skulls made out of crystals, leading to accusations of plagiarism against Hirst. This is understandable, given that Hirst and Lekay have shared space in group shows.
Next, I highlight the "Yin and Yang" piece by John Lekay from the 1990s and "Hymn" by Damien Hirst, first shown in 1999. This comparison showcases another instance where originality in contemporary art is questioned.
The most striking example I present involves dot paintings. I compare Thomas Downing's spot paintings from the '70s with Damien Hirst's contemporary work, questioning the uniqueness of Hirst's dot motif.
I then speak the truth about modern art as I see it, criticizing the top auction houses, galleries, and artists. I express frustration over the perceived shallowness and meaninglessness of much contemporary work, using the sale of a banana taped to a wall for $400k as an example of the absurdity prevalent in the art world today.
Furthermore, I question the lack of impactful opinions and statements from contemporary artists, contrasting this with the times when art was life-altering and could change the course of history. I lament the absence of provocative, challenging artists in the 21st century, citing historical figures like Dostoevsky, Egon Schiele, and Socrates, who faced significant repercussions for their groundbreaking work.
In conclusion, I clarify that my issue is not with modern art itself but with modern artists who fail to convey meaningful, thought-provoking ideas. I argue that today's artists, including prominent names like Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons, lack the courage to make bold statements, making them indistinguishable from ordinary content on platforms like TikTok.
This video is a candid reflection on my journey of understanding and critique of the modern art world, highlighting my concerns about its current state and the artists who represent it.
Website:
www.driesketel...
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#DriesKetels #artist
The artist formula: www.driesketels.com/Artist-Residency
I've been working for an artist who's represented by Pace Gallery, which is sort of the biggest gallery in the US. I signed an NDA but who cares: I painted the entire paintings, that have hung next to Picasso and the impressionists - but nobody knows me, why? because they were sold under his name. Each painting sold around 100,000 dollars, and I got minimum wage pay. The art world is a scam. I stopped posting my art online and got very disheartened every time a painting would sell or there would be a show and this artist would give an interview. I used to be a very old-school academic painter, but when I stopped thinking about selling my work, showing my work, sharing my work online, etc. I started making paintings that are honest, and that represent me. For the first time in my life, I spent a few years making paintings without the pressure of doing realism to impress others, and I made art without comparing myself to others or with this thought of being judged "why are you not doing that?" "why paint that when you can paint that?" - and I just made what I wanted to make without sharing it with anyone - it's still realism but it's not naturalistic. And low and behold, I have a meeting with a very decent gallery in New York for an upcoming show.
It's all about who knows who. It's all a scam. Make the work you wanna make and leave it on this earth for others to find. But yeah, put it out there once you feel like you're ready and understand that if you're an honest person, your path is not going to take you to the levels of Damian Hirst. And that's OKAY.
Make art, not illustrations - We are storytellers, paint your philosophies - don't tape bananas to a wall LOL
I'm always surprised of how many people don't know that the art is being made by other artists. Anhyways good luck at the meeting.
@@driesketels Exactly! and before I got this job, I also didn't know that these top artists don't even make anything, it's just a factory and a brand.
Damian Hirst did a series of paintings where he had other artists paint landscapes and all he did was throw paint on them. He didn't mention that he didn't paint those, but people in his comment sections drilled him for that.
Thank you man, great stuff, looking forward to the next video. Cheers.
Like Andy said, “Create what ever you want/love, and let them decide if it is art.”
I am so very sorry that this happened to you! You have really opened my eyes so much more. I don't know if you've already gone to the event in New York, but I sincerely pray for the utmost success for you with your art now and in the future. ❤
I love your fire, anger and distaste - preaching to the choir my friend. How do we fix the art world at this point? They have all the money and are gate keeping. Talent and creativity needs to come back into the equation I'm afraid...
Gatekeepers are gone during this small window. Grab the opportunity!
@@driesketels Been back at it for 3 years, it's a hard fight.
@@driesketelsLFG! thank you for your videos. I’ve been way more confident about my work and have been creating work that’s more true to who I am. 🎉
Bro, I’m a spray paint artist. You should see the things contemporary artist have said about what I do despite the fact I actually sell lots of work!
Let them say whatever they want. Just make sure your bank account is bigger then theirs brother!
Damian Hirst doesn’t paint circles. His staff paints them. Sometimes… he tells them which circles should be red and which ones should be yellow.
I‘ve been watching a change in the last ten years, there are more and more artists that are trying to find out what went wrong with art in the 20th century when artists became whores for the rich and famous. Or maybe even pathed the way for the greed we are now feeling the consequences of. Do you know the artist from the cave of apelles? They have a channel here on RUclips, they too want to reconnect to the art that really has something to say.
Anyway thank you so much for speaking out what so many people are thinking 🙏
I m sharing a video on the topic that I like a lot: ruclips.net/video/_3ZPtSWEkZ8/видео.htmlsi=bkdACKGR0uuPmQBB
I don't know of any cave of apelles. I'll type it in the search bar and take a look. Thanks for the recommendation. Always interesting to see what people are watching nowadays. Good luck with your video as well. Looks good!
i was at the famous Kassel Documenta and left after I saw an outline of a banana
Been there as well. I was very young
Thank god another artist thinks demian whatever and most contemporary art is complete lifeless meaningless shit! lol 😄You would be the best professor.
I hear you, celebrity is the word of the times.
Some people love to humiliate and insult the intellect & Bragg about it by fragrantly charging.
Yes I think everyone should have plenty of money. I’m looking forward to the dissolving of critiques. Your Chanel and manny others are myth busting & people are making choices directly, it can only be good.
I do feel that there is some change coming indeed. Let's see.
oh man, I feel you, I really do. There's a lot to unpack in everything you said but imo, I think one of the biggest existential tragedies of our time is that most artists have lost the higher meaning of the importance of art in the history of humankind. With all this extreme individualism, not only did we lose sight of what it means to be a community, but we also forgot the importance of building a meaningful legacy. A big part of the reason why we're able to understand civilizations that came before us is because of their art. And now, it's scary to think about what we're actually creating that will stand the test of time and be able to tell the story of who we were centuries from now. It's not the banana taped on the wall, or the inflated balloons that will survive, nor is it even all the art living solely on the internet, or on systems that will become obsolete maybe not even a decade from now....
Love that you open these kind of conversations because I believe they are terribly important. And who knows, maybe you'll be the one to shake all these stupid pedantic trends in the art world and become the voice it needs to start shifting things in the way art is perceived and understood. And then, you'll definitely be invited to all those parties where everyone is going to want to look cool by agreeing to everything you say, and hopefully, you'll tell us all about it in your videos. I'd love to see that day :D
"Where everyone is going to want to look cool by agreeing to everything you say" hahaha... That sounds unreal
Thanks for your elaborate comment. A pleasure to read.
So well said!!!❤
"balloon dog millionaire bullshit guys"
hahaha. More rants then I guess
@@driesketels YES PLEASE WE LOVE IT!!!
I now have the same haircut as you and same beard too. It feels so great, never been more happy
😀
The less fucks you give, the more fulfilling life becomes. The haircut is the trick for sure.
The world is getting dumber and dumber every day, and art isn't an exception from this. It makes me really sad, seems like today only stupid things get attention and value.
I visited a major Australian artist's gallery last year to view his work. I said to the young ( inexperienced) sales lady that there were not many paintings on display and she replied " a new shipment arrives from China next week , come back then . " I was stunned and suddenly realised Chinese artist factories were replicating and creating his paintings and he was signing them.
You say you'd admired these people previously. What changed?
I've watched a few of your earlier videos, but not enough to understand what sparked this big shift in perspective. Sounds like you're going through a big Fuck It moment. Good for you! Here's to giving less fucks about winning the approval of an establishment whose values we don't care for anyway. All the best.
Wow, you are very perceptive. I am indeed going through somewhat of a big fuck you moment indeed.
bullseye!!!!!! the spin on the upper echelons of the trendy art world is about the veneer of "hip-ness"..art at this level is a commodity.a stock, something for the portfolio and arm candy for the rich.
I gave up on most "modern art" with Rothko, Yves Klein, the Dadaists and their ready-made trash, etc., but college art courses seem to concentrate on this stuff.
Yesss, someone got to say that, bravo for your courage and great drama!
Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst art first and foremost businessmen, artists is secondary
It would be nice if talented artists would stop allowing themselves to be used by "branded" artists who don't or can't do their own work. Their brands wouldn't last long if they had to do it themselves or pay the artists doing the work what they're worth. But artists also have to have self-respect and not allow themselves to be used. I know it's hard when there are bills to pay. But I think it's better to work another job if necessary and do the work that's in your heart rather than allow someone else to get rich off of your talent. Not easy, I know. But taking a principled stand is usually not easy.
Not going to happen. There are simply way to many artists.
Dries you are wrong nobody cares or likes Damien Hurt's contructions . You are obsessed with him.
This is outstanding!!
Great stuff Dries you’re a breath of fresh air. Where are you based? Flanders?
I just hate modern art and ai art, the term art used generously because it is low effort.
Okay so, what are you gonna do about it?
Preach brother
Let's go
Boom! Bring it 💜💫💥
This. So much this.
hahahah Have a great day
Real artists should have talent. The vision makes art special but it’s mostly the talent. We appreciate artists that can create something unique that most of us can’t. Anyone can tape a banana to a wall. Very few can paint a landscape almost photorealistically.
Well least it's better than every fei/tish art.
what do you mean with fei/tish art?
Just one word: BRAVO!
One word: thanks!
Amen! Love your 🔥
I got myself into a little scuffle from hurst lovers because I thought damien hurst was violently throwing gobs of paint on his new "secrets" series, saying I'd throw paint at that shit too. Because I thought he was making a statement about ai art!!! Anyone know what I'm talking about?
Damien making a statement? Interesting.
I wish he was. Maybe it's up to the viewer? I get the feeling those dot paintings are the years of an average person's life span, but, again, that's just my guess. I agree with you powerful art at the top of the food chain should be backed with purpose, not greed.
My dear fellow guitar-loving mentor as well as role model, I see the Telecaster behind you and would die to get your feedback about my "Sushi Monster", a bit of popart by me guitar making student here in Tokyo. It is a Telecaster too. Great love from Japan and I mega get you about this feeling of being fooled by the famous artists we are yet to become - but truly. ❤️
Looking again, I cannot clearly see if it is a Telecaster. The neck looks differently. Anyway, the request stays the same. True artists are not just visual but might write, compose, sculpt, knit...🥰
You have a great eye. The neck is different indeed. It's a Fender Telecaster Deluxe series, kind of a mix between strato and tele
There was a movie I saw about 15 years ago with Ron Pearlman in it and his character praised the painting with dramatic flair. The lead actor said it was done by a mentally handicapped person and laughed at Ron’s character.
I didn’t get what was so funny at the time but after this video I understood the point.
Do you know the name of the movie? Was it good?
@@driesketels the movie is called Local Color. Just watched it and is a good movie. The old man ranted just like you. He said same things. No wonder your video brought the memory of the scene in which art critic was praising on the paintings until he was told they were done by mentally handicapped people. First time I watched it I didn’t fully understand and comprehend what he was saying in the movie. Now that I think differently than I used to and I agree with his rants. I happen to be feeling that way with the society.
Dries, do you agree with the statement "Art is what you can get away with"?
hmm, no time to think about it now but at first sight it does sound good yes.
Loooooved this one. Favorite video EVER.
Happy to hear that.
Forget about the parties 🧐
I don't have a choice anymore XD
You are so awesome!!!
You too!!
Picasso stole from African arts, Giacometti too
Talked about this in the next video about art styles. Great observation my friend
@@driesketels There is no such a thing as good or bad art. There is only good or bad marketing...
You are wrong. Picasso was influenced by African art , he stole nothing.
@@SkywalkerPaul . You are completely wrong. Marketing is selling which has nothing to do with visual appraisal .
Picasso, “good artist copy, great artists steal”
Also Picasso, stole several busts from the louvre and didn’t return them until he was accused of stealing the Mona Lisa (which is only famous because it was stollen).
Also Picasso, repaints the faces of the two women on the right side of ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ to resemble traditional african masks shortly after seeing said masks for the first time and then denies his whole life that he was ever influenced by African art.
Also, Picasso’s physical artwork has been stolen more than the artwork of any other artist, with over 1000 of his works listed as missing.
Kicking the hornets nest. Curious to see how this goes.
I predict literally nothing is going to happen.
I've often said, that I completely understand Van Gogh.
What do you mean with understand Van Gogh?
@@driesketels his torment and frustration with his career.
omg go to art school, take a theory class or 2, read a book. this is so dumb. hint: you don't get to dictate what is meaningful and interesting to people and just because you choose not to understand it doesn't mean its bad art or not art. unsubscribed, can't waste time on this
XD
Then can you explain taped banana?
i took a theory class then i took two. then i read a book. now i paint circles all day. next week imma get wild and instead of tape, check this out, i’m gonna velcro fruit to the wall, because, well ya know, art school and theory and shit
@@rickym2881 In my opinion, that taped banana (Comedian) is just a joke. It was made during an art fair. And despite looking like an exhibition, it's more a place where people trade artworks. It's not a museum but a mercato.
I like the idea of selling this retarded piece of trash for tremendous amounts of cash and telling the buyer "yeah, the banana cost 30cents and we can offer you the duct-tape roll if you want, here are the instructions to replicate this stuff wherever you want, pay us and fu*k off".
It's more like you don't sell an artwork, an object, anymore but just a service. And we are in a society full of services as Benjamin Farkas also stated. Besides, he (Farkas) has made a very similar piece in 2017 if I remember correctly. At an art fair, he exposed just nothing. He ripped off the tape and paint on the exhibition pasterboards and you could buy that rubbish plus the useless plasterboard. He stated clearly that he won't offer any help to move that to your house.
I think those are jokes and work like disruptors of the event. I like it personnally.
Now we could talk about money laundering (as if the rich waited for contemporary art to steal and launder money, haha), but that's another subject. Does the issues of the art market and how the rich use it to steal money make all the contemporary art bad? I don't think so.
Is all contemporary art conceptual? Not at all.
Literally can't stop watching your videos. 🤌
Damian making the dots looks like stealing, true.
But shitting on Jeff Koons, although popular among little artists, is only showing you're jealous.
A little jellybean.
U don't have to like him to admire the amount of work needed to create these HUGE steel artworks.
An artist should know how to respect art he doesn't like, and keep his jelly belly under control.
xd