Exploring the Downward Spiral in Art: A Greek Tragedy
In the world of art, we witness a Greek tragedy unfolding—a downward spiral driven by outdated institutions, century-old destructive philosophies, and recent economic upheavals. This narrative is not just about a single artwork sold by an institution rooted in the horse-era but a broader commentary on how art has been manipulated throughout history. It’s crucial to step back and view the bigger picture to understand the forces at play.
The Dilemma of New-Era Artists in a Web3 World
The shine of a new Web3 house on the hill raises questions about conformity. New-era artists are pushed to fit into an outdated mold, becoming mere vehicles for selling subpar creations. This system conveniently excludes original pioneers, ensuring that truly innovative work doesn’t outshine the prevailing mediocrity. But is there more to this than meets the eye?
The “full circle” concept highlights how seemingly progressive ideas are merely attempts to sell the future while desperately clinging to the past. This mirrors the fiat money era—printing currency at the cost of future generations. I first encountered this revelation at the start of my art career in 2008, known as the Great Contemporary Art Bubble.
Alternative Perspectives on the Web3 Art Scene
This article delves into an alternative perspective on the recent banana show that dominated the Web3 art scene. It’s a big “what if?” If you approach it with truthfulness, bravery, and humor, much like Joe Rogan, you’ll find insights few have considered. My goal is fairness and to rescue art from the agendas of the last century that no longer serve it, especially in a world where decentralization tools can invite everyone to the party.
Setting the Stage: SuperRare and the Art Scene
SuperRare has significantly contributed to the digital art community, selling impressive numbers of artworks and supporting creator resale royalties through their DAO. Artists often speak positively about their involvement. However, the art world faces a corporate mindset, and it’s not limited to SuperRare. The dilemma is evident in the selected artworks, such as the fifteen bananas. The curator team is stuck choosing what can be politically and business-wise tolerated, selling the future down a polluted river.
(Art) Threat to Our Bureaucracy
The SuperRare competition, held in conjunction with Sotheby’s famous banana auction, marked a new low for the NFT scene. It’s not about the worst art but the combination of pleasing old players while sidelining pioneers for engagement farming and money. The essence of crypto art has been mostly washed away. Events like this banana show further obscure true avant-garde artists, pushing them into the shadows while promoting superficiality.
Is Art Truly Free?
If art is genuinely free, where are the visual artist equivalents of thought leaders like Jordan Peterson, Thomas Sowell, and Joe Rogan? These figures reach billions with diverse viewpoints, yet the art world lacks similar voices. Are we living in the most restricted era of art history, or are we just now realizing its long-standing control? The culture of convenience has overshadowed art’s true purpose, paralleling trends in food, medicine, and media.
An Invitation to Change Your Perception of Art
This article, complete with links, might change your perception of art today. Courage and sincerity are needed to grasp it. The art world’s cancellation and selection processes are intertwined with lesser-known histories and hidden agendas, including interference by intelligence agencies since the 1940s. Art has become less free, captured by a singular philosophy of postmodernism.
Understanding the Past to Illuminate Our Current State
Declassified documents reveal the CIA’s involvement in promoting Abstract Expressionism through the Congress for Cultural Freedom (CCF). Figures like Jackson Pollock and MoMA trustees were complicit in positioning Abstract Expressionism as a symbol of American freedom, combating Soviet art propaganda. While there’s no direct evidence of agency influence on SuperRare or Sotheby’s, indirect influence is undeniable.
A Scene from 1740s London
Sotheby’s, founded in 1744, transformed during COVID, embracing digital assets. It felt like serving Big Mac-level artworks in a Michelin-star restaurant. SuperRare, too, distanced itself from its origins, alienating contrarian artists who fought for freedom of expression. These artists, like Duchamp and Pollock, represented the core of this scene, but their voices are now sidelined.
Free Speech and Art: A Crucial Connection
Freedom of speech is synonymous with freedom of expression, also known as art. Talented artists often find themselves at odds with corporate agendas. While I was courteous to early scene participants, I was unyielding in my expression of what this scene was truly about. The corporate world feared my presence, especially after taking a freedom of speech stance during COVID.
The Shiny New Web3 Art House on the Hill
SuperRare became a standard for collectors, most of whom lacked a deep understanding of art. The founders had backgrounds in architecture and new media but lacked direct experience in fine art. The scene quickly escalated into speculative hype, overshadowing substance and depth. Platforms like Rarible and OpenSea turned into a digital Wild West.
The Impact of Personal Responsibility
Back in 2017, when there were few crypto artists, the SuperRare team invited me to join their platform. My decision to join other platforms based on pricing was a mistake. The bear market wiped out those platforms, but I eventually joined SuperRare in 2019. Despite significant effort, my art remained underappreciated while others thrived.
The Influence of Postmodernism
During the NFT boom, postmodernism reached new heights. Artists like Fewocious became stars despite their youth and lack of depth. The scene embraced superficiality, leaving behind those who critiqued central banking and promoted hard money principles. This was all part of a broader agenda.
Conspiracy and Art: A Complex Relationship
The term “conspiracy theorist” was invented by the CIA to discredit those questioning their activities. The art world remains oblivious to legitimate conspiracies, lacking right-wing thought. The demoralization described by Yuri Bezmenov has intensified, fueled by postmodern values and the fiat-funded war on conservative ideals.
The Department of Artistic Freedom
The art world needs an audit by figures like Elon Musk and a think tank for liberty-minded artists. The Department of Artistic Freedom aims to support artists facing censorship and promote genuine exploration. It’s time to challenge the status quo and build a future where creativity thrives.
The Dignified Bananas: A Closer Look
Some artists, disillusioned by the quality of curation, chose not to submit work to competitions. Their critique of the bureaucratic class and auction culture offers a breath of fresh air in the scene. This article highlights the need for change and encourages artists to embrace their creative potential.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Artistic Freedom
This journey through the art world reveals the challenges and opportunities it faces. While the current state may seem bleak, artists have the power to reshape the future. By banding together and rejecting bureaucratic control, we can reclaim the true essence of art. Remember why you entered this field and find gratitude in the creative process.
Support My Efforts
If you wish to support my work, consider collecting pieces from my SuperRare page. Despite challenges, gratitude remains a lifeline, and there’s much to be thankful for. Let’s continue to build a better future for art.
Stay cool,
VESACrypto Artist, Speaker, Consultant, Writer
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