onefinearts

By Ayodele Ojo

Art is a reflection of the society it exists in, and as that society evolves, so too does its taste in art. Over the last ten years, the art world has seen a significant shift in the trends and preferences of art collectors. These changes reflect the cultural, social, and economic transformations that have taken place over the past decade. In this essay, I will explore these trends and what they mean for the future of the art world.

One of the most significant changes in art collectors’ tastes over the last ten years has been a growing interest in contemporary art. Collectors are increasingly interested in art that reflects the world they live in and the issues that matter to them. This has led to a surge in demand for contemporary artists, particularly those whose work is politically engaged or socially conscious. Artists like Kara Walker, Ai Weiwei, and Banksy have gained global recognition for their ability to address social and political issues in their work. Their art is highly sought after by collectors.

Another trend that has emerged over the last decade is the increasing importance of digital art. With the rise of social media and the internet, art has become more accessible than ever before, and digital art has become a medium in its own right. Collectors are starting to appreciate the innovative use of technology in art, and are willing to pay high prices for works that push the boundaries of what we traditionally think of as art. For example, the artist, Trevor Paglen, who uses photography and technology to explore issues of surveillance and privacy, has seen his work sell for millions of dollars at auction.

The last decade has also seen a growing appreciation for art from non-Western cultures. Collectors are looking beyond the traditional art markets of Europe and North America and exploring the art scenes of Asia, Africa, and South America. This has led to a renewed interest in indigenous art, as well as contemporary art from emerging markets. Artists like Yayoi Kusama, who is from Japan, and Cai Guo-Qiang, who is from China, have become global superstars, and their work is highly sought after by collectors from around the world.

The rise of cryptocurrency has also had a significant impact on the art world over the last decade. Collectors are increasingly using cryptocurrency to purchase art, and many artists are now accepting cryptocurrency as payment for their work. This has led to a new market for digital art, as well as a growing interest in blockchain technology and its potential uses in the art world.

• Image Courtesy Wiki Art.org

In addition to these specific trends, there has been a broader shift in the way that collectors approach art. In the past, collectors often focused on buying art as an investment, with the goal of selling it for a profit in the future. While this is still a consideration for some collectors, there has been a growing emphasis on buying art for the love of the work itself. Collectors are increasingly interested in building personal collections that reflect their own tastes and interests, rather than simply buying what is popular or what is expected to appreciate in value.

Overall, the trends in art collectors’ tastes over the last ten years reflect a broader shift in the art world towards greater diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. Collectors are increasingly interested in art that challenges the status quo and reflects the world we live in, rather than simply reproducing what has come before. This has led to a growing interest in contemporary art, digital art, non-Western art, and the use of cryptocurrency in the art market. As the art world continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what new trends emerge and how collectors respond to them.

What should artists do to cope in the new era of post consumerism?

The new era of post consumerism presents unique challenges for artists. With changing consumer habits, the rise of digital media, and a shift in cultural values, artists must adapt their practices to stay relevant and engaged with their audience. In this critique, I will explore the concept of adaptability for artists in the post consumerist era and suggest strategies for coping with the changing landscape of artistic production and consumption.

Adaptability is a key skill for artists in any era, but it is particularly important in the post consumerist era. The term post consumerism refers to a shift away from the traditional consumerist model of production and consumption, towards a more sustainable and socially responsible approach. This shift is driven by a number of factors, including concerns about the environmental impact of mass consumption, the rise of the sharing economy, and a growing awareness of the social and economic costs of consumerism.

For artists, the rise of post consumerism presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the decline of traditional consumerism means that artists may find it harder to sell their work through traditional channels such as galleries and exhibitions. On the other hand, the rise of digital media and social networks means that artists can now reach a wider audience than ever before, and connect with fans and collaborators from around the world.

To be adaptable in the post consumerist era, artists need to be able to respond to these challenges and opportunities in creative and innovative ways. This means developing new strategies for producing, promoting and distributing their work, and finding new ways to engage with audiences and communities.

One strategy that artists can use to cope with post consumerism is to embrace collaboration and community. In the past, artists were often seen as lone figures, working in isolation to produce their work. However, in the post consumerist era, collaboration and community are becoming increasingly important. By working with other artists, sharing resources and ideas, and building networks of support, artists can create new opportunities for themselves and their work.

Another strategy for coping with post consumerism is to embrace new technologies and platforms. Digital media and social networks are transforming the way that artists produce, promote and distribute their work, and artists who are able to embrace these technologies are likely to be more successful than those who are not. For example, artists can use social media to build a following, promote their work and connect with fans and collaborators. They can also use online platforms to sell their work directly to consumers, bypassing traditional intermediaries such as galleries and dealers.

A third strategy for coping with post consumerism is to focus on sustainability and ethical production. In the past, artists were often seen as detached from the social and environmental impact of their work. However, in the post consumerist era, consumers are increasingly concerned about the social and environmental impact of the products they buy, including art. By focusing on sustainable and ethical production practices, artists can attract a new audience of socially and environmentally conscious consumers.

Despite these strategies, however, adapting to the post consumerist era is not easy for artists. The decline of traditional consumerism means that artists may have to work harder than ever to make a living from their work. They may also face competition from new and emerging artists who are able to use digital media and social networks to promote their work more effectively.

Furthermore, the rise of post consumerism also raises questions about the nature and value of art itself. In a society that is less focused on consumption and material wealth, what is the role of art? How can artists create work that is relevant and engaging to audiences who are more interested in social and environmental issues than in material possessions?

These questions are difficult to answer, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for artists. However, by embracing adaptability and creativity, and by working collaboratively with others, artists can find new ways of survival and engaging with a new system of not only attracting the right audience but keeping them.