On Jan 14, 2008 10:53 AM, Suresh Ramasubramanian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > I'm not so sure - see "patronage" above. I think it requires a culture > > that appreciate and values art. > How would that end up subsidizing the large number of beginner (and worse, > workmanlike / mediocre rather than genius level) artists? The way it seems to work in the US is that the middle class (or some segments at least) have an appreciation for "original art" and buy art they like from local artists either directly via open studios and the like, at periodic local "arts and crafts" fairs, or at weekend farmer's markets and such. That supports local and regional artists (generally graphic arts, sculpture, and some more "crafty" art forms like ceramics and "fiber arts.") Most of whom are either beginners or people who produce workmanlike but very derivative or otherwise not very original art. At the middle level you will have artists who are known locally or regionally and have a loyal following, their own studio and local niche galleries, but are only rarely seen in larger galleries. Then finally you have well known artists who show in major galleries. I have a number of pieces of original art, including one 8' sculpture that used to sit in my living room http://flickr.com/photos/haynes/66093867/ and maybe a dozen other pieces including one I commissioned http://flickr.com/photos/haynes/311638848/ . I've been looking for original art here and been surprised at just how hard it is to find! I consider myself one of those "middle level" patrons of the arts. I think the art scene in the US is relatively impoverished compared with art in, say, Spain. But I like Shiv's prediction about how retiring Indian techies may spend their years giving back open source. That would be cool. -- Charles
