"In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help to change it." — Ernst Fischer
Today, art faces significant challenges in fulfilling Ernst Fischer's vision: to reflect societal decay and contribute to its transformation. Much of contemporary art has become mere entertainment, avoiding confrontation with social realities and acting like a form of "noise cancellation" that neutralizes any display of decay to avoid discomforting the audience.
Media such as television and radio no longer pretend to be art forms, openly becoming businesses with narratives wrapped in specific ideologies. While exceptions escape homogenization, these works are often aimed at a small group of consumers and do not genuinely seek to foster change or contribute to any real transformation.
Considering the current landscape, making a living from art is increasingly difficult, and traditional options like patronage or grants present limitations.
Patronage
Wealthy individuals finance artworks and often acquire the intellectual property of styles that were once marginalized. By paying for these works, patrons perceive themselves as creators, as they enable the existence of art and its structures. Curiously, these works seem miraculously to be their own, making it appear that before they invested their money, there was nothing there. They become creator-saviors by magic.
State or Country Grants
The institutionalization of art can distance the artist from reflecting social decay and questioning the status quo. Critique loses strength when restrictions are imposed, and art funded by institutions tends to be more institutional than subversive. Therefore, the artist can never be a social worker.
Despite these limitations, some artists operate outside these systems or use them sporadically under certain conditions, adopting manager-artist roles to survive. However, the question arises: is it possible to make a living from art under these circumstances?
How Can Web3 Help?
In the current landscape, where art is often constrained by traditional structures like patronage and grants, Web3 emerges as a platform offering artists new opportunities to regain their autonomy and connect directly with their audience.
Innovation and New Art Forms
Web3 opens possibilities for artistic innovation. Artists can experiment with digital formats, create interactive works, and collaborate on decentralized projects that were previously unimaginable. This creative freedom drives the development of new artistic currents and allows creators to explore uncharted territories, though it also works with traditional formats.
Communities and Crowdfunding
The ecosystem facilitates the creation of online communities where artists can interact directly with their followers. Through crowdfunding platforms, artists can obtain financial support from their audience without relying on traditional institutions. This fosters a closer and more authentic relationship between the creator and their public, enabling innovative projects to come to light thanks to direct backing from interested parties.
Elimination of Geographical Barriers
The global nature of Web3 allows artists to access international markets without the geographical restrictions typically imposed by physical galleries or cultural institutions. This significantly expands their reach and sales potential, allowing their work to be appreciated and acquired by a global audience.
Decentralization and Autonomy
Web3 is based on decentralized technologies that enable artists to distribute and monetize their work without intermediaries and in real-time. This means they can maintain full control over their work, from creation to sale, setting their own terms and prices. Additionally, decentralization facilitates transparency in transactions, generating greater trust between artists and buyers.
Digital Collectibles and Ownership
Through Web3, artists can turn their works into digital collectibles, unique certificates representing ownership of a specific piece. This not only guarantees the authenticity of the work but also allows artists to receive royalties each time their work is resold in the secondary market, ensuring continuous income.
Web3 represents a revolution in how artists can create, distribute, exhibit, and monetize their work. By eliminating intermediaries, offering transparency, and facilitating direct connection with a global audience, it provides the necessary tools for artists to maintain or regain their independence and thrive in a constantly evolving digital environment. It is an opportunity for art to once again be an authentic reflection of society and an agent of change, as described by Ernst Fischer.
Now playing: Michael Kiwanuka - "You Ain’t the Problem"
Sources
Cover Photo: Thomas von Wittich – Berlin Kidz series
La necesidad del arte by Ernst Fischer
Mediocracia by Alain Deneault
