Have you ever met someone who's just trying way too hard to seem sophisticated? It's like they're trying too hard to seem important or sophisticated. It's like they're oozing with pretentiousness. While it's often used as a tool to show off refinement and sophistication, art is so much more than that. Sometimes, an artist or their work can come off as overly self-important, but let's be real - it takes a lot of confidence and even a bit of audacity to create something and put it out into the world, especially when you're asking people to pay for it.

Pretentious /prəˈten(t)SHəs/ adjective: attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

The creative process is full of insecurity and frustration, and it takes a certain level of boldness to even try.

Artists take cheap, everyday materials and turn them into something with meaning and value beyond their inherent worth. I get it - when you see a bunch of random objects thrown together and labeled as art, it can be tempting to roll your eyes at it. But let's not forget that art is more than just the materials it's made of. Art has the power to bring people together, inspire change and important conversations, and help us understand and feel empathy for each other.

Art is a way for artists to take risks, push boundaries, and create something meaningful. In order to do this, it's natural for artists to try to impress others with their art and convey a sense of importance, talent, and culture. This doesn't mean that all art or all artists are pretentious, but rather that they are trying to share their vision with the world.

Take the example of Maurizio Cattelan's duct-taped banana that sold for $120,000 at Art Basel 2019. This might seem like a ridiculous and pretentious display of wealth, but it is important to look beyond the surface and see the deeper meaning and message behind the art. In this case, the artist was making a statement about the absurdity of the art market and the ways in which value is often arbitrary and subjective. The piece sparked a conversation about the role of art in society and the ways in which it can be used to challenge and critique the status quo.

Have you ever been to an art museum or gallery and thought to yourself, "I could make something like this with a few bananas and some duct tape"? Just because you have the materials doesn't mean you're the next Maurizio Cattelan. The truth is, the only thing that separates expensive art from inexpensive art is the artist's name and reputation. So, let's be real here: even if you created something similar, it probably wouldn't be worth thousands of dollars.

Cattelan’s work is just one example of how art can be used to make a statement and start important conversations. Throughout history, art has often been used as a means of resistance and protest. One example is The Guerrilla Girls, a group of anonymous feminists who use art and activism to challenge discrimination in the art world. One of their most famous works is a billboard that reads "Do women have to be naked to get in the Met. Museum?" This piece sparked a conversation about the lack of representation and diversity in major art institutions. Art can give a platform to voices that might not be heard otherwise, and it can inspire us to think critically about the world around us and to work towards making it a better place.

Have you ever walked through an art museum or gallery and felt like you were reading a foreign language? You're not alone. Alix Rule and David Levine wrote a hilarious essay for Triple Canopy magazine (insert date or issue here) about the absurdity of art jargon, also known as International Art English (IAE). These vague phrases often don't tell you anything about the art or the artist and can serve as a barrier to entry for those who are unfamiliar with the art world.

But let's not let all that gibberish turn us off from art altogether. Sure, some people might use their interest in art as a way to seem fancy, but that doesn't mean that all art or all art enthusiasts are pretentious. Art can bring people together, help us understand and feel for each other, and inspire change and important conversations. Instead of being turned off by the idea of art being exclusive or hard to understand, we should embrace it as a way to expand our horizons, enrich our lives, and connect with others.

Shameless plug –  I'm working on a project called Opera that aims to address this issue of jargon in the art journalism. By presenting art in a more accessible and relatable way, we hope to encourage more people to engage with and appreciate art, regardless of their level of knowledge or experience. Art should be a conversation starter, not a deterrent.

Have you ever seen the episode of 'Adam Ruins Everything' where they talk about how the art market is just a big scheme to benefit wealthy collectors and screw over artists (“Adam Ruins Art” season 2, episode 5)? It's wild. And even collectors who donate their works to museums aren't necessarily doing it out of the goodness of their hearts – it can be a huge tax write-off.

But here's the thing: even if this theory is true (and it might be), it doesn't mean that all art or all artists are part of this sketchy market. There are tons of amazing contemporary artworks out there that have nothing to do with the market and actually critique the way it determines value.

The art market can often be viewed as pretentious, with record-breaking prices and a focus on exclusivity. However, it's important to remember that the art industry is much more than the market. Think: the Guerilla Girls, William Powhida, or Banksy, the entire NFT art market, or at least its potential.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype of the art market, especially in major cities where the focus is often on how much a piece is worth. After all, most art news is news about its price. But it's important to remember that there's a whole world of art out there that exists outside of the market.

In smaller cities, and even in less-fancy parts of major cities, you can find artworks that want nothing to do with the prices, perception, and labels. No one’s getting rich out there, but on the positive side, no one is getting rich out there.

When you use the term 'pretentious' to describe the art world, what do you mean? Perhaps it's a feeling of being left out or confused by contemporary art. It could also be a way to describe how modern art makes you feel like an outsider in a market that relies on creating a sense of exclusivity.

There is often a sense of mystery surrounding art, which can make us feel uncertain about understanding it. The art industry can contribute to this by making those who aren't directly involved feel excluded. It's like a comedian who refuses to explain an inside joke to a group that doesn't get it. Luxury markets of all kinds thrive on creating a false sense of exclusivity or scarcity, which drives prices up.

The art industry, like any other, is influenced by supply and demand. When demand for an artist's work is high, prices rise with it. However, galleries and museums also play a role in determining the supply and demand of an artist's work. Galleries and museums control the production, distribution, and reception of art. By representing and exhibiting certain artists, galleries and museums can influence the perceived value and demand for their work, leading to higher prices. It's important to remember that not all art is exhibited in galleries and museums, and many artists may not achieve the same level of financial success as those who are represented by these institutions. But hey, at least those artists aren't getting rich off the backs of galleries and museums – pure talent and hustle!

Another factor that can influence the value of art is the reputation of the artist. An artist who has established a reputation for creating high-quality, meaningful art will likely have a higher demand for their work and a higher price tag as a result. But again, it's important to remember that the value of art is subjective and that different people might find different things valuable or meaningful.

To truly appreciate art, it's important to dig deeper and think about the message the artist is trying to convey. Don't just judge a work based on its price tag - try to understand how it speaks to you personally and what the artist is trying to say. By considering these things, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art, and may even discover new insights and emotions you weren't expecting.

You know what they say - it's not just about the message, it's about how it's delivered. According to McLuhan, the medium is just as important as the content. It's just as crucial to consider the medium they're using and how it influences what message the artist is trying to convey. You might just discover a deeper meaning and the social implications of their choices.

Pretension is a more complex word than its definition suggests. From an artist’s perspective, musician Brian Eno said it best in his book “A Year With Swollen Appendices”:

The common assumption is that there are “real” people and there are others who are pretending to be something they’re not. There is also an assumption that there’s something morally wrong with pretending. My assumptions about culture as a place where you can take psychological risks without incurring physical penalties make me think that pretending is the most important thing we do. It’s the way we make our thought experiments [to] find out what it would be like to be otherwise.

So is pretending something you have to do to create anything?

When it comes to art, it's all about perspective. You might be trying to make a case for why someone should pay attention to a particular artist or type of artwork, but the way we interpret art is subjective. We all see things differently and it's not always possible to convince someone to see things the way you do. Sometimes you’ll convince them, and sometimes you won’t. But at least there’s a dialogue.

Hearing someone say they hate a certain type of art shows they have a clear idea of what they think art should be, and that's cool. I mean, it's not like everyone has to agree on what makes something good art, right? It's all subjective. But by examining others' work and forming our own opinions, we can learn from it. And that's the whole point of art, isn't it? It elicits a range of emotions, from inspiration and joy to hatred and anger, and forces us to give it the time, attention, and consideration it deserves.

Remember, art is more than just the materials it is made of, and it takes a lot of confidence and boldness to create something and put it out into the world. Let's not dismiss the value and importance of art just because we don't understand it or it doesn't fit our preconceived notions of what art should be.

Have you ever met someone who's just trying way too hard to seem sophisticated? It's like they're trying too hard to seem important or sophisticated. It's like they're oozing with pretentiousness. While it's often used as a tool to show off refinement and sophistication, art is so much more than that. Sometimes, an artist or their work can come off as overly self-important, but let's be real - it takes a lot of confidence and even a bit of audacity to create something and put it out into the world, especially when you're asking people to pay for it.

Pretentious /prəˈten(t)SHəs/ adjective: attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

The creative process is full of insecurity and frustration, and it takes a certain level of boldness to even try.

Artists take cheap, everyday materials and turn them into something with meaning and value beyond their inherent worth. I get it - when you see a bunch of random objects thrown together and labeled as art, it can be tempting to roll your eyes at it. But let's not forget that art is more than just the materials it's made of. Art has the power to bring people together, inspire change and important conversations, and help us understand and feel empathy for each other.

Art is a way for artists to take risks, push boundaries, and create something meaningful. In order to do this, it's natural for artists to try to impress others with their art and convey a sense of importance, talent, and culture. This doesn't mean that all art or all artists are pretentious, but rather that they are trying to share their vision with the world.

Take the example of Maurizio Cattelan's duct-taped banana that sold for $120,000 at Art Basel 2019. This might seem like a ridiculous and pretentious display of wealth, but it is important to look beyond the surface and see the deeper meaning and message behind the art. In this case, the artist was making a statement about the absurdity of the art market and the ways in which value is often arbitrary and subjective. The piece sparked a conversation about the role of art in society and the ways in which it can be used to challenge and critique the status quo.

Have you ever been to an art museum or gallery and thought to yourself, "I could make something like this with a few bananas and some duct tape"? Just because you have the materials doesn't mean you're the next Maurizio Cattelan. The truth is, the only thing that separates expensive art from inexpensive art is the artist's name and reputation. So, let's be real here: even if you created something similar, it probably wouldn't be worth thousands of dollars.

Cattelan’s work is just one example of how art can be used to make a statement and start important conversations. Throughout history, art has often been used as a means of resistance and protest. One example is The Guerrilla Girls, a group of anonymous feminists who use art and activism to challenge discrimination in the art world. One of their most famous works is a billboard that reads "Do women have to be naked to get in the Met. Museum?" This piece sparked a conversation about the lack of representation and diversity in major art institutions. Art can give a platform to voices that might not be heard otherwise, and it can inspire us to think critically about the world around us and to work towards making it a better place.

Have you ever walked through an art museum or gallery and felt like you were reading a foreign language? You're not alone. Alix Rule and David Levine wrote a hilarious essay for Triple Canopy magazine (insert date or issue here) about the absurdity of art jargon, also known as International Art English (IAE). These vague phrases often don't tell you anything about the art or the artist and can serve as a barrier to entry for those who are unfamiliar with the art world.

But let's not let all that gibberish turn us off from art altogether. Sure, some people might use their interest in art as a way to seem fancy, but that doesn't mean that all art or all art enthusiasts are pretentious. Art can bring people together, help us understand and feel for each other, and inspire change and important conversations. Instead of being turned off by the idea of art being exclusive or hard to understand, we should embrace it as a way to expand our horizons, enrich our lives, and connect with others.

Shameless plug –  I'm working on a project called Opera that aims to address this issue of jargon in the art journalism. By presenting art in a more accessible and relatable way, we hope to encourage more people to engage with and appreciate art, regardless of their level of knowledge or experience. Art should be a conversation starter, not a deterrent.

Have you ever seen the episode of 'Adam Ruins Everything' where they talk about how the art market is just a big scheme to benefit wealthy collectors and screw over artists (“Adam Ruins Art” season 2, episode 5)? It's wild. And even collectors who donate their works to museums aren't necessarily doing it out of the goodness of their hearts – it can be a huge tax write-off.

But here's the thing: even if this theory is true (and it might be), it doesn't mean that all art or all artists are part of this sketchy market. There are tons of amazing contemporary artworks out there that have nothing to do with the market and actually critique the way it determines value.

The art market can often be viewed as pretentious, with record-breaking prices and a focus on exclusivity. However, it's important to remember that the art industry is much more than the market. Think: the Guerilla Girls, William Powhida, or Banksy, the entire NFT art market, or at least its potential.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype of the art market, especially in major cities where the focus is often on how much a piece is worth. After all, most art news is news about its price. But it's important to remember that there's a whole world of art out there that exists outside of the market.

In smaller cities, and even in less-fancy parts of major cities, you can find artworks that want nothing to do with the prices, perception, and labels. No one’s getting rich out there, but on the positive side, no one is getting rich out there.

When you use the term 'pretentious' to describe the art world, what do you mean? Perhaps it's a feeling of being left out or confused by contemporary art. It could also be a way to describe how modern art makes you feel like an outsider in a market that relies on creating a sense of exclusivity.

There is often a sense of mystery surrounding art, which can make us feel uncertain about understanding it. The art industry can contribute to this by making those who aren't directly involved feel excluded. It's like a comedian who refuses to explain an inside joke to a group that doesn't get it. Luxury markets of all kinds thrive on creating a false sense of exclusivity or scarcity, which drives prices up.

The art industry, like any other, is influenced by supply and demand. When demand for an artist's work is high, prices rise with it. However, galleries and museums also play a role in determining the supply and demand of an artist's work. Galleries and museums control the production, distribution, and reception of art. By representing and exhibiting certain artists, galleries and museums can influence the perceived value and demand for their work, leading to higher prices. It's important to remember that not all art is exhibited in galleries and museums, and many artists may not achieve the same level of financial success as those who are represented by these institutions. But hey, at least those artists aren't getting rich off the backs of galleries and museums – pure talent and hustle!

Another factor that can influence the value of art is the reputation of the artist. An artist who has established a reputation for creating high-quality, meaningful art will likely have a higher demand for their work and a higher price tag as a result. But again, it's important to remember that the value of art is subjective and that different people might find different things valuable or meaningful.

To truly appreciate art, it's important to dig deeper and think about the message the artist is trying to convey. Don't just judge a work based on its price tag - try to understand how it speaks to you personally and what the artist is trying to say. By considering these things, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art, and may even discover new insights and emotions you weren't expecting.

You know what they say - it's not just about the message, it's about how it's delivered. According to McLuhan, the medium is just as important as the content. It's just as crucial to consider the medium they're using and how it influences what message the artist is trying to convey. You might just discover a deeper meaning and the social implications of their choices.

Pretension is a more complex word than its definition suggests. From an artist’s perspective, musician Brian Eno said it best in his book “A Year With Swollen Appendices”:

The common assumption is that there are “real” people and there are others who are pretending to be something they’re not. There is also an assumption that there’s something morally wrong with pretending. My assumptions about culture as a place where you can take psychological risks without incurring physical penalties make me think that pretending is the most important thing we do. It’s the way we make our thought experiments [to] find out what it would be like to be otherwise.

So is pretending something you have to do to create anything?

When it comes to art, it's all about perspective. You might be trying to make a case for why someone should pay attention to a particular artist or type of artwork, but the way we interpret art is subjective. We all see things differently and it's not always possible to convince someone to see things the way you do. Sometimes you’ll convince them, and sometimes you won’t. But at least there’s a dialogue.

Hearing someone say they hate a certain type of art shows they have a clear idea of what they think art should be, and that's cool. I mean, it's not like everyone has to agree on what makes something good art, right? It's all subjective. But by examining others' work and forming our own opinions, we can learn from it. And that's the whole point of art, isn't it? It elicits a range of emotions, from inspiration and joy to hatred and anger, and forces us to give it the time, attention, and consideration it deserves.

Remember, art is more than just the materials it is made of, and it takes a lot of confidence and boldness to create something and put it out into the world. Let's not dismiss the value and importance of art just because we don't understand it or it doesn't fit our preconceived notions of what art should be.