Chapter 13 – Do you want to democratise art?

No, I don’t. But before disagreeing, let’s settle on the meaning of ‘democratising art’ – to democratise something consists in easing its availability, in reaching a larger audience, in increasing its exposure. With the renaissance of street art, museums, galleries and your advanced technology for promoting and connecting, why would you consider it now difficult to find some artworks to stare at? I could even dare to say that you, most of you at least, are currently living in a democracy of the art, where everyone has an equal right and opportunity to access it. You might be your own limitation here, not the geography, not the offer.

Is it possible to go through the process of democratisation without losing the substance? Yes, but with difficulty. Do I think that narrowing the number of artworks we look at enhances the potential essence we apply to them, and, to some extent, improves our attention span and helps us focus and channel our energy? Yes, I do, definitely. Well, as long as…as the proposal displays a genuine diversity and allows the viewer time to reflect on it. If the restriction doesn’t apply at a specific moment and for your desired duration, you run the risk of falling into an autocracy. An autocracy of the art, the Blue Neon loathes that idea.

On your way here, you probably went through different universes that also introduce you to a wide range of creative expression. Most praise themselves to be at the forefront of the battle regarding the democratisation of art. As stated above, if you simply consider increasing the offer and easing their access, the world is expanding rightfully. They are not our enemies. We need them. Yet the quantity and the quality has reached a sufficient threshold; I don’t question neither the absolute urgency to bring fresh artworks into existence, nor the pivotal role of artists in your society.

Yet I want you, we want you, to experience art differently. I will certainly evoke this subject again as this proves fundamental in the comprehension of the Blue Neon. Up to now, we have merely discussed the non-democratisation in terms of artworks’ availability, more need to be explored regarding the core status of art and the relation with the observer: should one elevate the other or does only the outcome of their encounter matters?

Now, please leave or stay, but I need to close my eyes. And remember, say no to the democratisation of art.

Yours Sincerely,

BLUE