Undemocratic

Intriguing thoughts from Our Man in Delft:

 

Art isn't democratic. Every artist likes to be the centre of attention, and only a handful succeeds. A minority survives death. Why? There must be something in the work – not just the life – which fascinates and merits repeated viewings, readings, listens. There must be abundance, mastery, vitality, mystery. If an artist possesses all these attributes, he will continue to attract new ‘customers,’ whatever the critics say. That many artists are not so lucky can’t be helped – life is short and you must make choices. That’s why I do think that comparing artists is useful – it sharpens critical awareness and it saves time...