Consuming Art
Jeppe Hein, at National Gallery of Victoria, 2018
The evolution of the way we consume Art
The way that art is consumed changes constantly. From social media, where art is viewed through someone else’s lens, to street art where unassuming bystanders become an audience. But these are only a couple of ways to consider the changing consumption of art.
How would you like to see the consumption of art evolve? We asked for the opinion of those across the industry...
Marion Borgelt - Marion is a contemporary Australian artist who has practiced in Sydney, Paris and New York.
My first reaction is to question the word ‘consumption’ because it brings to mind the act of ‘using up ’of utilisation, expenditure, depletion, exhaustion, wasting, squandering, draining, dissipating… I would rather use the words ‘enjoyment and ownership’, which bring to mind something positive and that in turn leads to the idea that enjoyment and ownership of art can enrich people’s lives.
Artist-run initiatives play an important role in building a community and often form a bridge between the artists’ studios and established, professionally run galleries. They are an excellent starting point for artists to connect with their peers and equally play a significant role in bringing artists’ work to a broader audience.
However, art is an expression of the times, whether it’s about the social and political conundrums of our world today, or the more personal statements that fill our heads daily. Unfortunately, the purchasing of art is based on discretionary spending and because it is not considered an absolute necessity to our well-being it is frequently the last item that is purchased, if at all. I would like to see our values towards art change so that it becomes a bigger priority in people’s daily lives. We, who are already in the art milieu know the value of art in our lives but what about everyone else—where do they get their poetry and existential ‘kicks’ from?
Della Butler- Studio Coordinator, Gozer Media
Della worked at Sutton Gallery in Melbourne while also developing her own style of artistic practice, before joining Gozer Media.
I believe that art should continue to shift and change with society’s growth. It is important that it engages with, questions and reacts to current issues.
Hayley Haynes - No Vacancy Gallery
Hayley is the Gallery Manager at No Vacancy Gallery, a Melbourne-based contemporary hire-gallery which links artist-run initiatives and the commercial art world.
I would love to see the consumption of art simply slow down. Whilst it is wonderful how much access we now have to the art world online, I would really love to see people spend more time with art in person. Let the gallery be a place of escape where time stops.
With this being said, I would love to see more people feel less intimidated by art spaces. This is not a new challenge, but it is one that persists. We really try to make No Vacancy a very comfortable space and having the cafe attached certainly helps us bring art to those who might not normally enter a gallery. I think due to the challenging nature of a lot of contemporary art, people often feel that they need a degree in art theory to legitimize their presence in an art space. I want people to feel that it is OK to not understand everything, and furthermore to allow themselves the opportunity (through taking the time) to perhaps take something away from the works on show - to bring their own meaning.
It would appear then that the way art is consumed, person to person, depends on how much the individual values art against other necessities in their lives. Whether they feel art has the ability to inform them or bring enjoyment. The level of importance that an individual places on art then informs how that person will choose to consume it, and therefore how much they allow art to enrich their lives.