Plight Of Artists

In 2024, the oldest known figurative art painting was discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The art, which includes a painting of human-like figures and animals, is said to be over 51,200 years old. This astonishing discovery has proved that humans have been creating art throughout their evolution. While the way art is created has evolved, its basic essence has been about the representation of the world through the eyes of the artists. In modern times, it has been associated with self-expression, reflection and contemplation through a visual, auditory, tactile, literary, or performance art. 

Given the significance of art in the human world, it is quite natural to hold artists in high esteem. However, having said that, there are still strides to be taken to support art and artists. Among millions of artists worldwide, only a few manage to be well-known figures in art. They might be diverse in their niche whether it is modern, contemporary or more traditional form of art. While creating their niche art in traditional fields, they likely promote and even help conserve old traditions. Here, one has to say that art is subjective as it is open to the interpretation of the audience. 

And artists play a role in upholding traditions and culture while also experimenting in new and modern subjects. Through their work, artists also help boost social activism. Yet, despite their contributions, many artists are unable to rely on their work alone for their livelihood, instead, they have to supplement their livelihood through additional means. Many opt to teach art, while others only create art as a side hustle. After the exhilaration of art exhibitions, fairs, marketplace and so on fade, artists often are left with financial insecurity and lingering doubts about their economic future. The truth is it is really tough to make a living out of art. 

Those who do so attest to the joy of having made a living out of art, which is their sole passion. Yet, struggling artist's syndrome is real and despite the aura of mystery and creativity that surrounds the artists, there still remains a wide gap between dreams and reality, particularly when it comes to economic standpoint. One silver lining to artists today is social media, where they can create a niche and garner quite a substantial following. As their posts become viral, they can establish themselves as an artist making a living from their passion. However, one has to mention that even social media is quite competitive, so a lot of time and effort may have to be invested before landing on one’s feet. 

Building a community, whether in the real world or even in the virtual domain, is quite advantageous for artists. Often, artists are depicted as solitary crusaders but that is mostly an orthodox stereotype. Like most people, artists, too, thrive in a community. If people who identify themselves as artists were to collaborate and come together in a joyous celebration of art, they could engage a larger audience. It could bring their names to the limelight and could even facilitate a comfortable living out of art. It falls upon artists to create art that speaks for itself but the audience can also help by simply extending their support in any way they can.