Democratizing Art and Redefining the Gallery Experience
Art has long been perceived as elitist, an image solidified by its deep ties to power and wealth. In ancient times, works of art were status symbols reserved for rulers and religious figures, while the Renaissance marked a period in which wealthy patrons like the Medici family promoted art as a tool of social and political prestige. In the 17th century, with the rise of art academies, strict standards were established for what was considered "high culture," further distancing art from the masses.
Courtesy of Kave Home
Art has long been perceived as elitist, an image solidified by its deep ties to power and wealth. In ancient times, works of art were status symbols reserved for rulers and religious figures, while the Renaissance marked a period in which wealthy patrons like the Medici family promoted art as a tool of social and political prestige. In the 17th century, with the rise of art academies, strict standards were established for what was considered "high culture," further distancing art from the masses.
By the 19th century, the art market had become shaped by private collectors and commercial galleries who viewed art as a luxury product, accentuating its exclusivity and making accessibility a secondary issue. Artistic movements like Impressionism, Modernism, and street art challenged the elitism of art, broadening its reach and questioning its institutional exclusivity. While the contemporary system remains dominated by wealthy collectors and a market that prioritizes profit over accessibility, there are still initiatives aiming to change this dynamic.
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