A wonderful summation of where the art world is heading whether we like it or not. One way or another, artists always face some sort of "Academy" but in the end it is the artist's honesty that counts most;
"Political conviction is the prerogative of every citizen, but artists do not have to shape their work to fit in with their politics. There may be more integrity in a painting of a landscape or a vase of flowers than another conceptual masterpiece telling us that racism is bad."
I've enjoyed your commentary throughout the year. All the best for 2026.
I’d like to thank you for this article. You managed to say, plainly and without fuss, what many artists feel but rarely articulate without sounding either bitter or didactic.
Like Guston I can only quote a far braver man than : Isaac Babel. “Comrades let us not fool ourselves: this is a very important right (the right to write badly), and to take it from us is no small thing. “
Thanks John for another brilliant and always honest summation of what's really going on in our 'art industry', and about why art is vital to humanity and why artists are compelled to to make art come what may. You give a voice the majority of artists who are lesser known because they are outside the narrow band or commercial and institutional favouritism. Your insights are always a reassuring breath of fresh air. Thank you, and best wishes for this already crazy year! Bette
What a masterful article. You have nailed it on so many aspects of our 'state of the art'. These things have been brewing for a while . It takes someone with your ability to look across the whole scene and tell it like it is. We are so lucky to have you identify the facts and information that we are not necessarily privy to and write with such flair and honesty. Thank you, John.
A wonderful summation of where the art world is heading whether we like it or not. One way or another, artists always face some sort of "Academy" but in the end it is the artist's honesty that counts most;
"Political conviction is the prerogative of every citizen, but artists do not have to shape their work to fit in with their politics. There may be more integrity in a painting of a landscape or a vase of flowers than another conceptual masterpiece telling us that racism is bad."
Wonderful.
Hi John,
I've enjoyed your commentary throughout the year. All the best for 2026.
I’d like to thank you for this article. You managed to say, plainly and without fuss, what many artists feel but rarely articulate without sounding either bitter or didactic.
Like Guston I can only quote a far braver man than : Isaac Babel. “Comrades let us not fool ourselves: this is a very important right (the right to write badly), and to take it from us is no small thing. “
For myself;
Have faith
Thanks John for another brilliant and always honest summation of what's really going on in our 'art industry', and about why art is vital to humanity and why artists are compelled to to make art come what may. You give a voice the majority of artists who are lesser known because they are outside the narrow band or commercial and institutional favouritism. Your insights are always a reassuring breath of fresh air. Thank you, and best wishes for this already crazy year! Bette
Thank you John. Happy New Year. What a dreadful start to 26. Jeff
Thank you , your words resonate with my experience.
Bravo John, your voice is so important. Strength to you.
What a masterful article. You have nailed it on so many aspects of our 'state of the art'. These things have been brewing for a while . It takes someone with your ability to look across the whole scene and tell it like it is. We are so lucky to have you identify the facts and information that we are not necessarily privy to and write with such flair and honesty. Thank you, John.
Insightful and succinct as always.
Happy New Year to you both.
Angus.
Such thoughtful commentary. Thank you John.
Yep. Another scorching 'state of the nation' address. Hello 2026...