Many define our contemporary world as fundamentally fascinated with innovation and modernisation. We embrace the newest ideas, infrastructures, and technologies. But when it comes to aesthetics and the manifestation of aesthetics – art – this forward-looking lens is not universally adopted.
In 2018, Banksy’s painting of Balloon Girl sold for £1m at auction, only to be immediately shredded through a mechanism in the frame. This “prank” by the artist, referred to now as Love is in the Bin, criticizes the contemporary art market and connoisseurship, showcasing how the wealthy and elite dominate the art world and how the possession of high-profile works acts as a status symbol. In 2021, the shredded painting proceeded to sell again at auction for £18.586m. The public was quick to point out the absurd irony of the situation, with some calling the art world a “joke” and many joining in saying:
“I just don’t get it!”
Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, impartial, or a professed “hater,” you have undoubtedly encountered this response to it. Many Contemporary Art proponents explain that their reverence lies in the profound works’ socio-political implications and embedded meanings; Banksy fans tend to deify the artist for his subversive political themes, while some just see some stencilled graffiti. Appreciation lies in understanding, which itself requires the ability to see past art’s abstraction or ambiguity. In this way, appreciation is reserved only for those with the knowledge of the context behind a work’s creation, the theories and ideologies inspiring its production, its cultural significance, and so forth. Contemporary art enjoyment appears to be a somewhat elitist practice.
Contemporary Art’s value depends greatly on the audience’s comprehension and connection, its inherent “greatness” becomes rather contested. Many who do not “get it” see how much funding and sponsorship is delegated to Contemporary Art galleries and question why so much is expended upon messages so reserved and inaccessible. The answer appears to be that vocal appreciation of Contemporary Art is a pretentious manner, a way of inadvertently showcasing the superiority of one’s intellect and beliefs to those who also “get it.”
But it’s not that simple: art has always been created with a purpose and, yes, ideology. The centrality of meaning to Contemporary Art is not a new thing. The reason for Contemporary Art’s inaccessibility, therefore, does not lie in the existence of ideology alone but rather in the abundance and variety of ideologies present in our current society. The current zeitgeist is incredibly individualistic, with children being raised on narratives preaching the importance of authenticity and “being true to yourself.” In this pursuit of assuming a truly unique identity, we are discouraged from being like others and have greatly isolated ourselves. It is not only more difficult to connect with others’ art but to connect with others in general.
Art, and life itself, no longer rely entirely on a centuries-old lexicon. Simplicity is dead, and we have entered the golden age of nuance and complexity stretched into a flashy husk over hollow, lonely bones. Contemporary Art’s contentiousness exposes how stratified we all are from understanding each other. I’ll end with a question: do you get it?
“Balloon Girl Banksy” by Richardzinho is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.