The Role Social Media is Playing in Art Appreciation

July 18, 2022

Social media has played a pivotal role in reviving people’s love for art. This was demonstrated when Richard Hutchins, a homeless man, became an overnight sensation after his artwork was promoted on the internet. Since then, he has sold paintings for thousands of dollars and has donated a portion of his earnings to those who are suffering from homelessness. Hutchins’ rise to fame shows just how much social media is changing the art landscape by increasing the public’s appreciation for these pieces of art.

Current innovators and social media thought leaders are stressing the importance of cultivating the link between social media and art appreciation as the two are inextricably connected. This is evident in modern digital media programs where curriculums are geared towards leverage the aesthetic, technical, and theoretical aspects of art across a variety of mediums and specialties. Today’s digital and social media professionals expose audiences to art in its different forms and styles, making it part of the daily internet experience. In fact, almost all social media users would have a few artists as mainstays on their feeds. When paired with today’s digital landscape and internet culture, social media can bring much-needed attention and admiration for art.

These are just a few of the ways these platforms have increased the public’s appreciation for art:

It helps creators better connect with their audience

As illustrated by Richard Hutchins’ case, social media provides a great space for creators to find exposure without having to rent out expensive galleries. With these platforms, art enthusiasts can simply scroll through different pages and hashtags to be able to find works of different artists. Social media also provides an avenue for creators to show the work that goes into making a piece.

For example, on the short-form video platform TikTok, artists can shoot time-lapses of them making paintings or sculptures so viewers can get a behind-the-scenes look into the inner workings of their artwork. Creators can also share the thought process that went into making a piece and what meaning might be behind it. People are more likely to appreciate artworks when they know the thought and effort that goes into them and social media is the perfect avenue to express it.

It showcases a wider range of art styles

Some individuals might believe that they don’t like or appreciate art because they don’t find it pleasing or emotionally evoking. But in reality, this might just mean that they haven’t encountered a style that truly speaks to them. One of the main reasons people buy art is because they develop an emotional connection to the piece and because they value the artistry that goes into making them.

For instance, realism might not be for everyone and the same can be said for abstract or impressionist works. Through social media, people are exposed to different styles that they can truly relate to. As mentioned earlier, these platforms make art more accessible to the public so the more they can expose themselves to different pieces, the greater their appreciation for art will be.

It eliminates elitism

Another reason people might not appreciate art is that many of the great works are difficult to see in person. There is a certain amount of elitism found in today’s art world. A lot of valuable art pieces are in galleries that aren’t accessible to the masses or in museums which are now experiencing a surge in entrance fees and rates. Those in lower economic standings might not have the opportunity to view different pieces solely for this reason which lowers their appreciation for art.

Since social media is making art more accessible, people can now have equal opportunities to see beautiful pieces without having to pay a gallery entrance fee. When it comes to appreciating art, creating a more welcoming environment is essential and these platforms are making this possible.

In today’s digital age, social media is playing a key role in making art appreciation more accessible. But, it is still important for the public to discern what they believe to truly be great art. With social media, being prolific and having good marketing can bring attention to mediocre pieces, while quality work that might not have the same investment in marketing won’t get the same attention. In the digital age, art appreciation should still factor in the technical qualities that separate true art from something simply made for shock value.

Article specially penned for eastwestfineart.com

by Amanda Rose Frank