By Darla McCammon and DeeAnna Muraski
The start of a new year marks the beginning of our new series on what is new with art, which one of my daughters, DeeAnna Muraski is helping to write.
For this week’s column, we will focus on how the accessibility of art has modified over time.
The National Endowment of the Arts notes that Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting is one of the third most recognizable paintings in-the-world. Yes, the world. Three things helped achieve this status: 1) the painting and artistry are incredible; 2) the image is in the public domain (meaning it can be used and modified for personal and commercial use); 3) there are now tools and resources to broadcast the image throughout the world on a grand scale.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
Vincent VanGogh could not have imagined, even in his manic state at the time, how widespread his Starry Night would become. Especially, or maybe poignantly, because he allegedly painted Starry Night from his asylum window. A quick Google search reveals you can purchase Starry Night printed on: a hooded sweatshirt, magnet, hand soap bottle, ceramic dinner plate, wastebasket, scarf, umbrella, coffee mug, socks, jigsaw puzzle, note cards, blanket, wallpaper mural, shower curtain, serving tray, night light, bookmark, candle, and – drum roll – even a tattoo!
Now, 133 years after producing a beloved, transformative painting, Starry Night is still revered and cherished five generations later. So, art that could previously only be viewed in a private resident or museum now can reach millions around the world. The portability of people via planes, trains and automobiles allows us to easily access museums housing artwork. The internet allows us to be instantly transported to museums at a click. We can even broadcast our virtual museum visit on our living room TV using an HDMI cable or through a Smart TV.
In business, they say “scarcity creates demand;” but, in the art world this broad exposure has created a familiarity evoking comfort and an unexpected demand. The accessibility also created practicality; whereas some might not see the value in an original artwork hanging on their wall, they could alternatively appreciate Starry Night on a coffee mug they use daily. Honestly, we cannot all afford the multi-million dollar price tag either. To each their own. We advocate for original art; maybe not on the Starry Night monetary scale. However, we cannot fault how this broad access and affordability has stirred up an interest in art for all demographics and socioeconomic statuses. And that is novel – and welcome.
EVENTS: Warsaw City Hall Coming in January: Lovely art by Madelene Bussart. Warsaw City Hall. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lakeland art will re-open soon. Closed for winter break. 302 E. Winona Ave. Warsaw, IN 46580 Phone: 574-267-5568 for hours and events. Want to be an exhibitor at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery? Very good exposure for your work and good publicity about you. Just drop me an email at mcdar7@gmail.com Subject: Art exhibit. F.