A Filter Over Art

After twenty years of working in business and design, I came into the art world with a slightly different perspective. I feel that Instagram has, to some extent, influenced the art world as a whole. In fact, I think quite a large number of artists have been influenced by social media, whether consciously or unconsciously.

It makes me wonder, if Instagram didn’t exist, would the way we paint be different? Would it change the direction painting takes, or even the way artists communicate their ideas to the wider public?

Personally, I would much rather spend my time building a deeper understanding and connection between people, through genuine conversations and actually getting to know one another, rather than remaining within relationships that are measured by the number of likes on Instagram.

Even face to face, it takes time to truly get to know another person. Yet now, I feel that many people have become too reliant on carefully constructed images when forming their judgements, and as a result, our connections can become increasingly superficial. We can end up knowing an image of someone without really knowing the person.

I hope we can become more conscious of how we use technology, seeing it as a tool for connecting with one another rather than allowing it to define what we value. When people look at a painting, I want them to be able to feel a sense of warmth through the details, something that connects with their own experiences and memories, rather than simply being impressed by technical skill or a visually striking image.

I believe that an artist who is able to create work with genuine depth is, in some way, someone who regularly steps away from Instagram and social media. Perhaps it is only when we allow ourselves to step away from that constant stream of images and opinions that we can really begin to see, to feel, and to create something that comes from within.