Yes, raising or nurturing art can sometimes feel undervalued in the contemporary art market. The market often focuses on immediate, profitable trends and established names, while the process of nurturing emerging talent or unconventional art forms may not always receive the attention it deserves. Several factors contribute to this undervaluation:
- Market-driven focus: Contemporary art markets can prioritize works that promise high returns on investment, often from well-known artists or those associated with prestigious galleries. This can leave emerging or experimental artists struggling to gain visibility.
- Rapid trends: The fast-paced nature of trends in contemporary art can overshadow the slow, developmental process of raising art or fostering new movements. Artists may feel pressure to produce works that align with current market preferences, rather than exploring new or challenging ideas.
- Commercial over substance: There can be a focus on art that is more commercially viable or aesthetically pleasing, sometimes at the expense of art that is more conceptual, challenging, or socially critical.
- Lack of institutional support: Some artists lack access to mentorship, funding, or residencies that could nurture their talent. Without institutional backing, their work may not receive the same validation or market value as more established artists.
Ultimately, there are still institutions, collectors, and galleries that prioritize nurturing emerging artists despite the challenges they may encounter. The continuous growth of alternative art spaces on social platforms has somewhat shifted the balance, but the overall market still remains commercially viable.