Manifesto Draft

Art - An integral part of the all nations culture. Items passed down for generations, hidden, embezzled and highly ought after. - But why? What makes these ancient creations so extraordinary and valuable? What makes something created centuries ago more superior than art of modern times? Sure - the artists are deceased, which adds an air of unattainable novelty to its value but what else is there to make these old pieces of canvas worth the millions of dollars they are sold for?

In medieval times paintings were valuable because of their materials. Lined with gold trimmings and covered in jewels, these paintings were truly lavish. Now, a painting’s worth has little to do with its materials and more to do with the reputation of its creator.  Take Mark Rothko for example. His artwork sold for eight seven million American dollars in 2012 and is merely a large canvas with some orange paint splattered onto it.

If our society is so charmed by the stigma of timeworn artists then how is one to enter the art scene and create a name for them selves in the modern art world?

Out with the old and in with the new I say.  Art should be judged on its character rather than the history of its creator. It should be judged on its aesthetic appeal rather than it’s age. Artist should be encouraged to progress forward with using new technologies to create new techniques rather than be forced to say they were inspired by the work of some ancient artist to pursue their talents.