Every human relationship is shaped by two critical elements of comprehension: appreciation and understanding, both rooted in love. In appreciation, shortcomings are often hidden or overlooked, while in understanding, we accept those flaws, make room for them, and move forward. To sustain a more profound connection in any relationship, one must evolve from mere appreciation to a genuine understanding. This growth is what distinguishes romance from love. Many people I've encountered struggle with this distinction, expecting understanding within the space of romance and seeking appreciation for what should be understanding. They fail to realize that as a relationship matures from romance to understanding, love transforms into a practice of acceptance and tolerance.
Many marriages falter because of this misunderstanding. From my early days in art, I observed a similar dynamic in the relationship between art, the artist, and the viewer. To appreciate art, indulgence suffices, but truly understanding art with love requires a more profound, sustained connection to the art, the artist, and their process. In romance, everything appears flawless; in understanding, everything seems imperfect. In romance, separation often breeds vengeance, while in understanding, it leaves one in pain and a genuine sense of loss. In art, accepting imperfections usually fosters genuine love for the work. Unfortunately, today's art world offers few opportunities to access the artist's inner world due to the market-driven obscurity surrounding the practice.
Many separation layers have been constructed between the artist and the viewer, from exhibition statements and gallery flyers to curatorial notes, media reviews, academic theories, and historical interpretations. These barriers distance the viewer from the artist's process, making it nearly impossible to understand how a piece of art was conceived or evolved. As a result, the viewer is confined to the surface level of appreciation, unable to go beyond it. Market forces and galleries further restrict meaningful interaction between artists and their audiences.
In this romanticized, shallow world, where reflection and research are neglected, artists are often trapped in their own illusions. As an art and design teacher, I recognized this issue early in my career. There is a lack of resources available to help us explain to students how an artist arrives at a particular work. We are left with the fabricated narratives created by galleries, the media, and curators—like romantic love letters aimed at selling art. But we all know that the evolution of art, like life, is far from a bed of roses.
In this context, it is more valuable for artists who articulate their experiences than those who remain hidden in the obscurity of the market. In the name of appreciation, art history and theory often indulge in superficial commentary rather than genuine insights into the artistic process that defines a practice. This is a tragedy. Every artist should articulate their thoughts and reflections, fostering a deeper connection with their audience by allowing them to engage with both the artist's successes and failures. This openness allows for a relationship grounded in acceptance and understanding. Many may falter in this effort, but some relationships will endure—and that's how meaningful connections, personal and close, are formed.
Trapped in the fleeting infatuations of a shallow, romanticized world of obscurity, It's said that artists are elevated and discarded weekly in the New York art market. But it's not about being the most significant or successful artist; it's about cultivating a relationship that allows one to experience life through art, where the artist is seen not just as a money-minting machine but as a human being with emotions and depth.
Scare craw, left in cold, watercolour on paper, 2016
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