Masterpiece in the Making

Many artworks make their reputation by engaging the public through their genuine beauty.  Other artworks draw value from the reputation of their famous creators, the artists.   However, for an artwork to achieve the highest honor, to become a masterpiece, it has to have both.

Beauty connects with its audience, brings out emotion, is intimate and inspiring.  Beautiful art can foster large followings as the general public finds it appealing and understands its value.

Unfortunately this is not enough.

The art market is unique in that each artwork requires a stamp of approval from “in the know” individuals, rather than the general public, to reach its value potential.  These curators, art critics, and galleries often rely on artist reputation in order to provide their endorsement and therefore art by unknown artists often finds it difficult to overcome this hurdle.

On the flip side, some art doesn’t even fit the taste of the most open minded art lover, leaving its value  dependent solely on the reputation of its artist.  Because the reputation of its artist is established enough, it attracts investors, rather than art lovers, to purchase the art for its potential investment value.

While such art often commands great value, it cannot become a masterpiece until it becomes accepted by the public and this requires intrinsic appeal.

Masterpieces are artworks that create a connection with their audience as well as boast the name of a famous artist.  It is parallel to having an interesting design catch your eye and then hearing that its made by a quality brand.  Since a famous brand is required for  art to be of high value and intrinsic beauty is required for it to be accepted by the public, it is only the combination of the two that puts an artwork on top of the pedestal, immortalizes its creator., and makes for a masterpiece.