While links between art and education have long existed, it has become evident in the past twenty years that practitioners of each have become mutually concerned with integrating the two fields. The purpose of this survey is to explore the trend as seen from the perspective of different art world professionals. Today the questions are answered by Vastari CEO Bernadine Brocker. Vastari is an online platform that connects and promotes communication between private collectors and museum curators. Visit https://www.vastari.com for more information.
From your professional standpoint, what association do you see between art and education?
Though there is a guttural reaction that occurs with art, the only way Art can be truly appreciated is when the viewer is educated in the themes and thoughts that are occurring through it.
Should art aim to educate?
Yes. One of the best references throughout history is art. It teaches us what moved people at different times in history, it teaches us to appreciate other points of view and it is a great unifier between cultures.
Should the artist aim to educate?
Even artist who don’t aim to educate will reach someone in a way that enlightens - and that is the aim of art.
Which artists do you credit with your education?
Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Carlos Cruz Diez, Cindy Sherman, Diego Siloe, Georgia O’Keefe and Rembrandt van Rijn
Is there a place for educational/pedagogical art in the art market?
I wish it was so simple as this question makes it. The art market is often driven by factors beyond us, and only time will tell what will teach us something. Did Rembrandt aim to teach with his art, or just make money? Probably more of the latter but his works are now great teachers of important lessons from history about the Dutch golden age or about the beauty of true love. There is no predicting what will happen.
Funnily enough I am currently in love with an artist’s work who is too educational for the art market, in some ways. Her name is Beverley Jane Stewart and she paints the history of Jewish culture within a contemporary context. Her works take years of research and are ultimately very complex tapestries of narrative she has found out - not an image that necessary works well over the fireplace. But I really enjoy her work and imagine it will be appreciated for its educational value for many generations to come.
Though there is a guttural reaction that occurs with art, the only way Art can be truly appreciated is when the viewer is educated in the themes and thoughts that are occurring through it.
Should art aim to educate?
Yes. One of the best references throughout history is art. It teaches us what moved people at different times in history, it teaches us to appreciate other points of view and it is a great unifier between cultures.
Should the artist aim to educate?
Even artist who don’t aim to educate will reach someone in a way that enlightens - and that is the aim of art.
Which artists do you credit with your education?
Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Carlos Cruz Diez, Cindy Sherman, Diego Siloe, Georgia O’Keefe and Rembrandt van Rijn
Is there a place for educational/pedagogical art in the art market?
I wish it was so simple as this question makes it. The art market is often driven by factors beyond us, and only time will tell what will teach us something. Did Rembrandt aim to teach with his art, or just make money? Probably more of the latter but his works are now great teachers of important lessons from history about the Dutch golden age or about the beauty of true love. There is no predicting what will happen.
Funnily enough I am currently in love with an artist’s work who is too educational for the art market, in some ways. Her name is Beverley Jane Stewart and she paints the history of Jewish culture within a contemporary context. Her works take years of research and are ultimately very complex tapestries of narrative she has found out - not an image that necessary works well over the fireplace. But I really enjoy her work and imagine it will be appreciated for its educational value for many generations to come.