 How do you get on the radar of the art world? Take a look at the artists selected for the Artadia Awards, or for the Whitney Biennial, or for any prestigious art award. Even though many of these awards claim that they recognize “emerging artists,” the winners did not come out of the blue. They were already on the radar of the art world. To get on the radar, first think about your art. Artists whose work combines conceptual clarity with innovation in materials are getting on the radar. In the last decade artists have been recognized and rewarded for breaking down, combining, and collapsing the boundaries of traditional media. Recently artists working on racial equality and social justice are receiving long overdue attention. But don’t forget that what is considered new and interesting eventually becomes old, and then there is a reaction, a return to earlier traditions. If you want to get on the radar of the art world, start exactly where you are. Ask yourself, what is new and compelling about my work? What boundaries am I pushing? Consider your subject matter, your materials, and your technique, and identify your strengths. Where you live can also make a difference. Major urban areas are large in geography but function as small towns when they discover and promote artists. A group of critics and curators and gallerists go to the same events and talk to each other, creating a buzz that puts artists on the radar. Now virtual art platforms have given us a more democratic space. Online art publications such as Colossal and Hyperallergic showcase artists from around the world, putting them on the radar no matter where they live. Take a look at artists who are receiving such attention, and plan your next steps. ~ Mary Mary Edwards, Ph.D Career & Life Coach for Artists “Left Brain Skills for Right Brained People” Instagram: coachingforartists.maryedwards Comments are closed.
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