For well over 15 years, Fine Art Connoisseur magazine has carried the flag for the new realism, which some call contemporary realism. We have highlighted its artists, schools, and collectors, and we have encouraged their interconnections with kindred galleries and museums because we believe strongly that this movement has a solid future in a world that had once lost interest in all things realistic.
Normally, young artists’ works are embraced by young buyers, who ultimately become collectors. Today, alas, there is a huge gap. We now see many well-trained artists creating incredible works, yet there are not enough buyers. Not enough younger people (or even older ones, for that matter) know about the contemporary realism movement. There is an urgent need to both educate and create awareness.
Recently, my millennial nephew, Ryan, told me his tech billionaire friend paid $1 million for a photograph. When I noted the quality of realist painting and sculpture he could have bought for that price — something from a major deceased master, or several pieces from a living one — he simply replied, “Our generation does not know that. Make us aware, and we will buy it.” He added that fine art is not really on his generation’s radar because they didn’t see much of it at school. “So educate us,” he said.
Educate we must. If we don’t, thousands of deserving artists will never find their market, or will be forced to accept remuneration out of sync with the quality of their work.
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