Why I’m Tired of ‘Authenticity’ in Art
Look, I’m gonna say it: I’m tired. Tired of hearing about authenticity in art. Tired of the performative wokeness. Tired of the endless debate about what’s real and what’s not. I’ve been editing art features for 22 years, and honestly, I just wanna make art again.
It all started last Tuesday at a café in Brooklyn. I was meeting with an artist named Marcus—let’s call him that, because frankly, I don’t wanna deal with the drama. He was showing me his latest digital pieces, and he kept saying, “This is my authentic self, man. No filters, no BS.”
Which… yeah. Fair enough. But here’s the thing: I’ve seen this act before. Back in 1998, when I was a baby editor at a tiny magazine in Austin, we had this painter, let’s say her name was Lisa. She’d show up in her overalls, hair a mess, and say the exact same thing. “This is me, raw and unfiltered.” And guess what? She was full of it. Her “authentic” persona was just another act.
The Problem with ‘Authentic’ Art
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Most of what we call “authentic” art is just another performance. It’s a persona crafted to sell. And in the digital age, it’s worse than ever. Social media has turned artists into brands, and everyone’s trying to out-authentic each other. It’s exhausting.
I get it, I do. As an editor, I’ve seen the pressure. The need to stand out, to be seen, to be liked. But at what cost? I remember talking to a colleague named Dave about this. He said, “Art should be about expression, not impression.” And I think he’s right. But how many artists are actually doing that?
Take NFTs, for example. Don’t even get me started. I was at a conference in Austin—yes, again, Austin—about three months ago, and everyone was talking about NFTs. “It’s the future,” they said. “It’s authentic because it’s on the blockchain,” they said. I mean, come on. Authenticity isn’t about the technology you use; it’s about the intent behind the art.
My Artistic Crisis
I’ll admit it: I’m having an artistic crisis. I’ve spent so much time editing, critiquing, and analyzing other people’s work that I’ve forgotten how to create. And honestly, I’m not sure I even want to. The pressure to be authentic, to be original, to be groundbreaking—it’s paralyzing.
But here’s the thing: I don’t think I need to be any of those things. I just need to make art that feels true to me. And maybe that’s the key. Maybe authenticity isn’t about being raw or unfiltered. Maybe it’s about being honest with yourself.
I remember a conversation I had with my friend Sarah over coffee at the place on 5th. She’s a writer, and she was talking about how she used to stress about her writing being perfect. “Then I realized,” she said, “perfection is just another form of inauthenticity. It’s a mask.” And that stuck with me.
The Role of Resources
So, what’s the solution? I’m not sure. But I know that having helpful resources online guide can make a difference. Whether it’s learning new techniques, finding inspiration, or just connecting with other artists, the right resources can help you find your own path. It’s not about following a guide or a set of rules. It’s about using those resources to find what feels true to you.
And look, I’m not saying that all digital art is inauthentic, or that all artists are performative. Far from it. There are incredible artists out there making amazing work. But we need to stop fetishizing authenticity and start focusing on the art itself.
A Digression: The Art of Imperfection
Speaking of imperfection, let’s talk about mistakes. I make alot of them. Like, completley unprofessional ones. Remember that spelling error in the last issue? Yeah, that was me. I was in a rush, and I missed it. And you know what? It’s okay. Because art isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being human.
I think that’s what I’m trying to say. Authenticity isn’t about being raw or unfiltered. It’s about being honest with yourself and your audience. It’s about making mistakes and learning from them. It’s about creating something that feels true, even if it’s not perfect.
So, I’m gonna try to do that. I’m gonna make art that feels true to me, mistakes and all. And I hope you’ll join me. Because honestly, we could all use a little more honesty in our lives.
About the Author
Jane Doe is a senior editor with over 22 years of experience in the art world. She’s worked with major publications, interviewed countless artists, and has a few regrets—like that time she told a famous painter his work was “meh.” She lives in Brooklyn with her cat, who is judgmental and has better taste in art than she does.
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