Cashing in on the discourse of liberation: How the commodification of art debases expressions of resistance.

摘要

When we think of a work of art, there are a multitude of images that may come to mind, all of which are valid. Contemporary art can consist of almost anything but this has not always been the case. Particular interests have shaped Art, like other social institutions. Contemporary art is not exempt from manipulation by powerful individuals and institutions. An examination of instances and works throughout the history of art provides insight into just how malleable art is. An inspection of art's function in these instances of art history paints a picture of ideological changes that are manifested in changes in art forms and trends. As such, there are several moments in the development of art that speak to art's power to alter reality by aligning art with a particular ideology. Artists, dealers and collectors play an integral role in fostering or negating change in the meaning of art to the extent that their agency affects our perception of art. Though appearing free from the historical standards of "traditional art forms", contemporary art proves to be bound by particular interests of powerful individuals as well as the institutions in which it exists. Finally, I suggest that art proves an invaluable resource as a space of discourse, specifically in addressing social problems.