In the world of art and criticism, a recent survey has shed light on the curious habits of artists when it comes to consuming reviews of their own work. The survey, which polled over 20,000 artists, revealed that a staggering 73% of respondents only read reviews of their own work, showing little interest in the critiques of their peers.
One artist from Malibu admitted, “I set up a Google Alert for my name, and that’s pretty much my daily routine in a nutshell. Why would I read anything else?” This sentiment was echoed by an artist based in Bushwick, who humorously stated, “If I’m getting a negative review, I wanna be ahead of the curve. I wanna know which writer to shit-talk!! Haha lol jk, I would never. So much respect for critics out there doing the work <3." The survey also delved into the definition of a review, with 52% of respondents skipping the question altogether. A further 25% expressed confusion about the difference between art criticism and press releases, highlighting a lack of clarity within the artistic community. Despite this, some respondents acknowledged the importance of reviews, while others shared anecdotes about writers attending art openings solely for the free booze. Interestingly, 28% of respondents admitted to hate-reading negative reviews of artists they dislike. One participant from Manhattan’s Meatpacking District confessed, “Ngl, nothing fuels my work ethic like seeing my nemesis get told their work is shitty. It just hits different. But obvi, I still like all their posts and comment ‘YAAAAS MAMA 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻’ to cover my bases, and that’s on networking! Never know who you’re gonna need to ask for a favor.”
In a nod to the digital age, one artist simply posted a classic meme to express their indifference towards reviews of other artists’ work, stating, “i ain’t reading all that — i’m happy for u tho, or sorry that happened.” This lighthearted response encapsulates the varied attitudes towards art criticism in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving artistic landscape. Ultimately, the survey’s findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of art criticism and the complex relationship between artists and reviewers. As the art world continues to evolve, it is clear that artists have diverse opinions and habits when it comes to engaging with critiques of their work.
