Now, I know some of you might be thinking, 'What do you mean there's no such thing as good or bad art? Have you seen some of the things people call art these days? I could make that in my sleep!' And you know what? You're probably right. But that's the beauty of it, folks - art is so subjective that even something you could make in your sleep could be hailed as a masterpiece by someone else.

I mean, think about it - if we judged art solely on technical skill and objective standards, we'd have to disqualify all of the finger paintings created by preschoolers from the art world. And let's be real, those are some of the most imaginative and heartfelt works of art out there. So why should we limit our definition of art to what can be quantified and measured? Let's embrace the chaos and embrace the fact that sometimes, even a can of soup can be art. (Sorry, Andy Warhol, I couldn't resist.)

The statement "there is no such thing as 'good' or 'bad' art" is controversial, but it overlooks the fact that art is inherently subjective and influenced by social, cultural, and historical contexts. An artistic expression is a form of communication that is shaped by the language, customs, and conventions of the society in which it is produced.

Moreover, the success of an artwork depends on its ability to communicate with its intended audience, and this success is often determined by factors outside the artist's control. An artist's ability to sell their work, for instance, depends on market demand, the opinions of art critics and curators, and the artist's reputation and connections. For emerging artists, networking, self-promotion, and relationship-building with influential people are often critical to their career success.

The art world is notoriously insular and exclusive, with a few powerful gatekeepers controlling access to exhibitions, galleries, and collectors. Building a network of contacts and supporters is therefore often more important than the quality of an artist's work. An artist may produce technically proficient and original work but still, fail to achieve commercial success if they do not have the right connections or if they do not conform to prevailing artistic trends.

Here are a few real-life examples of how subjective factors can influence the success of art:

  1. Jackson Pollock: Jackson Pollock was known for his innovative style of drip painting, which critics and the public initially dismissed as a hot mess. But hey, who knew that flinging paint at a canvas could lead to fame and fortune? Pollock certainly didn't during his lifetime, but posthumously, his works have sold for millions of dollars.
  2. Banksy: Banksy is the ultimate mysterious street artist, and no one knows who he is (or if he's a he!). But one thing we do know is that his art sells for insane amounts of money. I mean, who wouldn't want a political statement sprayed on their wall, right? Even if it means breaking the law.
  3. Damien Hirst: Damien Hirst is the king of controversy in the art world, with works like a shark preserved in formaldehyde and a diamond-encrusted skull. Some people might call it macabre, but hey if you can make millions by sticking a shark in a tank, who's the real genius?
  4. The Impressionists: The Impressionists were the OG rebels of the art world, ditching traditional styles to capture the fleeting moments of light and color in their paintings. And boy, did they get ridiculed for it. But look who's laughing now - their works are some of the most beloved and valuable pieces in the world. Take that, art snobs!

These examples demonstrate how the success of art is influenced by a variety of subjective factors, including the tastes and opinions of critics and audiences, cultural and historical contexts, and the ability of artists to promote themselves and cultivate connections within the art world. While technical skill, originality, and emotional impact may be important factors in creating art, they are not the only determinants of success.