In this chapter, I found it intriguing how an artist’s fears of acceptance and approval can have a significant impact on their trust in their own abilities and work. Surprisingly, this phenomenon goes beyond the art world and is something that (I think) all of us experience in society. It seems to be part of our human nature to seek validation from others.
One point discussed in this chapter resonated with me—the idea that an artist’s creations may initially go unnoticed, only to gain widespread recognition many years later. This made me think about the bandwagon effect. However, in this case, it’s the audience who seeks acceptance and approval, not for their own work, but for their interpretations of the artist’s creations (approval from one another). However, I believe that this delayed acceptance and appreciation of art can’t be solely attributed to the bandwagon effect. Personally, I think that some people may not fully grasp the depth and meaning of art when it is first presented to them. It is only over time, with increased exposure and familiarity, that they begin to find personal significance and meaning in the artwork. This could be another reason why art often captures public attention years after its initial introduction.