What Makes Great Art?

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As an artist, the moment you release your work to the public you subject yourself to criticism, judgement, and the infamous; hate. In many ways, some would argue the value of your art is determined only by those who will buy or invest. But then again, how do we place value on timeless works like a drawing from your toddler or your first self-portrait? Classics are not only of valuable but deeply significant. However, how do we measure the value of art that isn't for sell? Here are some questions I like to ask myself when evaluating art.

• What emotions are coming up for me?

  
  

Great art should evoke some sort of emotion. Powerful work leaves an unforgettable impression. Deeply impactful and moving artwork has the power to breathe new life in your veins. Ground-breaking art can open your mind to a new thoughts, unsettled feelings, disturb normalcy, bridge partnerships, even end wars. How we view art ultimately shapes our world.

Naomi and Her Daughters, 2013 - Kehinde Wiley | This image does not belong to me.

In his work, Naomi and Her Daughters, Kehinde Wiley provoked feels of entrapment, saddeness, hopelessness, and yet he reminded me how these emotions at times can protect us. Our emotions become like superpowers, guiding us through life. In all ways - I am truly grateful for this piece. Wiley's work has become like a staple, grounding me and keeping me safe within my inner most thoughts.

• What do you think the artist is saying or expressing?

"The American People Series 20: Die " -- Faith Ringgold | This image does not belong to me.

When artwork can stimulate new ideas, bring attention to current events, express a storyline, and/or take a political stance — this is truly compelling. Faith Ringgold’s successful attempt at creating motion through her piece, The American People Series 20 : “Die” —  sparked important conversations around war, diversity, and violence.  Really good art can have countless interpretations, however, great art is conceptual and intentional.

"Art is a form of experience of the person, the place, the history of the people, ..." -- Faith Ringgold.

• Could the average person recreate the same work? Is the art influential?

"Comedian" -- Maurizio Cattelan | This image does not belong to me.

"Warhol was proof that you can be revolutionary without being militant." - Maurizio Cattelan

When Maurizio Cattelan’s viral artwork, titled “Comedian,” became quite popular many people often asked the question “How?” How on earth did an elementary school project become arguably one of the most expensive pieces of our generation? As viewers, we can clearly see his presentation didn't involve much artistic mastery. — This is when we ask ourselves, what is the artist's intention? Diving deeper into an artist’s process is what makes the experience truly profound.

When was the last time you released an article worth reading? A track worth listening to? … ; Worth getting to know?