Why it’s so hard to get press coverage
At a recent opening, I was offered money on top of whatever money I got from the publication to write a review of the show.
Now, I declined because I don’t write for any publications where this would be okay.
And it’s not really a review if I’m paid by the gallery, is it?
That’s a catalogue essay.
For ethical reasons, I would never write a “review” under those conditions.
I bring this situation up, though, because I don’t see that most small galleries have a shot at much coverage.
The trade magazines exist to serve blue chip galleries and artists. Reviews don’t garner nearly so many eyeballs as lists designed to help readers navigate a sea of artists. And no offense to the influencers out there, but an instagram review is not the same. (And often plagued by undisclosed conflict of interest.)
What is left of major media doesn’t have the bandwidth to cover the smaller shows, which leaves independent art critics, who can’t make a living off the work. So, offers like this will go further than they should in some circumstances.
The point is, I’m not sure most artists and galleries can look to trade media or mass media any more for critical feedback.
And that makes me sad, because it has an effect on the level of public discourse that can be had in the visual arts, and how culture is tested and evolves.
How does art reflect the culture?
What is that culture telling us about our values?
That we are rudderless and in need of beacons. That there is not enough support out there to make even basic navigational decisions.
This imbalance, BTW, is why I started Netvvrk, a membership for artists.
As an artist, you didn’t into this field. to become a content creator. And now that we can’t rely on press, this is what’s being asked of you by social media platforms.
You need support that gives you the means to navigate the art industry without diluting your core skills and talent.
You need the freedom to spend your time solving problems in the studio, rather than on a word processor.
And this is what high-level training gives you.
Imagine being able to participate in the critical discourse without having to sacrifice all of your time to make that happen.
I’ll be honest—I don’t major media making a return to prominence in this environment. I think it’s a set back for all of us.
But that just means we need to adapt, and create new systems that help you get the visibility you deserve for your art.
SOURCE
