Artists are an eclectic bunch of weirdos, aren’t we? We see beauty in strange places. Especially in our big, vibrant Facebook community—creative, imaginative art comes in all shapes and sizes.
As a moderator in the group, I see just about every reported post that comes through. Sometimes the posts are spam, sometimes it’s a violation of our sacred “scroll past” law. But, every once in awhile, the Acrylic Pouring hive starts to buzz over something truly fascinating.
“Weird” art.
What is “Weird” Art?
I’m classifying “weird” art as anything we’ve seen reported for just the simple reason that something about it makes folks uncomfortable (obviously excluding disturbing or very graphic art, that’s different). A few months back, for example, a member of our Acrylic Pouring Facebook Group (which you should definitely join) posted a pour done over a baby doll’s eyeless head. This post was reported dozens of times, and the comments were extremely negative.
“This is sick.”
“This isn’t art.”
“Disgusting.”
“I hope you get kicked out of the group.”
But….why? Why the vitriol? I found the negativity surrounding a seemingly innocent if not strange piece, extremely fascinating.
Is it Art?
One of my favorite movies, Mona Lisa Smile, asks this question. Who says something is “art”? What makes a piece “good”?
In my estimation and according to most people I’ve asked, the intensity of your feelings when you see a piece or essentially, how it moves you, is the measurement of whether it’s “good.” Even pieces that are a little strange or slightly uncomfortable have value in the feelings they provoke. Did it make you think? About what? Creating a thought provoking piece is a challenge. Creating an emotion-evoking piece is equally as challenging.
The Odd Market
Life is so mass produced these days that consumers crave something unique and thought provoking. Art speaks a different language to each person who views it, and isn’t that the magic of what we do? There are plenty of consumers looking for something a little weird, a little different. There is a definite market for strange and unusual pieces.
Final Thoughts
I say, weird is good. Create art that is genuine to your vision, don’t only create what you think others will like or what’s the point?
And remember— even if you don’t like something, you are not legally obligated to be mean about it.
Stay weird, and happy pouring!
Sara Wagner is an author and artist from Upstate New York. She is the owner of Studio Blackwater and can typically be found covered in paint, cats, or her two young daughters. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram as @studioblackwater.