The people who make art their business are mostly imposters

The people who make art their business are mostly imposters

Pablo Picasso, one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century, is often quoted as saying, "The people who make art their business are mostly imposters." This statement, coming from a man who dedicated his life to creating groundbreaking works of art, may seem surprising at first glance. However, when we delve deeper into the context of Picasso's life and career, his words begin to make sense.

Picasso was a revolutionary artist who constantly pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms. He was a master of multiple styles, from Cubism to Surrealism, and his work continues to inspire and influence artists to this day. However, despite his undeniable talent and success, Picasso was no stranger to criticism and controversy. Throughout his career, he faced accusations of plagiarism, exploitation, and even fraud.

One of the reasons why Picasso may have made the statement that "the people who make art their business are mostly imposters" is because he himself experienced firsthand the darker side of the art world. As a successful artist, Picasso was constantly surrounded by critics, collectors, and dealers who sought to profit off his work. He was often pressured to produce more art, to cater to the tastes of the market, and to conform to the expectations of the art establishment.

In this context, Picasso may have felt that many of the people involved in the art world were more interested in making money than in creating meaningful and authentic art. He may have seen them as imposters who were more concerned with their own agendas than with the true spirit of artistic expression.

Furthermore, Picasso's statement can also be interpreted as a critique of the commodification of art. In today's art market, where works of art are bought and sold for exorbitant prices, it can be easy for artists to lose sight of their original intentions and artistic integrity. Picasso may have been warning against the dangers of selling out and compromising one's artistic vision for the sake of profit.