Why We Don't Need To Be Snobby About Art
I want to talk about the idea that all art must have some deep, philosophical meaning to be valuable and the snobbery that surrounds it.
Now, firstly, I want to be really clear - I love meaningful art! Art that tells a story, makes a statement or challenges society? Fantastic!
But you know what else is fantastic? Art that looks good on your wall and makes you feel happy every time you walk past it. 😍
When I was at the preview evening for the pop-up gallery I've been exhibiting at this month, I noticed that there were a couple of us whose art was more 'interior led' than that of some of the other artists there. And I have to admit that at first I felt like my paintings weren't 'worthy' enough to be there.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that this is just silly - different people will be attracted to different types of art. And that's great! I've sold a couple of paintings at this gallery, so some of them are attracted to mine (it's wonderful to know that there are likeminded people out there, who love the same things I do!) And for those that don't feel drawn to my paintings, there are other artists to make the type of art that they like.
Somewhere along the way, we started treating art like it needed to come with an essay explaining its significance. As if a painting isn’t worthy unless it references the struggles of the human condition or subtly critiques capitalism.
Again, that’s all great (really, I love a thought provoking piece as much as anyone), but why do we sometimes act like art that’s beautiful is somehow lesser? Is there something wrong with just loving something because it makes your space feel calm, cosy or uplifting? I don't think so...
Art Doesn’t Have to Be a Puzzle to Matter
Have you ever walked into a gallery, tilted your head at a piece, and thought, "What am I looking at?" Maybe the description next to it used words like ‘juxtaposition’ and ‘dissonance’ and you nodded like you understood - we’ve all been there. But sometimes, you don’t want to have to decode art. Sometimes, you just want to look at a painting and feel something - without needing an advanced degree in art theory to explain why.
That’s where decorative art comes in. It’s not lesser. It’s not shallow. It’s just a different way of experiencing creativity. Sometimes, an artist (hi!) just wants to create something that brings a little joy into the world, and makes it a bit more beautiful, no existential crisis required.
Why Beauty is Enough
We don’t question the value of a beautiful view, a stunning sunset, or a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, do we? Nobody stands in front of a cherry blossom tree and asks, "But what does it mean?" It just is, and that’s enough.
Art can work the same way. It can be a visual sigh of relief after a long day. It can brighten up a dreary room. It can make you smile,
Why Beauty is Enough
We don’t question the value of a beautiful view, a stunning sunset, or a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, do we? Nobody stands in front of a cherry blossom tree and asks, "But what does it mean?" It just is, and that’s enough.
Art can work the same way. It can be a visual sigh of relief after a long day. It can brighten up a dreary room. It can make you smile,
Why Beauty is Enough
We don’t question the value of a beautiful view, a stunning sunset, or a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, do we? Nobody stands in front of a cherry blossom tree and asks, "But what does it mean?" It just is, and that’s enough.
Art can work the same way. It can be a visual sigh of relief after a long day. It can brighten up a dreary room. It can make you smile regardless of whether it makes you think more deeply or not.
And let’s be honest - if art didn’t serve a decorative purpose, interior designers would be out of a job. People want their spaces to feel good, and beautiful artwork plays a huge role in that. It’s part of creating an environment where you feel happy, inspired or at peace. It turns your room into your own little sanctuary...
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And let’s be honest - if art didn’t serve a decorative purpose, interior designers would be out of a job. People want their spaces to feel good, and beautiful artwork plays a huge role in that. It’s part of creating an environment where you feel happy, inspired or at peace. It turns your room into your own little sanctuary...
And let’s be honest - if art didn’t serve a decorative purpose, interior designers would be out of a job. People want their spaces to feel good, and beautiful artwork plays a huge role in that. It’s part of creating an environment where you feel happy, inspired or at peace. It turns your room into your own little sanctuary...
But What About ‘Serious’ Art?
Now, before anyone accuses me of dismissing meaningful art, I do want to say that art can be political. It can be emotional, raw and deeply personal. Some of the most powerful pieces in history are the ones that challenged the way we think about the world. And that’s incredible!
But here’s the thing - art doesn’t have to do all of that to be valid. It’s okay for art to exist on a spectrum. One piece can shake the foundations of society, while another simply makes you want to skip out the door because the spring colours make you so happy. We need both.
Decorative Art: Not Just ‘Filler’
There’s this weird idea that decorative art is just ‘filler’ - something you slap on the wall because it matches the couch. But what's the alternative? Imagine walking into a room with totally blank walls. Feels a little cold, right? Now, imagine that same space with artwork - colours that make you feel good, brushstrokes that draw your eye in, a piece that makes the space feel complete. That’s not ‘just filler’ - that’s the power of decorative art in action.
Decorative art adds warmth, personality and energy to a space. It creates an atmosphere. And if a painting makes you feel something - even if that ‘something’ is just a sense of calm or joy - that’s a win as far as I'm concerned.
The Myth of ‘Real’ Art
Another weird myth? The idea that only certain types of art count as ‘real’ art. As if something has to be conceptual, abstract or dripping with symbolism to be taken seriously. But, like humankind, art is meant to be diverse. If it speaks to someone - whether through deep meaning, pure aesthetics, or somewhere in between - it’s doing its job.
Think about the art that makes you happiest. It might be a famous masterpiece, but it might also be a painting you found at a local market, or a print you saw online and instantly fell in love with. The value of art isn’t measured by how much you have to analyse it (or how much it cost) - it’s measured by the way it makes you feel.
Let’s Stop Apologising for Liking Pretty Things
Have you ever felt the need to justify why you like a piece of art? Maybe you caught yourself saying, "I know it’s not high art, but I just love the colours!"
That’s a completely valid reason to love something! We don’t owe anyone an explanation for what brings us joy.
So let’s stop apologising for liking art that makes us happy. Let’s stop treating beauty like it’s a guilty pleasure. If a painting makes you feel good, or a little less stressed, that’s enough, no further explanation needed...
Let’s Just Enjoy Art Without the Snobbery
At the end of the day, art can be something we enjoy - it doesn't have to be something we feel pressured to ‘understand’ or justify. Whether it’s a politically charged masterpiece, a deeply personal expression, or just a really lovely painting that makes you smile, it’s all valid.
So go ahead - forget about the snobs and fill your home with art that speaks to you, and reflects your own preferences and personality. Whether it’s bold and statement making, fun and uplifting, or soft and serene. Whether it challenges the world or simply makes it a little more beautiful. Because if it makes you happy, that’s all the meaning it needs.
