Money Finds a Way

            Art has taken a long and twisted road to its place in the world today. The road has always been filled with greed however never as overtly as during the recent era of consumerism. The relocation and display of art works began as the spoils of war. It was a way for the victorious country to display the works taken from a nation defeated in battle. Museums were first constructed in the late 1800s. As can been seen by the MET and other museums they were often very impressive structures. The daunting and powerful appearances of these museums contributed to the art viewing experience. When one enters one of these structures it gives the feel of entering a very important area equivalent to that of a government building.

            Later came the growth of galleries which differed in many ways from museums. First galleries are often much smaller structures and rather unimpressive from the outside. The inside differs as well; it often highlights the more contemporary works of art. There are many critics of galleries however they are important in providing access to the public and a venue for art that otherwise would not be deemed worthy of museum space.
            Galleries and museums in fact complement each other. Galleries provide the access and place for “newer art”. While, museums continue to provide a standard and “weed out” fads and place the proper emphasis on movement and works as well as provide proper historical context. Simply put the gallery is about access the museum is about status. Despite complementing each other they also compete.

            Galleries breed collection, greed and according to many art critics the improper spike in the art market. While muesuems struggle to afford new works of art as a result. Art for some has lost its true soul and became about making money. Major works are now purchased by the independently wealthy and major shows sponsored by corporations. However, in the world today it is in no way unique to art. Take for example, college football’s bowl games. The Rose Bowl which is in its 97^th year is no longer the Rose Bowl but rather the Rose Bowl presented by Vizio. The best seats for the Rose Bowl? They don’t go to the most devoted and intense fans but rather expensive corporations that reward costumers and try to land new clients.

            Whether art or sports or some other genre it is an unfortunate reality of today’s world that money will always find a way to take precedent.