ANTI SOCIAL MEDIA

A blog post long overdue, caused by frustration of the so called SOCIAL MEDIA.

The Technology that connect us also controls us, manipulates us, polarizes us, distracts us, monetizes us and divide us.  

It looks like Ai and the Algorithms are out of control and have taken over our lifes. No wonder why the world is going crazy these days.

The big TECH companies might have had good intentions to start with. But then they saw the potential, they forgot their intentions and got greedy. . . And never looked back.

 If you haven't seen this documentary, you should.

For TECH companies, the Investors and shareholders are more important then the actual users. They seem to forget that without the users aka all of us, they would not survive.

But the effects of the Algorithms and Ai are now starting to show everywhere. 

-Recent studies has shown it is having a detrimental effect on especially children and young peoples health. Luckily some people and countries are starting to realize that. -And are taking action!                                                                                   

 -Even adults are affected without realizing it: The Algorithms are noticing all what you do, like and look at ONLINE. -And they just give you more and more of the same, good or bad. 

The hate and polarization is especially pronounced in the USA, where if you look at conspiracies f.ex., the Algoritms just keep feeding you more and more of the same. Without even realizing it, you are suddenly brainwashed and ended up in a Rabithole.

Google, META, Apple and Microsoft are all very eager to make our life easier, apparently. But the more they rely on Algorithms, the more automated everything becomes, it gets easier for them and the can make more money with less effort.

Even streaming companies like Netflix is using the algorithms. . . They want to know what you like - Thumbs up or down or no interest -so they can give you more of the same or not.

It might be very convenient for some people, but I want to be able to choose from all the content and not only from what movies the Algorithm think I might like. I find this very annoying!

I looks like progress for progress' own sake is more important, then to find out if it will benefit or not. I don't think growt is the answer to everything - especially in the Western world. We need to find better solutions and consolidate instead.  

I am just wondering where it all will end, if we let these Companies do what ever the like. I think we all need to unite and hold these Companies accountable and responsable. 

I wonder, if I am the only one who cares about this issue?

If you care about the future, you have to speak up and get involved. YOU can not just sit back, taking everything for granted, if you want things to change for the better - you have to voice your concern or do something.

ABOVE & BEYOND

Finally this series of five small abstract square paintings are done. They took quite some time, because they were resting in between multiple layers of acrylic paint were added.

It is always a good idea to do that, because your perspective might change and you see them differently.

They were all imagined and inspired by our magical universe, hence the title. For me personally, painting like that, is escaping daily life for a brief moment of time. 

There is no right or wrong way to look at them. They leave plenty of room for different levels of interpretation and are just meant to make you wonder and reflect. 

 If you take your time and immerse yourself for a moment, you might also be transported somewhere else.

Above & beyond, by John F. Clément 2024

So, why don't you take your time next time you encounter some abstract Art. You will get surprised about what Art actually can do. That is the beauty of it.

Comment below and let me know what you think.

See you soon on a more serious subject. Stay tuned!

GALLERI PROJEKT - AN INSTALLATION

A post about a past Exhibition, before the internet. Luckily I took some photos to document it.

See my RESUME for more context.

CONCERN was the title of this installation I did in 1995 at Galleri Projekt in Copenhagen, where I lived at the time. 

After participating in some group shows at the Gallery, I was given this opportunity by my late artist friend, Ann Susan, who was the owner.

The Gallery was a place for both established and emerging artists. 

As an artist herself, Ann Susan were primarily a proponent of installations and experimental art that would use the whole space optimally. She was never afraid of giving newcomers a chance.

My concept for this installation, was to create Artworks out of scraps; giving it a new lease of life by staging it and putting it into perspective, to make visitors think about consumption and waste.

Here a series of found scrap mounted on some brass boxes, giving it a new lease of life.

From a previous group exhibition, two big metal reliefs mounted on heavy wood frames, were created as symbolic crosses.

 

 A sculpture put together of found scraps, also symbolizing a cross.

The Gallery unfortunately closed a few years ago, due to both Ann Susan and her husband Claes's retirement and she passed away in 2023.

Comment if you have some memories or have had interactions with the Gallery.

ARTISTS SECRETS

Today I will touch on something I have been frustrated about for a long time. Something that nobody rarely talks about in the art world. -But am I really the only one?

Like me, most artists are doing what they do, because they really can’t help it and need to express themselves in some way. 

But, the thing is, there is a lot of expenses involved in being an artist. The reality is, that art materials, like paper, paint, canvases, framing and so on to produce art, are very expensive these days.

It can be quite frustrating, because you have so many ideas and perhaps a vision you would like to pursue and share with the world. But, if you are not able to show or sell your art work, you can't really afford to go on. 

Then you start to question yourself, are you good enough? -Are your paintings any good? You get discouraged and it gets to a point where you are considering to stop producing artworks. 

 Le Sentier, a diptych in Oil and Cold wax by John Frantsen 2021

 

I wonder, could it be, there is something wrong with the way the Art world is working generally today?

I definitely think, something is missing in the education system.

Artists need to get a clear understanding of what it takes to make a living as an artist. 

It’s not enough to have talent or join an Art academy or -school, to just practice and get better. Artists need to learn how to manage their art career. They need to know about what the possibilities are. How important marketing and exposure is. How and where to exhibit and sell their work.

I have a few suggestions! The Art scene could be much more supportive in reaching out to upcoming artists, in addition to selling established artists. 

Both established artists, associations and Galleries could invite new artists and arrange group shows, exchanges, networking events as well as invite Art critics, Galleries and the right audience.

Online presence is another option. But, it is not enough to have a website. If you do not have SEO (Search Engine Optimization) included, it is almost impossible to be found among 10.000 of similar websites. 

But, if you have a lot of followers and can turn them into loyal clients via a Newsletter/E-mail list, you might have a chance of making a living out of it.

I also wonder why platforms like ArtMajeur, Art finder, Saatchi etc. doesn't do more to rotate the Artists, instead of just promoting known or already big sellers. Especially when you pay.

So, what to do?

Are you a fellow artist? How do you cope? -and do you have something to add or suggest? I would appreciate some feedback in the comments. Let's exchange!

COLLAGES FROM THE PAST

Thought I would make a separate post about these collages that I made many years ago, instead of displaying them under Original Art in the main Menu.

The Collages illustrates a certain mood and some reflections that I had at this point in time. In a way they are Timepieces. Maybe you can relate somehow. Let me know what you think, in the comments. 

All collages by John Frantsen