The Potential Future Trends in the Art Industry: Analysis of Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of the Modern
Lillie Plummer Bliss, one of the founders of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of modern art in the United States. Her visionary act of leaving a large part of her art collection to the museum laid the foundation for its future development. The exhibition, Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of the Modern, brings together 40 works from Bliss’s collection, showcasing her support for groundbreaking artists such as Paul Cézanne, Odilon Redon, Georges-Pierre Seurat, and Pablo Picasso.
The Importance of Lillie P. Bliss’s Contribution
Bliss’s unwavering support for modern art during a time when it was often met with suspicion or ridicule was crucial. By declaring that these artists had something worth saying and deserved the freedom to express themselves, Bliss championed the artistic innovation happening in her time. Her generous gift allowed MoMA to not only preserve and exhibit her collection but also to fund new acquisitions. Notably, the sale of some of Bliss’s works enabled the acquisition of Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting, The Starry Night.
Despite her significant contribution to the history of modern art in the United States, Bliss remains under-recognized. This lack of recognition is partly due to her desire to stay out of the spotlight, as evidenced by her request to burn her personal papers at the end of her life.
The Future Trends in the Art Industry
The exhibition, Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of the Modern, not only sheds light on Bliss’s remarkable contributions but also prompts us to reflect on potential future trends in the art industry. These trends can be summarized as follows:
- Increased Recognition for Female Contributors: Bliss’s story exemplifies the under-recognition of female figures in the art world. As we move forward, there is an opportunity for the industry to rectify this historical bias and give due recognition to the countless women who have made significant contributions to art.
- An Emphasis on Art Collections: Bliss’s gift of her art collection to MoMA highlights the importance of private collections in shaping the future of museums and artistic heritage. With rising art prices and limited public funding, art collectors may play an increasingly pivotal role in preserving and expanding cultural institutions.
- The Intersection of Art and Philanthropy: Bliss’s philanthropic act paved the way for MoMA’s growth. In the future, we can expect to see more philanthropic individuals using art as a means to support cultural institutions and foster artistic expression. This intersection between art and philanthropy has the potential to create sustainable models for artistic development.
- Digitization and Accessibility: As technology continues to advance, the art industry will likely witness a significant shift towards digitization and increased accessibility. Virtual exhibitions, online collections, and interactive experiences will make art more accessible to a global audience, transcending geographic barriers.
- Art as a Medium for Social Change: Bliss’s support for groundbreaking artists demonstrates the transformative power of art in challenging societal norms. In the future, we can expect artists to continue using their work to drive conversations around social and political issues, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Recommendations for the Art Industry
Based on the identified trends, the following recommendations can be made for the art industry:
- Enhance Representation: The industry should actively work towards recognizing and promoting diverse voices, including women and underrepresented communities. This can be achieved by showcasing a wider range of artists in exhibitions, curatorial positions, and gallery representation.
- Cultivate Art Patronage: Cultivating relationships with art collectors and patrons is crucial for sustaining the growth of cultural institutions. Museums and galleries can explore innovative ways to engage with collectors, such as offering exclusive access, personalized experiences, and collaborative opportunities.
- Invest in Digital Infrastructure: It is essential for art organizations to invest in digital infrastructure that enables online exhibitions, virtual collections, and interactive platforms. This will expand the reach of art and engage a broader audience, including those who may not have access to physical art spaces.
- Promote Artists as Agents of Change: Supporting artists who use their work to address social and political issues is crucial. By providing platforms and resources, the art industry can amplify these voices and facilitate meaningful conversations that contribute to social change.
The future trends in art, as exemplified by Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of the Modern, offer new opportunities and challenges for the industry. By recognizing and leveraging these trends, the art world can continue to evolve and thrive, ensuring the preservation and growth of artistic expression for generations to come.
References:
– Museum of Modern Art. (n.d.). Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of the Modern. MoMA. Retrieved from: [https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/5115](https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/5115)
– Miller, M. (2016). MoMA’s founding women hailed on its latest opening night. New York Post. Retrieved from: [https://nypost.com/2016/10/20/momas-founding-women-hailed-on-its-latest-opening-night/](https://nypost.com/2016/10/20/momas-founding-women-hailed-on-its-latest-opening-night/)