Opinion: The art world, like any industry, has limited bandwidth. We need to be focusing on why certain artists receive disproportionate attention in the news, not just accepting it as the status quo. Are we truly celebrating merit, or are other factors at play?
Key Takeaways
- Only 13.7% of artworks sold at auction globally in 2025 were created by women, according to a recent Artnet report.
- The Getty Museum’s recent acquisition of a work by a living Black artist signals a potential shift in institutional priorities.
- Readers can actively diversify their art consumption by following art critics and curators on social media who champion underrepresented artists.
## The Echo Chamber Effect in Art News
The art world often operates as an echo chamber. Certain names – often those already established, wealthy, and connected – dominate gallery spaces, auction houses, and, consequently, art news. This isn’t necessarily a conspiracy, but rather a self-perpetuating cycle. Galleries invest in promoting artists they believe will generate returns, and the media, following the money, focuses on those same artists. Think about it: how many times have you seen articles about the same handful of blue-chip artists while countless deserving creators remain virtually unknown?
This creates a dangerous feedback loop. The more coverage an artist receives, the more their market value increases, which, in turn, justifies further coverage. It’s a system that privileges the already privileged, stifling genuine artistic diversity. Consider, for example, the frenzy surrounding Damien Hirst’s latest exhibition at Gagosian. While Hirst’s work certainly commands attention, the sheer volume of coverage often overshadows the work of emerging artists with arguably more innovative and thought-provoking pieces.
I recall a conversation I had with a gallery owner in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill art district. He lamented the difficulty of attracting media attention to his stable of talented, but lesser-known, artists. He said, and I quote, “It’s like trying to shout into a hurricane. The big names suck all the oxygen out of the room.” He was right. The art world needs to amplify more voices.
## The Role of Bias – Conscious and Unconscious
Let’s be blunt: bias plays a significant role in focusing on why certain artists get the spotlight. Gender, race, socioeconomic background – these factors all influence who is considered “worthy” of attention. A recent report by Artnet [https://news.artnet.com/market/artnet-analytics-report-gender-auction-market-2399560] found that in 2025, only 13.7% of artworks sold at auction globally were created by women. That’s a staggeringly low number, and it speaks volumes about the systemic biases that persist within the art market.
This isn’t just about overt discrimination; it’s also about unconscious biases that shape our perceptions of what constitutes “good” art. Critics and curators, often unconsciously, favor artists who reflect their own backgrounds and experiences. This leads to a homogeneity of taste and a lack of appreciation for diverse perspectives. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when trying to curate an exhibit for a large corporation. The selection committee, composed primarily of white men, consistently favored works by white male artists, even when presented with equally compelling pieces by artists from underrepresented groups.
Of course, some argue that focusing on diversity is a form of tokenism, that art should be judged solely on its merits, regardless of the artist’s background. But this argument ignores the historical context of systemic inequality. For centuries, women and artists of color have been denied opportunities and recognition. To ignore this history is to perpetuate the problem. We need to actively seek out and celebrate diverse voices to redress this imbalance. Perhaps, this is why NEA art grants have shifted.
## Money Talks: The Art Market’s Influence on News Coverage
The art market is, first and foremost, a market. And like any market, it’s driven by money. Galleries, auction houses, and collectors all have a vested interest in promoting artists whose work will generate profit. This financial incentive often trumps artistic merit when it comes to determining who gets the most media attention. You can see how networking can boost sales.
Consider the case of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). In 2021 and 2022, the art news cycle was dominated by stories about the astronomical prices being paid for digital art. This wasn’t necessarily because NFTs represented a groundbreaking artistic movement, but because they represented a new and lucrative market. The media, eager to capitalize on the hype, gave NFTs disproportionate coverage, often at the expense of more traditional art forms. Now, while NFT marketplaces like OpenSea still exist, the initial frenzy has died down, and with it, much of the media attention.
Here’s what nobody tells you: the art world is a business, and businesses need publicity. The more an artist’s work is featured in the news, the more valuable it becomes. It’s a simple equation. But it’s an equation that often leaves deserving artists out in the cold.
## A Call to Action: Diversify Your Art Consumption
So, what can we do to break this cycle? It starts with a conscious effort to diversify our art consumption. Instead of relying solely on mainstream media outlets, seek out alternative sources of information. Follow art critics and curators on social media who champion underrepresented artists. Visit smaller galleries and independent art spaces. Attend exhibitions featuring emerging artists. Also, consider that Atlanta Arts Council may be able to help.
The Getty Museum’s [https://news.artnet.com/art-world/getty-acquires-mark-bradford-2454870] recent acquisition of a major work by Mark Bradford, a living Black artist, is a positive sign. It demonstrates that institutions are beginning to recognize the importance of diversifying their collections and showcasing a wider range of voices. But this is just one step. We need to demand more from our museums, galleries, and media outlets. We need to hold them accountable for their biases and push them to create a more equitable and inclusive art world.
Last year, I had a client who felt completely overwhelmed by the traditional art world. She felt like she didn’t “get” art and was intimidated by the perceived elitism of galleries and museums. I suggested she start by exploring online platforms like Artsy and Saatchi Art, which offer a more accessible and diverse range of artworks. Within a few months, she had discovered several artists whose work she genuinely loved, and she even started collecting. The key is to find your own entry point and to be open to new experiences. You may even want to read artist profiles to find a new favorite.
We must challenge the status quo and demand a more inclusive and representative art world.
Why is it important to focus on underrepresented artists?
Focusing on underrepresented artists promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the art world, ensuring that a wider range of perspectives and experiences are valued and celebrated. It also enriches the cultural landscape and challenges existing power structures.
What are some concrete steps I can take to diversify my art consumption?
You can follow art critics and curators who champion underrepresented artists on social media, visit smaller galleries and independent art spaces, attend exhibitions featuring emerging artists, and explore online art platforms that offer a diverse range of artworks.
How does the art market influence what art gets media coverage?
The art market is driven by money, and galleries, auction houses, and collectors often prioritize promoting artists whose work will generate profit. This financial incentive can lead to disproportionate media coverage of certain artists, often at the expense of others.
What role does bias play in the art world?
Bias, both conscious and unconscious, plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of what constitutes “good” art. Factors such as gender, race, and socioeconomic background can influence who is considered worthy of attention.
How can I support underrepresented artists financially?
You can support underrepresented artists by purchasing their work directly from them, attending their exhibitions, donating to organizations that support emerging artists, and advocating for greater representation in galleries and museums.
The next time you see an article about a well-known artist, ask yourself: who isn’t being featured? Then, go out and find those artists. Your engagement can shift the narrative.
