figurativepainting
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Estimated Representation of Asian Artists in Art History Books
Pre-20th Century (Before 1900s)
- Western art history books: Less than 2%
- Global art history books: 10–15% (including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Persian art)
20th Century (1900–1999)
- Western-focused books: 3–5%
- More globally aware books: 15–20%
- Asian artists became more recognized in the contemporary period, especially post-1950s.
21st Century (2000–Present)
- Traditional Western art books: 5–10%
- Contemporary/global art books: 20–30%
- With globalization, more Asian artists are included, particularly from China, Japan, Korea, and India.
Overall Estimate (From Past to Present)
- Western-centric books: ~3–5% Asian artists across all periods.
- Global/inclusive books: ~15–20%, rising in recent years.
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I’d be a little jealous if your art made it into MoMA!
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Who Killed King Ananda?
Source: https://on.wsj.com/3csjeu3
On 9 June 1946, the king was found shot dead in his bedroom in the Boromphiman Throne Hall (a modern residential palace located in the Grand Palace).
An initial radio announcement on 9 June surmised that the king was accidentally killed while toying with his pistol.
Soon after the death, the Democrat Party spread rumours that left-wing prime minister Pridi Banomyong was behind the death.
The investigation provided the fact that he died with a bullet wound in his forehead. It was proved that it was not an accident and not a suicide. One doesn’t know. … But what happened is very mysterious, because immediately much of the evidence was just shifted. And because it was political, so everyone was political, even the police were political, [it was] not very clear.
Who Owns a Country? Series: King Ananda Mahidol (พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหาอานันทมหิดล 20 September 1925 – 9 June 1946)
2021
Watercolor on #claybord wood panel
12 x 16 in.
Price: Not for Sale
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“My painting is not violent, it’s life that is violent. Even within the most beautiful landscape, in the trees, under the leaves, the insects are eating each other; violence is a part of life. We are born with a scream; we come into life with a scream and maybe love is a mosquito net between the fear of living and the fear of death.”
Francis Bacon
Study for Portrait
1977
oil and dry transfer lettering on canvas
78 x 58 1/8 in.
Price realised
USD 49,812,500
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“If I saw the art around me that I liked, then I wouldn’t do art.”
John Baldessari
Inflatable Women/Divers/Baby
1988
Black and white photographs, oil tint, and vinyl paint
91 x 72½ in.
Price realised
USD 314,500
775482691897491456
“I’d always wanted to know the difference between a mark that was art and one that wasn’t.” — Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)
Kiss III
1962
Magna on canvas
64 x 48 in.
Price realised
USD 31,135,000
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Fine vs Decorative Art
If a painting is created mainly to match a luxurious interior rather than to express something deeply personal or challenge ideas, then it leans more toward decorative art, even if it’s technically a painting. It becomes part of the decor rather than a standalone statement.
That raises an interesting question—does the intent of the artist or the way the artwork is used define whether it’s fine art or decorative art? If someone paints with raw emotion and meaning but it ends up as a luxury wall piece, does that change what it is?
Especially with modern abstract painting—it’s everywhere in high-end homes, hotels, and corporate spaces. A lot of it seems designed to be aesthetically pleasing but not too thought-provoking, so it blends into the environment rather than demanding attention. It feels like abstraction has been commercialized into a luxury good rather than a form of deep expression, at least in many cases.
Of course, that doesn’t mean all abstract art today is purely decorative. There are still artists pushing boundaries and using abstraction in meaningful ways. But a lot of what sells seems to be more about fitting a vibe than saying something.
By ChatGPT