Neoliberalism, Institutionalism, and Art
Abstract
As contemporary art has expanded to encompass further disparate activities under its umbrella, the various institutions of art can be looked to as the only constant and defining characteristic of art. These institutions are often seen in sharp contrast to spontaneous collectivism, the real, and radical creativity—attributes deeply valued within contemporary art. This creates a troubling situation in which institutions are seen as limiting the possibility of what art could be, and artworks are perceived as needing to escape the very institutions which define them in order to be deemed worthy. In this structure, contemporary art follows and validates the logic of neoliberalism and its doctrine of anti-institutionalism, radical creativity, and hyper individualism. This text looks at a short overview of neoliberalism, the economic impact of neoliberalism on artists, and examines the work of artist Renzo Martins in relation to the issues of neoliberalism and institutionalism in art.