I don't like art, and neither do you!

I want to argue that people consume art not because of the intrinsic properties of art, but because they can define themselves through the extrinsic properties of art. The intrinsic properties are those that one can perceive from the artwork itself. These include the colors of a painting, the melody of song, the material of a sculpture. Then there are the extrinsic properties: who is the artist, which orchestra is playing, what century it was created, what “original” meaning it had. These are things that are hard to directly observed from the artwork itself.

I would argue that the extrinsic factors of a piece of art far outweigh the intrinsic factors. Some aspects of the art world speak to this argument:

1. If intrinsic factors were as important as we think they were, we would see a competition for skills in the art world. The most accurate depiction of a landscape, or the cleanest soprano would be our most valued one. Of course, that is not the case, suggesting that maybe intrinsic factors are not so important.

2. On the other hand we constantly talk about extrinsic factors of art. Museums around the world exhibit more biographical writing of the displayed artist than his/her actual art. Another example are classical music radio stations around the world. In Austria, OE1 introduces every piece of classical music by mentioning the Orchestra playing, the visiting conductor, the location at which it was recorder… I always wonder whether the breakfast of the 3rd violin might also play a role in what I am about to hear.

In my mind these extrinsic factors are completely arbitrary, but absolutely crucial. The only thing that matters is that we can define ourselves through those extrinsic factors. We can learn and study the art and artist and then show off to our friends, family, and future spouse. It’s a game of “look how much unnecessary things I know about X”. This can help you position yourself in society. If you want to be an established man of culture you might want to read up on Mozart and memorize his pieces, linking them to random extrinsic factors. If you want to be a rebel go ahead and tell me how this techno DJ is resident in this S&M club in Berlin. I think its great that we can position ourselves via our costly information acquisition on different types of art. But one thing is clear: No one likes intrinsic factors of art. The only reason we consume art is to tell ourselves and others who we are via the extrinsic factors of art. I don’t believe you actually like this kind of music or that kind of painter – I think you want others to know that you like this kind of art – That’s all.

To read more on this you should definitely read Hanson and Simmler’s Book “The Elephant in the Brain”. Chapter 11 discusses Art and Signalling.