Mad Ricky's Cloud Triumph

The article "The artist in the age of collapsing democracy" argues that contemporary art, detached from social reality and dominated by market forces, is failing to address the critical issues facing humanity, particularly the threat of collapsing democracy. It contends that postmodernism, with its emphasis on subjectivity and rejection of objective truth, has contributed to this detachment, leading to an artistic landscape characterized by cynicism and indifference. The author criticizes the art world's obsession with celebrity, financial speculation, and superficial trends, arguing that it has stifled genuine artistic expression. They highlight the dominance of corporate patronage and the influence of wealthy collectors, which prioritize profit over artistic merit. This environment, the article asserts, fosters a culture of careerism and conformity, discouraging artists from tackling controversial or politically charged subjects. Furthermore, the text suggests that the retreat from objective truth has weakened art's ability to expose the realities of social inequality, political corruption, and the rise of authoritarianism. The author believes that artists should abandon their detachment and embrace a more engaged and critical perspective. They contend that true artistic expression must be rooted in anger and partisanship, actively challenging the existing state of affairs and advocating for social change. The article emphasizes the necessity of finding concrete social and political bases for changing the status quo, suggesting that only through passionate and engaged art can the dangers of collapsing democracy be effectively addressed. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/09/owdl-m09.html