You Take the High Road

by Kristin Maija Peterson | | Art History

What’s the Difference Between “High Art” and “Low Art?”

Low art is a term I was unfamiliar with until I read a post written by artist Breanna Rhodes via Heijeu Arts Central. She recounts in her article how her art professor told her she made low art. It just about crushed her. Had I been told the same thing as a junior in college studying studio art, that label would have crushed me, too.

Having a B.A. in Art History, it’s embarrassing not to know high art vs low art. I am familiar with and fluent in most art movements from pre-Columbian to Pop.

As a visual artist, I can only claim a broad category of art called contemporary. (Someone did give me the title of post-modern ecological artist, and I thought, ” Wow, would anyone understand that?”) I often wonder what art movements and terms are at work today.

Professor G. James Daichendt defines low art as a concept that typically refers to pop culture and entertainment. Low art is used derogatorily because of its mass appeal.

High Art vs Low Art: Where Did These Terms Come From?

High art and low art aren’t the best descriptors. Generally speaking, high art refers to painting, sculpture, and music, and the study of these disciplines. Art that is classified as high art is made to carry a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. This explains all the esoteric analyzing of artworks written by art critics I read in college, and I found it difficult to understand what “the hey” they were talking about.

Low art, by contrast, was to differentiate between classical methods of making art and textile art. Low art class came about during the Arts and Crafts movement. We all probably know the movement’s champion as William Morris. Yet, many of us love William Morris designs and have them in our homes.

Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes (1964) and Campbell’s Soup Can (1962)

Today, High Art vs Low Art — The Lines Are Blurred.

Although the masses can easily digest low art, its quality and craftsmanship are often superb. I think of stunningly designed quilts and the beautiful little ceramic bowls I collect from artists. Many considered low art pieces, such as Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes, are showcased in museums. Jeff Koons’ everyday larger-than-life balloon sculptures, each worth upwards of 58 million dollars, are, by definition, “low art.”

Jeff Koons ’ colossal Blue Balloon Dog, 1994-2000

Young emerging artists grew up with the Internet, a conduit for the masses. It’s no wonder these artists reflect our times of connection via technology in startling ways, as Warhol reflected his times with his Campbell’s Soup Cans paintings in the 1960s. We now have an array of digital and meme art taking up space in galleries alongside paintings.

Artist Erin M. Riley at the P.P.O.W. Gallery in New York City, her work illustrates our intimate, everyday relationships with technology.

Artist Christine Wang’s Feminist Memes.

While painting is considered high art, I think of oils in particular, followed by acrylic painting, basically anything on canvas owns that description. Watercolors and works on paper have often been seen as artist sketches and studies before creating the real deal on canvas. Doing watercolors was a casual plein-air pastime for the elite and eventually accessible to everyone. Looking at watercolors as art for the masses, I make low art.

Another art form that I have been studying for the past 2+ years is surface pattern design. By definition, this is low art, as its end goal is to decorate everyday objects, from textiles to wallpaper and gift wrap.

Perhaps the better terms might be classical art and vernacular art instead of high and low art. Then again, high and low are easier to digest and will remain blurry at best.

Final Thoughts on High Art vs Low Art.

Majored in Art History, I have some of the old baggage regarding art labels and movements. Art terms tend to be subjective and can be harmful to artists. Terms create a barrier for regular people who don’t know anything about the art world but know they love the art when the art speaks to them. Art shouldn’t be exclusive (or intimidating). The post title, while meant to be tongue-in-cheek, really should mean art is art, free of being pigeon-holed into a category, and that’s taking the high road.

If this post made you think, you might enjoy diving into these:

Reflections. We All Start At Zero. How I began my career as a full-time artist and the journey so far.

Artistic Freedom. Reflecting on the freedoms I have as an artist working today compared to artists of the past.

Or maybe you would like to take in some art. View the Artist Catalog.

What’s In An Artist’s Signature?

by Kristin Maija Peterson | | Art History

Two recent events triggered this sidebar question: “When did artists begin signing their artworks?” One is my reading of The Art Forger, an entertaining thriller given to me over the holidays.

The other is a news item about a group of artists filing a class action lawsuit in California on Friday, January 13, 2023, against the text-to-image generators Stable Diffusion and Midjourney for copyright infringement. The fact that artificial intelligence is being used to outright copy or render paintings in an artist’s style is unnerving.

When Did Artists Begin Signing Their Artworks?

The short answer: During the early Renaissance, that is, the 15th century. Artist signatures became prevalent as art production shifted from guild systems to individual artists. A signature was a means of differentiating one’s talents from those of lesser peers. The cultural climate was ripe for this shift as the combined influences of an increased awareness of nature, a revival of classical learning, and a more individualist view of man took hold.

My art history brain kicks in. Were there more reasons for signing artwork? How did artists sign their work? I discovered some answers that made me regard my artist’s signature from a new perspective.

Reasons for Signing the Artwork.

A signature is a unique extension of the artist. An artist’s signature is like a calling card, the one consistent element given to each piece an artist creates. Signing a painting claims ownership and authentication, giving it additional value and marking it as a complete, sellable piece.

Signatures can be part of the artistic process. When an artist signs their work, it can be a note-to-self that the piece is complete and the artist has declared it so; therefore is no need to rework or retouch any part of it.

Signature with Notes.

We typically think of artists’ signatures appearing in the lower right of a painting. However, some artists used their signatures as an extension for record-keeping. Artists have used the backside of paper and canvases to not just sign their name but to include the time, place, medium, dedication (especially if it is a portrait), title, and list of colors used to paint the piece.

Ways Artists Used Their Signatures.

There is no shortage of ways an artist might use their signature. Artist and renowned expert John Castagno produced 17 reference books cataloging artist signatures throughout history. For museums, galleries, and collectors, an artist’s signature is a way to date artwork. One of the more unusual signatures is that of James McNeill Whistler, who used a butterfly motif not only for his art but in personal correspondence.

Of course, some artists’ signatures become as famous as the artists themselves. Albrecht Dürer’s famed monogram is seen prominently on everything he created, from printed masterpieces to quick sketches. His “AD” trademark was so admired and popular that Dürer went to court in both Nuremberg and Venice in a successful bid to protect his authorship. Perhaps this is the first notable case of an artist’s copyright.

There were conditions when a fake artist’s signature could be used for good intentions. Works by Jewish artists doctored their signatures to non-Jewish names so that their work would not be destroyed by the Nazis during World War II.

Contemporary artists have equally varied reasons and ways of signing their work. I love it when an artist works their signature into the composition instead of opting for the classic lower-right placement. Artists will sign their work on the front, others sign on the back, and some do not sign their work at all. Other artists, like street artist Banksy, are so famous that they no longer sign their work. To sign or not to sign is the artist’s personal statement.

My Artist’s Signature.

My own artist’s signature is a monogram that began to emerge right around the time I started drawing. I use the block letter K (for Kristin) in the hand-drawn block letter style my father used when I was growing up. Later, I added the double circle to give it a symmetrical, symbolic feel. I drew this monogram signature on finished watercolors with a No. 2 pencil. Not all were successful, and rather than feeling like I spoiled the painting with a botched circled K, I standardized it by digitally rendering it.

I only use the digital format to sign scanned images I post online, as shown in the above examples. For original pieces, I sign with my circle K rubber stamp on the backside alongside my name spelled out in No. 2 pencil. As a common practical marketing practice of today’s artists, I paste my business card on the back of each framed piece.

Then I declare the piece finished. (But not complete. The work has to be shown, seen, and experienced by others to feel it’s complete.)

Parting Thoughts On Artist Signatures.

There were moments when I thought I would change my artist’s signature and move away from the double circle K. Then I had to ask myself why get rid of something with history, ties to my father (who is also a practicing artist and art historian), and is uniquely me. Right.

POST SCRIPT: I have begun adding a little bird silhouette in my watercolor paintings as an alternative signature on the front side of my pieces. The little bird has personal significance to me. The circle-K signature is reserved for the back sides of paintings and drawings, and on digital versions of my work.

Related Article: His Signature Work: Artist John Castagno spent decades documenting the signatures of other artists — creating an indispensable collection for galleries, auction houses, and museums.
Courthouse News, Pat Pemberton, Friday, October 11, 2024.

Your Turn.

Do you sign your artwork? How do you sign your artwork? Do you think an artist’s signature is still relevant in today’s art world? Has your artist’s signature changed over time, and if so, why? Do you feel your signature adds value to your work? Do you look for the artist’s signature when viewing artworks at a museum or gallery? Post your answers in the comments. I would love to hear your thoughts and insights.

Thanks for reading. Till next time, keep the creative spirit, be kind to the earth, and especially be kind to yourself.

If this topic piques your interest, you might enjoy these, too.

You Take The High Road. What’s the difference between high art and low art? Let’s find out.

Reflections. We All Start At Zero. An artist’s career journey, the personal connection to her father, and her art practice.

Artistic Freedom. About an artist’s relationship to their own work and identity.