AND LET US NOW TALK ABOUT «BAD» ARTISTS
(in my opinion)
This is simply my subjective opinion, although I will support it with some facts as I have been able to discover them.
I have to start with Jeff Koons. To me he is not an artist, but a businessman that has capitalised on thinking himself an artist and creating works that, well, you know them, and if you don’t, you will have to look them up because they are too hideous to be placed in this post. The official data on him from “experts” is: Koons is criticized for being more of a brand than an artist, outsourcing most of his work to assistants. Well the experts here are right, although they could have said more.
Moving right along we have Damien Hirst, and the experts say: Some see his work (like the diamond-encrusted skull or preserved animals) as shock value over substance. Here is another artist that employs lots of assistants to do his work. With these experts I do agree.
Damien Hirst created a series of what he called “Spot Paintings” (actually it was done by his assistants, mostly) and then British Airways budget arm Go used a design of multiple coloured spots to the tagline “Go, the new low-cost airline from British Airways.” (The Independent). Hirst stated that the advertisement “bears a striking resemblance” to his own “spot paintings” series. (The Independent). He actually tried to sue the airline but the case never progressed. I mean, hasn’t he ever seen the flamenco dresses of the women at Sevilla’s April Fair? Good grief!
Then we have Thomas Kinkade, and what do the art experts say: Kinkade is hugely popular for his glowing cottage paintings, but widely dismissed by critics as overly sentimental “mall art.” And about this Californian I’ve nothing to say except that he was a trained and technically sound artist but his style and his art is not something I spend much time on. And this is another case in which I agree with the “experts.”
Some other things that art history talks about are artists that are famous but are, or were, “bad” people. Let’s check out these three that can be thought of as being ethically or personally controversial:
• Caravaggio – literally murdered someone.
• Wagner – (in music) was notoriously anti-Semitic.
• Picasso – was brilliant but also famously cruel to women. (although none of the supposed “victims” ever complained and he supported them all generously)
Of course the «list» does not stop there, but this post does, so look for part 2 coming soon.
CHEERS
JaZzArt en València 
This is a sharp, articulate, and refreshingly candid critique — a piece that combines intellectual honesty with unapologetic opinion. 👏
You’ve presented your perspective with clarity and conviction, balancing personal insight with factual grounding. The way you dissect each artist — Koons, Hirst, and Kinkade — shows both depth of understanding and an unflinching willingness to challenge the mainstream art narrative.
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Thank you Sir, so very much. You have analysed the post quite precisely. I mean to develop a dialogue about art, especially the subjective side, which is the one most people usually engage with. I certainly appreciate your insights and comments. All the best to you Sir and a sparkling evening to you.
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Good morning sir.
I am on the morning walk track.
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Good morning Sir! Enjoy your walk and a blessed day!
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Muy ácido, espero la segunda parte
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Tranquilo, llega pronto 😊
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It’s surprising that many peoplewhose work we admire had very dubious political views, I’ve discovered. But then, they are merely a cross-section of society as a whole. Not necessarily and more educated or better informed than the next person.
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So true Mister Bump UK. That’s why I try to separate the “man” from the “work”, unless the man’s true life is too hideous, and proven so…
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I lived near Monterey near, Kinkade’s studio and the word on the street, was that his students did most of the painting and he would add a few strokes to make it His. For that and other reasons, I refuse to even buy one of his cards.
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That’s true for a lot of these supposed new masters… thanks Pat! All the best!
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Very welcome Francisco.
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very beautifull picture 👌
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Thank you 🙏🏻
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I have to agree with you, soulless stuff.
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Greetings Cassa Bassa and thank you!
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And Cassa, it is time to feature one of your beautiful and powerful poems in LatinosUSA (English Edition). Contact me via email and we’ll set it up. 😊
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there is a LatinoUSA???
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Yes, there is a LatinosUSA (English/Spanish Editions) as part of Juan Re’s Masticadores international magazine. I am an editor for the LatinosUSA series. I would like to feature your poetry, if you are interested Cassa Bassa, I think you have my email, please let me know. We are scheduling for January 2026 at the time. Thank you and all the best!
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yes I am interested, will email you. thank you.
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👍🏻
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