When does art become vanity?

I’ve always, no matter what I’ve done, been the type that the outcome of my experience and skills will speak for itself. I’ve never felt the need to have to over compensate for lack of this that or the other thing. I also feel what I do is a reflection of myself. I’ve never been the one to want to be in the spotlight I want my work to be.

Having said that I absolutely hate selfies, videoing myself and anything of the sort. Most artists I admire and are at the top or were at the top of their game you RARELY ever saw. Almost of an enigma. Not to say it’s right or wrong or personal preference but what I’m asking is when does it stop being about your work and more about vanity? Or the need to “fill a gap” or let’s just call it like it is “thirst trap”. Are you about your art or about selling yourself instead of your work?


Yes people like to put a face to things and that I understand but is there a need to do it in every single video looking like you were “feeling yourself” that day? Again what are you selling? Do you want the focus on you or your art? As an artist when you put your work out into the ether you’re already opening yourself to criticism and public opinion. Anything extra is inviting people to do what they do best and that’s people, insert hand on face emoji. There’s positive and negative with all of it but don’t be surprised with the negative.


Sure it may gain likes and followers because, let’s face it media focuses on certain things and certain things sell more then others. Again I’ll ask what’s more important? Vanity or creativity? When does the art stop and posing for the gram start? Be honest is all I’m saying. If you’re gonna sell your art SELL YOUR ART. If you’re going to sell yourself create another page and do that. Be mindful of what you’re inviting and what you’re trying to do with either or. If not don’t criticize people that were invited into your world based on what you’re selling. Yes I know people will be ignorant no matter what but at least we can try to mitigate that by being mindful and exposing them to the thing we want to sell the most.