Critique of Artworld Boundaries and Discovery of Alternative Art Scenes in Berlin

The author critiques the narrow definition of 'the artworld' as the infrastructure around serious, expensive art shown in major galleries, biennales, and fairs. In Berlin, they discovered a weekly video-art screening in a makeshift wasteland space with unknown artists, representing a crusty, non-glitzy art scene not listed on gallery websites. They note that many artists work outside this mainstream artworld with equal ambition but choose not to network within it. The piece references how outsider art gained recognition decades ago and how London galleries now show painters they once opposed, like Prunella Clough. Engaging with art outside one's bubble requires relying on critical faculties without institutional framing, offers entertainment value, and helps hone one's eye by exposing oneself to both good and bad production. The author suggests veering off beaten tracks can lead to discoveries and a cheerier perspective.