ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jason Brinkerhoff's Artistic Engagement with Historical Masters

artist · 2026-04-23

Artist Jason Brinkerhoff explores the complex relationship contemporary creators have with art history, contrasting it with the audience's more straightforward appreciation. Drawing from composer Morton Feldman's observation about differing attachments to the past, Brinkerhoff examines how artists must critically engage with historical masters rather than simply admire them. His work investigates the tension between reverence and the necessity for artistic evolution. This conceptual framework informs Brinkerhoff's practice, which navigates the legacy of canonical figures while establishing a distinct contemporary voice. The artist's approach suggests that creative progress requires a dynamic, rather than fixed, relationship with artistic heritage.

Key facts

  • Jason Brinkerhoff is an artist
  • The article references composer Morton Feldman
  • Feldman commented on differing relationships to art history between artists and audiences
  • Brinkerhoff's work engages with historical masters
  • Artists have a more complex relationship with the past than audiences do
  • Audiences can maintain simple attachments to favorite masters
  • Artists must critically engage with rather than simply admire historical figures
  • The article appears on artcritical.com

Entities

Artists

  • Jason Brinkerhoff
  • Morton Feldman

Institutions

  • artcritical

Sources