Professionalism vs. Amateurism in Art: A Critical Debate

Andrew Bernardini, in an editorial on Momus, defends amateurism in art as a guarantee of authenticity and freedom against a standardized, marketing-driven art world. He argues that professionalism turns the artist into a brand and that value should not be solely determined by marketability or institutional recognition. The article contrasts the mainstream art system, which pressures young artists to conform to a rigid program of selected exhibitions, studio visits, residencies, and gallery contacts, with the unregulated growth of amateur creativity online. Bernardini cites Alvin Toffler's 1964 essay on cultural consumption, noting that attacks on amateurs stem from fear. The crisis in contemporary art is attributed to a managerial mindset infiltrating artistic research, leading to a lack of inner urgency. The article references Peter Saul's works "Self Defense" (1969) and "Red Hitler" (1966), and quotes Marshall McLuhan's 1967 book "The Medium Is the Massage": "Only the amateur can afford to lose." The piece was published in Artribune Magazine #37 by Valentina Tanni.