Who Decides What Art Is?

Stefano Monti examines the power dynamics behind defining art in contemporary society. He identifies three centers of power: political, economic-financial, and the multitude (public opinion). Despite the internet's democratizing effects, the art world remains resistant to disintermediation, relying on experts—critics, curators, gallerists—to validate artistic value. Monti argues this preserves a distance between art and the masses, contrasting with music and film where niche audiences thrive. He suggests the market's desire for guaranteed value perpetuates intermediaries, as collectors prefer works with institutional backing. Political influence is noted but often leads to propaganda. The NFT phenomenon briefly challenged this structure, but physical art remains dominant. Monti concludes that the system is too entrenched for a new 'urinal' to upend conventions.