Outsiders, or if we can even call them outsiders, are people that are not in touch with art in their daily lifes. Most of the world’s population are outsiders, outsiders of the art bubble that me and my fellow study colleagues live in. Therefore art means something vastly different depending on who you ask. For those not deeply immersed in the art world—people without formal ties to design or creative professions—art is often seen through a lens shaped by tradition, practicality, and relatability. Outsiders offer a refreshing and grounded perspective that challenges some of the more abstract ideas cherished within artistic circles.
Art Is About Skill and Accessibility
During my interviews, a recurring theme emerged: art is widely perceived as something requiring skill—a talent that sets the artist apart from the average person. My grandfather, for instance, emphasized that art involves the ability to create something extraordinary, something that not everyone can do. He struggled to see the artistic merit in works like a banana taped to a wall, dismissing it as requiring “no skill” and therefore is no art.
This sentiment was echoed by several other participants. For many, art seems tied to exceptional talent, something not everyone can do. The idea of “everyday objects” as art—like a used coffee cup displayed in a museum—left most interviewees unconvinced. While they acknowledged that “art lies in the eye of the beholder,” they found it difficult to reconcile the notion of ordinary objects being elevated to art without an obvious display of skill. It seemed like the phrase was engraved in their brain and they quote it whenever they get in contact with art, but they do not truly believe it as their opinion was crystal clear.
The Role of Context: Where Does Art Belong?
Another recurring idea was the importance of context. Most interviewees agreed that they rather see art in curated spaces. My cousin, for instance, felt that while art can exist anywhere, the act of placing something in a museum adds a layer of legitimacy. He even acknowledged that something like the Mona Lisa as a graffiti piece on a wall could be considered art, but he felt it would lose some of its significance outside the Louvre.
This view speaks to a broader discomfort with the idea of art that exists outside traditional frameworks. While street art like Banksy’s is gaining recognition, many outsiders remain skeptical of its value compared to art in established institutions. The museum acts as a gatekeeper, separating “real art” from everyday clutter. Does that mean outsider have a harder time seeing art and therefore tend to oversee it?
The “Crazy Artist” Stereotype
Interestingly, a few participants expressed a belief that the art world is dominated by crazy individuals. My mother described a fine line between art and madness, suggesting that only crazy people see some of the more unconventional works as art. A friend of mine, agrees, for him art must not only display skill but also be visually pleasing and “nice to look at”.
This perspective highlights a gap between the general public and contemporary artists who often embrace ambiguity, abstraction, and even discomfort in their work. The idea that art should be “beautiful” or “understandable” is a hallmark of how many outsiders view the artistic experience, contrasting sharply with the avant-garde’s push to challenge norms and provoke thought.
“Das kauft ja keiner.”
Lastly, there was a recurring association between art and economics. Some participants viewed art as something that should have a practical or monetary value. “Art must make money,” one interviewee stated, reflecting a pragmatic perspective that ties art’s worth to its ability to generate income.
This view may stem from the perception that art is an elite pursuit—something disconnected from everyday life. For outsiders, the economic aspect makes art more relatable, as it connects it to the tangible world of work and value.
Picasso is an artist; an used coffee cup is not
The outsider perspective on art offers a fascinating contrast to how those in the art world often think. For many, art is defined by skill, beauty, and practicality. Everyday objects or conceptual works struggle to find acceptance without clear intent or craftsmanship. The museum retains its role as a legitimizing force, while the “crazy artist” stereotype persists, further distancing the general public from more experimental forms of art.Ultimately, for those not embedded in art’s everyday discourse, art remains tied to tradition and relatability. Picasso is an artist; a crumpled coffee cup is not. This grounded view serves as a reminder that while art can push boundaries, it must also connect with the broader public to truly resonate.
