Friday, January 3, 2020

FAQ: Are there any artists who found success after 40?

Cydonia has a Quora Account where we help readers navigate contemporary art.  Here's our answer to:  Are there any artists who have had success after 40?


Yes!  Yayoi Kusama, Louise Bourgeois, Sam Gilliam are all artists who have had immense success. But these artists were seniors before world-wide success. Gallerists and curators have to re-discover them.
It’s okay to be an artist over 40. It’s important to try to show as often and as frequently as you can. If there are large gaps in your CV, it doesn’t look good. It’s hard for a dealer to convince a collector to buy your art if you haven’t shown in a long time.
Showing is a measure and a test of professionalism. The more shows you have, the better. At some point, hopefully, quantity turns into quality. So when you have exhibition opportunities, sign those contracts, honor them, and make the best work that you can and do it on time.