EXPOSED

In general terms, the art of San Miguel can be categorized as either professional or non-professional, and a good deal of the art that is shown in San Miguel by non-professional artists is simply not ready to be exhibited in public. The quality is sorely lacking. It does not meet the standards of what any reasonable person would consider acceptable. When I walk about town and see inferior work I ask myself, as would anyone, why is this person putting their art work on public display? What motivates them? Sheer egotism? An overwhelming need to see their name in print? Exposure? Indeed, this is not the right kind of exposure. I feel for them, for making themselves so vulnerable. They’ve exposed themselves to ridicule. People wouldn’t say it out loud, because no one wants to say anything negative, but you can bet that people are thinking it. And like a rotten apple it leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and in a far-reaching way it damages the person’s name and reputation, and it ever-so-slightly tarnishes the reputation of San Miguel as a center for art of the hightest calibre. And when enough people add just a little to the negative, it grows and gathers momentum. After all, we do want San Miguel to be known as a world-class home for great art. So, dear non-professional artist, please think twice and make sure your work is ready before you hang it up on the walls of a cafe, store, or any other venue. It’s commendable that you are opening up your creativity, but you need to work harder to make your art better before you give it a public showing.