Does art exist without an audience?

Looking at art:

During the pandemic, when large groups have been prohibited from meeting, theaters, performance venues, museums and art galleries have closed. Thankfully some are slowly reopening, but others will remain closed for a year or more. Broadway theaters announced that they will close until next May. Visual artists usually work independently, but musicians and actors often perform in groups. Where does this leave artists? Many of us are suddenly without income, but money is not the only issue. What will the lasting results of this pandemic have on our culture? For artists without an audience, does all art simply become practice? 

 Work in the Studio:

My studio work has become an escape from this emotion packed time. The work continues uninterrupted while outside activities that used to require my time no longer interfere with the art making. At the same time, my gallery exhibitions, which have always provided motivation and exposure have, for the most part, disappeared. I have found that an online presence and online exhibitions have become much more important, bringing the work to a different audience. This is a time when the greatest dialogue is between me and the art in progress and as a result, I have become more aware of the art making as personal striving, independent of any audience. How has this time affected you?

Keep Your Distance, Watercolor, 14” x 11”

This painting was made in response to isolation from family and friends, but it also addresses the issue of restaurants and art venues closing. We live in a very strange time.