EP 91: Why Art Speak Persists and How to Ditch It episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 14, 2025 · 12 MIN

EP 91: Why Art Speak Persists and How to Ditch It

from Art Problems · host Paddy Johnson

What exactly is "art speak" and why do artists continue to use it when we all agree it’s creates a poor reading experience? In this podcast, I break down the inflated language that clutters artist statements—from "liminal" and "corporeal" to meaningless spatial metaphors that make work sound more complex than it is.  Drawing on Alix Rule and David Levine's landmark essay "International Art English," I explore why vague academic language emerged from 1970s French poststructuralist influence and why it's stuck around for nearly 50 years. Plus, we discuss why clarity can become your competitive advantage as AI changes how we evaluate written materials and grant competitions intensify. RELEVANT LINKS:  "International Art English" by Alix Rule and David Levine (2012)  Free Masterclass: "How to Build an Art Career When Traditional Paths Fail" - July 22nd, 7:30 PM EST Netvvrk membership: [JOIN HERE]

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EP 91: Why Art Speak Persists and How to Ditch It

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