But here’s where things get complicated. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about what’s "good" and "bad" art. Galleries, critics, social media influencers, and even school curriculums try to shape our tastes, often making us second-guess what we genuinely like. If you've ever hesitated before admitting you love a painting, sculpture, or digital piece because it doesn’t align with some invisible standard, you're not alone.

So let’s break this down and, more importantly, liberate you from the unnecessary pressure of "getting it right" when it comes to art.

The Myth of "Good" and "Bad" Art

First off, let’s tackle the idea that some art is objectively better than others. Sure, technical skill exists. A Renaissance oil painting takes a different kind of expertise than a minimalist line drawing. But does complexity equal greatness? If that were true, then the Mona Lisa would automatically be better than a Basquiat, and a hyper-realistic portrait would always be superior to an abstract expressionist piece. But we both know that’s not how art works.

Art isn’t a math equation; it’s an experience. And experiences are personal. What resonates with you might bore someone else to tears. That’s not a flaw. That’s the whole point.

Consider music. Some people love classical symphonies, others swear by punk rock. Who’s right? Neither. Because taste is not a universal truth. It’s individual, emotional, and influenced by personal experience.

The "Emperor’s New Clothes" Phenomenon

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but some art seems deliberately pretentious—like it’s daring me to call it out as nonsense." You’re not wrong. The art world has its share of people who thrive on exclusivity, making you feel like if you don’t "get it," you must be uncultured. That’s the "Emperor’s New Clothes" problem.

A perfect example? The banana duct-taped to the wall at Art Basel. Some called it genius. Others called it an expensive joke. Here’s the thing: both opinions are valid. If someone saw it as a witty commentary on consumerism, great. If someone else saw it as an overpriced prank, also great. There’s no universal rulebook that says one of them is wrong. The only real mistake? Assuming you need permission to form an opinion about art.

Why You Should Trust Your Gut

You don’t need an art degree or a critic’s approval to know what you like. Your taste—yes, yours—is completely legitimate. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore different styles or learn more about art history. Expanding your perspective is always valuable. But at the end of the day, if something speaks to you, that’s all that matters.

Have you ever walked into a gallery, seen a piece, and felt something stir inside you? Maybe nostalgia, maybe curiosity, maybe even irritation? That’s art doing its job. It’s supposed to make you feel something. If you love it, great. If you hate it, equally great. The worst response? Indifference.

Some of the most celebrated artists in history were ridiculed in their time. Van Gogh? Hardly sold a thing in his lifetime. Monet? Critics laughed at his "unfinished" paintings. Picasso? People thought he was out of his mind. Yet today, they’re revered. The lesson? Public opinion is unreliable, and trends shift. What’s dismissed today might be celebrated tomorrow. So why wait for someone else to validate what you already enjoy?

Breaking Free from "Art Snobbery"

The art world has a tendency to make people feel unwelcome. Fancy gallery openings, price tags with more zeros than your bank balance, critics using words that require a dictionary—it's easy to feel like an outsider. But here’s the thing: art belongs to everyone, not just an elite few.

You don’t have to explain why you like something. You don’t have to defend your taste. You don’t even have to understand why an artwork speaks to you. Sometimes, connection is beyond words. And that’s perfectly okay.

The only question that truly matters when it comes to art is: Do you like it? If the answer is yes, that’s all the justification you need.

Buy What You Love, Not What You’re Told to Love

And now, the most important takeaway: if you love a piece of art, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, a digital print, or even a quirky thrift store find, if it makes you happy, it belongs in your life.

Too often, people hesitate to buy art because they worry about whether it’s "good enough" or "valuable enough." But what’s the point of surrounding yourself with things that impress others if they don’t bring you joy? Your home, your space, your taste—it’s all yours.

If a particular piece makes you smile, makes you think, or makes you feel anything at all, that’s reason enough to claim it as your own. Forget trends. Forget "expert" opinions. Forget whether or not it fits into a traditional definition of what’s considered "high art." The only thing that matters is that it means something to you.

So go ahead. Buy that weird sculpture. Hang up that painting that doesn’t match your couch. Fill your space with art that speaks to your soul, not just your social feed. Because in the end, the best art isn’t the one with the highest price tag or the most prestigious gallery—it’s the one that makes your world feel a little more like you.

And that? That’s priceless.

-Peter Von Hauerland