Why aren't sci-fi/fantasy painters rated as great painters?

Question

I mean when you look at modern painters, everybody that does the choosing of great painters always opt for the classical type of painter; still life, portraiture, landscapes. But sci-fi/fantasy painters are some of the best anywhere and there are some really fantastic painters. My personal favorites are Frazetta, Whelan and Royo. Anyone have any more?

Answer 1

I think its because their art is utilitarian or commercial. Even though they are using imagination for the subject of the art, they don't usually establish new or innovative styles. Dali or Munch, for example, stand out as unique modern artists for their styles. Sci-fi artists are gifted, but I would be hard pressed to show a lot of variation in the past 30 years.

Answer 2

I am an artist who does museum quality oil paintings. I also do Fantastic Art following the same standards in creating these pieces, as I do my other art. (Fantastic Art is Sci-Fi/fantasy art.)

When I debuted as a professional artist, I did this in a national museum. I have had my work hang in museums, galleries and many art exhibits for which I have, 9 out 10 times, won Best In Show and other lesser awards. My Fantastic pieces have always drawn attention. When it comes to Fantastic Art, it is considered to be illustration and therefore it isn't accepted as serious art, for the simple reason being that most of this kind of art is used for book and magizine covers and for illustrating interior text. It is a commercial byproduct and considered as being disposable art. I think this is changing now. Frazetta and Royo have created the most beautiful works of art the world has ever seen and they are much appreciated. As long as there are dedicated painters who do good work, this type of art genre will find its place.

Answer 3

The reality is this: there are few good painters for starters. Most painting is hack work. You see people trained for years with absolute focu in centuries past, and while there are some who do today as, most of our attentions are over -taxed with information that is much more parceled and continuous. So now then, how do you judge Sci-fi/fantasy art? Only against previous art -- you can't relate it to objective reality to put it in a context. Only if somehow that work related directly to the human conition can you judge it's universal quality. People are interested in humanity, not speculative fiction. While there is much to say for future speculation and it's an admirable pursuit, it makes some people feel inferior to boot with the not empathizing, so you totally lose them. Now most dreamers, which is the necessary mindset, are child-like, so to speak. This is a generalization that makes you uncomfortale, but it is unfortunately true, as it has been true for most of the messiahs. This does not lend an air of credibility. Now if a specualtive fiction work of art were visionary, mature, accessible and relates primarily--in its theme!--to human nature and emotions, then it could be regarded as great and break down the barriers. I have lot of other relevant insight on this topic, eme if you are genuinely interested.

Answer 4

The sci-fi/fantasy painters are great and as with most famous artists after they die thier work will go down in history. Most of the historically famous artist died poor and pennyless. They were not concidered famous until after thier death. Then again art is speculative at best and it's the critic's that make or break an artist in a current perspective.

Answer 5

Sci fi has always been overlooked as an art form in any phase. There are some wonderful episodes of these shows out there but they hardly ever get nominated for awards. It has happend but not that often. You tell the average joe that you would rather watch Star Trek or Star Gate instead of football and they think you are a freak. Please....We are freaks??? I don't paint myself orange and grunt like an animal. I sit there and think about life and my place in the universe... I guess it is all prespective.

Answer 6

You're right on about the talent of those artists. I think sci-fi artists aren't appreciated for having genuine talent for the same reason that sci-fi authors get little respect -- they're considered to belong to a lower order of writing and art. Sci-fi and fantasy are considered to be "hack" genres and no serious writer or artist would spend his/her career on it if they want to be taken seriously, win the Pulitzer Prize, get elected to the National Academy of Arts & Letters, etc, etc. The prejudice is really stupid.

Answer 7

verify out Artemesia Gentileschi. Italian Baroque painter. the 1st woman painter to be allowed into the Academie and the 1st woman painter to be comissioned for her artwork. Her artwork has a marginally narrow scope in spite of the shown fact that it is amazingly remarkable for a woman who's in a occupation ruled via adult adult males on the time.

Answer 8

Because they are 'commercial' artists. Because they paint to order the 'art establishment' do not consider them to be 'real' artists. A 'real' artist creates his art from his own imagination. That is why so much 'art' is crap.

Answer 9

probably for the same reasons most people dont like poetry that doesnt ryhme

they are idiots/phillistines

Answer 10

Perhaps it depends on whether they are dead or alive. I believe they are more appreciated than is apparant, by people just like us.