April 26, 2010 by Luca Francioso

There is a strange limbo in which an artist can be found at the beginning of his public proposal, a first stage of recognition, where forms of evolution are unusual and closely linked to the means of the market it addresses. The artist who finds itself within this invisible perimeter can be defined as “emerging”. But what does this term mean? What Is really an “emerging” artist?
I think an explanation is necessary because the term “emerging” causes a series of attitudes that the world takes, in considering anyone who is branded with this label, sometimes indelibly.
From what should one emerge from? Anonymity? So we need to swim to the surface to breath and remain constantly and painfully to the surface to be noticed?
It seems so, scrolling all the artistic disciplines.
But attention is really so hard to get that only if you “emerge” you’re worthy of consideration?
Considering that talent is not always synonymous of fame and vice versa, then what does “emerging” mean?
I think it’s a pretty important fact, not only for the etymology of the word, but for the consideration and respect that this label gives the artist in question, especially to the eyes of the buyer.
Most of the times it is hard to acknowledge the right value to an emerging artist, cleverly using the promise (or blackmail) of giving him large visibility.
Basically, if you’re labelled as an “emerging” artist, it is entirely justified the absence of any form of payment for the benefit of a high visibility given, for which you should nearly pay yourself a tribute, in order to benefit of the given occasion .
But taking advantage of the emotions and dreams of someone by offering him a large crowd instead of a fee, by offering the saved resources to the already “emerged” artists, and, by doing so, disposing of a large number of “emerging” artists for which you receive the credit of being a benefactor, is not the right behaviour, it’s greedy and unfair.
One day I would like to see all the “emerging” artists say no to this routine, it would be the day for a change.
General public not to pay, so as to conserve resources for artists “emerged” and have both a substantial number of “emerging” to show that it leaves room for new entries, attitude is a little greedy and correct. I would one day see all the artists “emerging” say no to this routine would be the day that might change something about it.

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