Art and Greatness

If you were asked to name a great artist, who would it be? Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Picasso, Dalí... However, what would be the answer if you were asked to name a great living artist?

I cannot think of a single artist alive today that can truly be called great, and be mentioned in the same breath as some of the above artists. Of course, there are talented artists working today in all mediums, but how many will be remembered in centuries? The work of how many will be celebrated, treasured and enjoyed in years to come.

Is it the case that an artist is never considered great by his peers and contemporaries? This was certainly the case with van Gogh, but it cannot be claimed that it is always so. Both Picasso and Dali, along with many Renaissance artists such as da Vinci and Michelangelo, enjoyed recognition, fame and success during their lifetime.

What is the reason for this apparent lack of great artists today? Is it that we cannot recognise or appreciate the talent of contemporary artists, and the quality of their work? Will future generations see the greatness in their work, that I cannot see? Or are great artists so rare, so few and far between, that another might not come along in my lifetime?