AI explains things to me

Scales are not tipped in our favour
Megan Chapman 
2021

I asked AI to please discuss late-stage capitalism in relation to artists on Instagram. 

—

Late-stage capitalism has had a significant impact on artists, particularly those on platforms like Instagram. On one hand, social media has provided artists with unprecedented opportunities to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and gain exposure. Platforms like Instagram have allowed artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach a global audience, potentially leading to increased recognition and economic opportunities.

However, late-stage capitalism on platforms like Instagram has also brought challenges for artists. The emphasis on metrics such as likes, followers, and engagement can create a competitive environment that prioritises popularity over artistic integrity. Artists may feel pressured to conform to market trends or create content solely for the purpose of generating attention and engagement, potentially compromising their creative vision.

Moreover, the monetisation of artistic content on Instagram can be complex. While some artists successfully generate income through sponsored posts, collaborations, or selling their artwork directly, many struggle to make a sustainable living. The platform's algorithms and advertising-driven nature can make it difficult for artists to gain visibility or receive fair compensation for their work.

Late-stage capitalism's influence on Instagram also highlights issues of exploitation and commodification. Some artists may face the challenge of their work being copied, plagiarised, or exploited without proper credit or compensation. Additionally, the pressure to constantly produce and share content can lead to burnout and the devaluation of artistic labour.

In summary, late-stage capitalism's impact on artists on Instagram is a complex and multifaceted issue. While social media platforms provide new opportunities for exposure and connection, they also bring challenges related to commercialisation, competition, exploitation, and the potential dilution of artistic expression.

*It's not lost on me that the AI has most likely plagiarised and cobbled together a lot of other artists and writers' words on this subject. We also have to consider the biases of the programmers. However, I thought it was an interesting exercise and it is a subject I spend a lot of time thinking about.*

Remember folks, often exposure is code for exploitation. Just Say No! Until next week, keep fighting, and I will bring you new words and images from my own brain.

Thank you for being here.

The tea tastes good

Where my soul roams
Mixed media on canvas
24x24x2cm (framed)
Megan Chapman
£325
Purchase

How can it already be the 18th of August? I lost a good 3 weeks to Covid and now the rebuilding begins. As autumn approaches new ideas come forward - I always feel like the beginning of this season is more instrumental in creating new ways of being than the new year. A holdover from "back to school" days I am sure. I want to learn, I want to grow, I want to change in the autumn - I bought a pack of new pens and I cut my hair. I have a homemade calendar page on the fridge. I am ready.

I watch good films, I read good books, I discover new music. I watch for the first leaves to fall and note the shift in the light. I make plans for the darker days on the way. 

I work, I engage, I participate and help. I plant something silver and sculptural. I make friends and I rediscover my love of photography. The tea tastes good. I am alive. 

Small gestures
Mixed media on canvas
24x24x2cm (framed)
Megan Chapman
£325 
Purchase

It's all in the details!

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

a snapshot of the print detail from "Dancing in the Old House"

I am thrilled to share with you the incredible quality of my new prints. This print holds the essence of the original work with vibrant colour and clarity. I couldn't be happier with the outcome, and I can't wait for more folks to take the plunge and live with my art as affordable prints. 

I probably don't promote my print work as often as I should but after getting this one back from the printer I am definitely going to have to rethink that! From archival ink to heavy-weight paper, the print really speaks of quality. I love to support the local social enterprise designed to benefit and support artists that is, Bare Branding. They are wonderful printers. I'm thankful for Andrew and the team over there - they are doing important work! 

"Dancing in the Old House"

I packaged this one up this morning and posted it to Washington State. Where will I be sending the next one? 

Buying prints is a beautiful way to bring art into your life and also a fantastic means of supporting artists. When you purchase prints, you are directly contributing to our livelihood, allowing us to continue creating and sharing our vision with the world. This support can make a significant difference in our lives. 

As with original art, prints can also help us gain new patrons. When you display a print in your home or office, it serves as a showcase and can spark conversations about our work. This can lead to more opportunities for us, including commissions, exhibitions, or even collaborations.

Print buyers are valuable patrons of the arts. These buyers get to enjoy more affordable art as they build their collections while continuing to make a meaningful impact. Don't ever underestimate this! Thank you to all my print collectors past and present (and you future ones too). 

Visit my online shop to pick up your own print! I have 36 different images to choose from ranging in size and budget ranging £20-£55. https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop just click "prints" to view that section of my shop. Thank you!!

Until next week, keep fighting! 

Special thanks to collectors of my original works along with my prints and to my regular Ko-Fi crew. You all make my heart sing and keep my lights on! 

Precipice

Precipice 

mixed media on canvas

51x41x4cm/20x16x1.5"

© Megan Chapman 

Sold

I have good news to share! The painting above, Precipice, just SOLD from the brilliant SOLO gallery in Innerleithen in the gorgeous Scottish Borders! Gallerist, Kate Hayes, messaged me with the good news just a little while ago! Every time Kate messages me with news of a sale, it is a unique thrill because it feels like a real victory for us both in every sense of the word. You may recall I took my work down to Innerleithen soon after Kate opened her new gallery and as luck would have it, the pandemic hit -  changing both of our courses. However, Kate stuck with me and I stuck with her and here we are, celebrating another sale! Another painting finds just the right home. Thank you, Kate, and thank you, lovely new patron!! It is always an honour and a delight to have my work chosen and enjoyed. 

Kate has a selection of my paintings available to purchase, you can see them here. 

Dancing in the old house Archival print A3 sized/11.7x16.5"  Sold (but you can get one too!)   

In other good news (and this time back in the States) - a lovely friend from my University of Oregon days purchased one of my prints for her daughter's house in Eugene! Her daughter is now enrolled at the U of O. So I am loving this full circle moment! I just sent this one off to the printer this morning, and I am looking forward to seeing it before I sign it and send it on its way! 

I have loads of prints and small works to choose from in my online shop. I have a range of sizes and prices to fit most budgets and I can post anywhere. Visit my shop today.

Speaking of print sales, I want to thank Blunt Knife Co. again for carrying my work in their sweet shop. They have recently closed their doors on Thistle Street in Edinburgh, but I look forward to their next incarnation! They were a delight to work with - they sold a couple of my prints and called my work "subversive," so I will always love them for that. 

You can find these prints in my online shop too! 
SHOP

Last but not least, it's FREE POST weekend here in the UK. So, grab a t-shirt or tote from my Teemill shop and look cool while supporting my work and not damaging the planet. YAY! https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com 

SHOP

That's all I have for you this week, I am still in the throws of the covid funk so I am grateful to have some good news to share because honey, this shit is harrrrrrrrrrrrd.

Thanks for your support. (Especially my regular ko-fi crew)

If you are looking for a sign to not give up - consider this it. Do not give up! The world needs YOU and the gifts you bring. Keep fighting.