Rester plasticien quand la notoriété ne fait plus partie du champ des possibles

Abstract

This text analyses the conditions for maintenance of activity by modest artists in the second part of their careers who, despite an absence of income associated with their artistic practice and a low level of recognition, continue to define themselves as artists. This article is based on two studies by interviews carried out among artists and professionals of art. Access to recognition presupposes successfully overcoming a certain number of hurdles by actors of legitimation of contemporary art. In the light of this model of professional ascension, as they advance in age artists who do not move through the various levels of recognition will end up consigned to the professional failure side. How, consequently, is one to continue to call him or herself an artist or maintain creative practice despite limited recognition and the impossibility of living from one’s art?

Keywords

• career
• interrelationships of social times
• art
• recognition