Why is it that we rarely hear about groundbreaking painters, sculptors, or architects in the same way we once did? When we think of the greatest artists, names like Picasso, Van Gogh, and da Vinci immediately come to mind.

Art has always been a reflection of human emotion, culture, and passion. Throughout history, certain artists have stood out so much that their names have been remembered for centuries. When we think of the greatest painters, sculptors, or architects, names like Picasso, Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Michelangelo immediately come to mind. Their works are studied, admired, and seen as masterpieces that shaped the course of art history. But why does it feel like we no longer have artists reaching this level of recognition? Why don’t we hear about painters or sculptors today making the same lasting impact?

It’s not because talent is lacking—far from it. In fact, with the internet and social media, we now have access to more artists than ever before. There are incredibly skilled creators online, some of whom many would argue are just as good, if not better, than the historical greats. Yet they don’t receive the same widespread recognition or long-term impact. Why is that? Has society lost its appreciation for deep, meaningful art? Or has social media fundamentally changed how we view creativity?

Has Passion Faded? The Difference Between Artists Then and Now

One of the biggest reasons why modern artists don’t seem to achieve legendary status is that art is no longer pursued in the same way it once was. Artists of the past dedicated their entire lives to their craft, often working in isolation and without any real expectation of fame. Their passion for creation was deeply personal, and they weren’t making art just to get attention or approval from others.

Take Vincent van Gogh, for example. He painted more than 2,000 artworks in his lifetime, yet he only sold a few paintings while he was alive. He wasn’t in it for money or fame, he painted because he felt compelled to create. As he once said,

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” -Vincent Van Gogh

Now, let’s compare that to the modern artist. Instead of focusing on one masterpiece for months or years, artists today are expected to constantly produce new work to stay relevant. The pressure of social media means artists have to post consistently to keep engagement up, which often forces them to prioritize quantity over quality.

Because of this, the entire creative process has changed. Instead of artists making art because they love it, many now feel like they’re making art just to keep up with trends and algorithms. The passion that once fueled artistic breakthroughs is often replaced by the need for likes, followers, and viral success.

Social Media and the Death of Deep Artistic Appreciation

Another reason why modern artists don’t reach the same level of fame as historical figures is that social media has completely changed how we consume art. In the past, people had to visit museums, galleries, or private collections to experience artwork. This meant they would take their time to look at the details, absorb the emotions, and truly appreciate the creativity behind a piece.

Now, most people see art by scrolling past it on a screen in under three seconds.

Social media has conditioned us to want instant gratification. Instead of analyzing a painting’s symbolism or depth, we quickly decide if we like it, maybe hit “like,” and then move on. The way we engage with art has become superficial.

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

But how can art do that when it’s reduced to a quick post in a feed? How can art have a lasting impact when people don’t take the time to truly experience it?

Another major issue is that the sheer amount of content on social media makes everything feel temporary. Even if a piece of art is incredible, it’s easily buried under thousands of other posts within a few hours. Unlike the paintings in museums that people travel across the world to see, digital art is often forgotten as soon as something new pops up.

The Algorithm Controls What We See

In the past, artistic fame was determined by experts, critics, and cultural influence. Today, it’s determined by social media algorithms.

Algorithms decide which posts get seen and which ones don’t. They prioritize engagement, meaning the posts that get the most likes, shares, and comments are the ones that spread. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the best art rises to the top, it just means the most popular art does.

This is a big problem because true creativity often goes against the grain. Historically, the greatest artists were the ones who introduced something new and challenged what people thought was possible. When Impressionism first emerged, artists like Monet and Renoir were mocked because their paintings looked unfinished compared to traditional art. But over time, their style became one of the most celebrated in history.

Now, imagine if Monet had been on Instagram, posting his work for the first time. Would he have gained recognition, or would he have been buried under posts that looked more familiar and trendy? Would Van Gogh’s bold and unusual color choices have been celebrated, or would they have been ignored in favor of whatever was trending that week?

When social media decides what’s worth seeing, true artistic breakthroughs become harder to achieve. Instead of people exploring new and different forms of creativity, they are shown whatever the algorithm thinks they will engage with the most. This discourages originality and makes it harder for artists who don’t fit the mold to get noticed.

Art Has Become a Product Instead of a Passion

Another major shift in the art world is that creativity is increasingly treated as a business rather than an emotional or personal experience. Of course, artists have always needed to make a living, but in the past, art was seen as something sacred, something with deep meaning and purpose. Now, it’s often reduced to a product for sale.

With the rise of NFTs, AI-generated art, and mass-produced digital prints, art is now seen as a way to make quick money rather than something with lasting cultural significance. Many artists feel pressured to create work that is easy to sell rather than work that truly represents their creative vision.

This shift has made it harder for groundbreaking artists to emerge. The great artists of history weren’t focused on mass production; they were focused on expressing something deeper. Leonardo da Vinci spent four years painting the Mona Lisa, obsessing over the smallest details. Michelangelo spent years sculpting the statue of David, ensuring that every inch was perfect.

Today, an artist spending four years on a single painting would likely struggle to stay relevant. In an online world that rewards speed and constant output, patience and depth have become rare qualities in art.

How Can We Bring Back True Artistic Greatness?

Despite these challenges, true artistry isn’t gone, it’s just overshadowed. There are still passionate, dedicated artists creating incredible work. But to give them the recognition they deserve, we need to shift how we view and appreciate art.

✔ Encourage artists to create from passion, not for trends. The best art is made when it comes from genuine inspiration rather than external pressure.

✔ Slow down and truly appreciate art. Whether it’s in a museum, an art book, or online, take the time to engage with it deeply instead of just scrolling past it.

✔ Support artists beyond social media. Attend local art shows, buy directly from independent artists, and explore their work outside of algorithms.

✔ Challenge the system. Instead of only engaging with what’s popular, seek out new, different, and unique artistic voices.

✔ Disconnect from social media sometimes. By stepping away from the constant flow of content, we can rediscover what creativity truly means.

“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” – Salvador Dalí

That’s the kind of art that changes history. Not the kind that gets the most likes, but the kind that moves people on a deep, emotional level.

The legendary artists of the past weren’t trying to go viral. They were simply creating from a place of passion. And if today’s artists can return to that mindset, if they can break free from the pressure of algorithms and trends then maybe, just maybe, we will see the rise of the next great artistic movement.