How the Internet is Dismantling the Ivory Tower of the Art World

How internet has irreversibly transformed the landscape of art

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For centuries, the art world has been like an “ivory tower” — a space controlled by a select few. Think about it: elite institutions like museums and galleries, along with prestigious critics, decided what art was valuable, who counted as an artist, and which works deserved recognition.

But now, thanks to the internet, that old power structure is being turned on its head. Independent creators have unprecedented access to global audiences, and the grip of institutional gatekeepers is slipping.

So, let’s see how the internet is “killing” the ivory tower in the art world.

What does this mean for artists, collectors, and our culture as a whole?

1. Direct Access to Audiences

In the past, artists needed to be accepted by a gallery or receive the endorsement of an art critic to gain visibility. The internet has removed that barrier. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok allow artists to directly share their work with millions of people.

Art is no longer confined to galleries — it’s on your smartphone, laptop, or social…