yohoho and a hohoho
http://journal.davidbyrne.com/2007/09/09082007-the-bl.html
................"Went to see a show by Tucker Nichols, and his gallerist was thrilled by the crowds. He viewed it as "isn't it great that everyone is interested in art now!" Cindy was more skeptical — she suggested they might not all be here primarily to view art. I could see both sides: there were indeed, as she implied, a lot of people, young men and women, just hanging out, mostly on the sidewalks, hoping to "make some new friends." It's a social scene as much as anything. Art has become a thing, a life accessory, which one must become knowledgeable about. In that sense it is a lifestyle and status marker — being aware of art implies that you are refined, interesting, and possibly… rich. The comment by the gallerist also seems to imply or infer that art appreciation is somehow good for you. In fact, it might even make you a better person. The increased interest in art is not just good for his business, but for the minds and souls of the public.
I don't believe that. I don't think viewing art makes you more moral or better in any way shape or form. I believe that this idea might be a holdover from the past, when art collecting and appreciating was the preserve of the landed classes. Since — subtly now, but more obviously in the past — the upper classes let everyone know that they are more refined than everyone else, then by inference, liking what they like might make you better and more refined too. Right? Some of it might rub off. At least it would get you closer to money and power, and that couldn't hurt. Imagine if someone said that stamp collecting made you a better person."......................