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ART DOESN'T FEEL LIKE ART ANYMORE, EXCEPT WHEN IT DOES
ART | Written: Yewayi Mushaya
12.06.2025
In a world of noise, Joanna Van Son paints with purpose
I’m no expert, but why doesn’t art feel like art anymore? It could be argued that this sentiment stems from a lack of exposure or the failure to decentre Western art; however, it feels as if there’s an era of art we’ve been robbed of, particularly anything from the Renaissance era (1495–1527) to Futurism (1909–1918).
You may be thinking: How could we be robbed of something that spanned 423 years? I mean, the artists of those times didn’t even get to experience or critique the works that came after them. And shouldn’t we simply enjoy the period of contemporary art in which we exist?
All valid conclusions.
However, this statement of mine may just be a bandage over a deeper yearning for craftsmanship and intentionality. The contemporary art era is one to be appreciated, yet it feels oversaturated with popular art. When I say, "art doesn’t feel like art anymore," it’s important to note that I’m mainly criticising visual art.
This isn’t a new debate—many have criticised the theatrics disguised as art in the modern day. Now, the dialogue has expanded to include whether artificial intelligence can genuinely produce art. Sure, one could argue it's really about the creativity of the person behind the computer, but it still feels like there’s an absence of appreciation for the craftsmanship and emotional burden it takes to create.
So yeah, art doesn’t feel like art anymore—unless we’re talking about the works of Joanna Van Son. Then that statement doesn’t hold weight at all.
Oman-born, with Venezuelan, Irish, and Dutch heritage, Joanna Van Son is a UK-based fine artist. Growing up immersed in a myriad of cultural contexts, she has cultivated an unparalleled perspective that infuses her art with an intimate understanding of beauty in unconventionality and abstraction.
Her work is deeply influenced by Baroque art and the evocative styles of Caravaggio and Cecily Brown. Joanna creates pieces that balance her love of architecture and art, blending intricate textures with layers of narrative that unfold upon closer examination.
For me, finding Joanna’s work was like hearing a language my soul recognised but my ears did not know. Her perspective and brushwork felt like nourishment for a creative hunger I had for a while.
Her art demands presence—an active engagement that slowly allows one to come to an understanding of its meaning.
It was evident that her long-standing relationship with creativity has blessed her with a unique intuition, allowing a harmonious interplay of colour, texture, and movement that left an indelible impression.
Van Son, Blue III, 2022
I remember stumbling across a reel during one of my doom-scrolling sessions on Instagram. An art curator shared advice that “young people should begin by buying from their generation—art in which they can understand and contribute to the cultural context of.”
Well, for me, when I have the luxury of investing in my first art piece, it will probably be one made by Joanna Van Son.
Unfortunately, her piece ‘Blue III, 2022’ will probably be sold by then.