The Role of the Artist (Howard Becker)

Howard Becker's "The Role of the Artist" emphasizes that artists do not create in a vacuum; their work is shaped by social context, interactions, and cultural norms. Artists are part of a community and respond to its influences, opportunities, and constraints. Their identity and success depend on relationships with audiences, critics, and other stakeholders. Instead of viewing artists as solely individual geniuses, Becker highlights how social processes, collaborations, and feedback shape artistic creation and recognition. This perspective encourages understanding art as a dynamic, socially embedded activity rather than a solitary act of inspiration.