National Gallery, London
Has it always been thus?
Curators, reviewers,
The powerful of art speak,
Control taste and fashion.
They show and write about
What they know and love.
They slam, shame, or ignore
All that doesn't fit their mould.
The buying public
Lack the confidence
To see the naked emperor,
Or to champion the under-dog.
They prefer to buy admired work.
Occasionally a person
Of vision, taste and money,
Decides to try to change
What is safe.
It can be a wise
Business decision.
It can be a disaster.
Mean-while, artists
Just continue.
We paint our visions
Despite the occasional
Flurry of reverie or disdain.