Invitation to the world's largest gallery
Just this once, just this once, we'll overlook the fact that social networks like Facebook are companies that make money from their members' data. On the other hand, every social network also gives us the chance to show the world everything we're particularly proud of. And this gallery doesn't have to be limited to kitten pictures or selfies. How about some art, for example?
Josephinum, Vienna
With this post, we would like to invite you to the world's largest and most diverse gallery, where anyone who wants to can exhibit their work – and quickly see how it is received through "likes" and comments.
There are small and large groups that specialize in specific subjects or styles, and there are professionally specialized groups—for example, graphic facilitators—where participants show each other current projects, give each other tips, and help with questions. (And yes, of course, there are plenty of not always pleasant groups that are particularly passionate about or against this or that—but they're not the topic here. No.)
Backyard, Kathmandu
There are also competitions: under the hashtag #artchallenge, for example, Facebook participants are nominated and asked to show three of their works each day for five days and then nominate someone new…
And the longer you look around, the clearer it becomes that here on Facebook, alongside (too) much advertising, there is also a very vibrant subculture that shows us things we would probably never otherwise see.
Pub, Arizona
Let's just take the group "Urban Sketchers" : Theoretically, we can take a look into the sketchbooks of almost 30,000 people from all over the world who draw, paint and sketch their surroundings (all over the world).
Art exhibition, worldwide
Not all 30,000 constantly deliver something new and consistently great. In fact, what we see is sometimes unpleasant and painful.
Beggar, India
But in return, we gain insights into the diversity of "real life" that we could never achieve even with extensive travel. Street scenes in China, kitchens in Mongolia, construction sites in Belgium, people on public transport, whether in Los Angeles, Hamburg, or Dnipro – each of us can visit this gigantic (and constantly updated) exhibition free of charge. If we want, we can even exhibit our own work. Don't worry – there's no gallery owner or art critic here to tell us that's not possible.
What are we trying to say? Quite simply: Grab your sketchbook and get started. The world is waiting for you!