Pretty Art That Pleases Everyone Is Rarely Remembered

Blog 8 of 10 from the Truth Bomb Series by Jools Teare

Look, there’s nothing wrong with a nice painting.
But if your biggest goal is “would match Karen’s throw cushions”...

Darling, you’re making décor—not art.

I said what I said.

Pretty, safe, and inoffensive art might sell fast.
But will it haunt people? Will it challenge them? Will it live rent-free in their emotional attic for the next ten years?

Unlikely.

Because art that tries to please everyone ends up with no teeth.
And I don’t know about you, but my art has fangs.

🛋️ Beige Art Belongs in Waiting Rooms

Let’s talk about the kind of art that gets described as:

• “Nice”

• “Easy to live with”

• “Soothing”

• “Tasteful”

You know who loves that stuff?
Estate agents.

And listen, I get it. Not everyone wants Divine in a tutu staring them down over breakfast.
But the truth is:

Safe art gets forgotten.

The things that stick—the pieces that make you stop, stare, feel weird, grin, cry, text your mate—those are the works that make a bloody impact.
And impact doesn’t come from playing it safe.

🖌️ Not Every Viewer Has to Clap

Real art isn’t about applause—it’s about connection.
And if you’re truly connecting? Some people will get uncomfortable.
They’ll mutter things like:

• “I don’t get it.”

• “That’s a bit much.”

• “Wouldn’t have that in my house.”

Perfect.
They’re not your audience.

The ones who are your people will see that bold, messy, loud, too-much work of yours and whisper:
“Oh. There I am.”

And that’s the stuff people remember.

🧨 Art That Divides, Survives

Think about it:
The artists we adore now—Frida Kahlo, Tracey Emin, Banksy, Warhol, even bloody Basquiat—
They weren’t making art that blended in with the wallpaper.

They were making art that said:
“I exist, and this is what it costs.”
“I feel everything and I’m not fucking sorry.”
“I’m going to piss you off before I pretty you up.”

And we remember them because of it.

👑 Your Job Isn’t to Please—It’s to Be Honest

If your art isn’t true, it won’t be powerful.
And if it’s not powerful, why are you making it?

I’d rather sell one print that makes someone ugly cry than ten prints that match the hallway paint.

Because I didn’t come here to blend in.
I came here to punch holes in the surface.

And so did you.

💭 Power-Up Prompt:

What part of your art are you sanding down so it’ll “fit in”—and what would happen if you stopped doing that?

💋 Want Art That Dares to Be Remembered?

I don’t make safe, soothing wall candy.
I make riotous, unfiltered, glitter-fuelled truth bombs with a side of sequins.
Start your collection of bold.