The Concepts of Self-Promotion Have Evolved:
* Early 20th Century: The idea of artists actively marketing themselves wasn't as widespread. There was more emphasis on artistic communities and patrons, rather than individual branding.
* Today: Self-promotion often involves social media, online platforms, and strategic marketing campaigns, which were non-existent in their era.
Pollock and Stein's Approaches:
* Jackson Pollock: While he was known for his rebellious nature, he did participate in exhibitions and engage with critics. He also had relationships with prominent figures in the art world, which helped his work gain exposure.
* Gertrude Stein: Stein was a highly intelligent and influential figure. She cultivated a social circle of artists and writers, and actively sought out publication and recognition. She used her connections and writing to create an image for herself.
It's More About Building a Legacy:
* Pollock and Stein were both interested in pushing artistic boundaries: Their focus was on creating groundbreaking art, not necessarily on building a personal brand. They were more concerned with achieving artistic recognition than with being "famous."
* Their work and actions contributed to their lasting fame: They built their reputations through their artistic output, relationships, and participation in the art world. This is, arguably, a form of indirect self-promotion.
Conclusion:
It's difficult to label their actions as "self-promotion" in a modern sense. However, they were both highly conscious of their public image and worked strategically to create a legacy for themselves. Their approaches to achieving recognition and influencing the art world were a combination of artistic talent, networking, and a calculated understanding of the dynamics of the artistic scene.