ARTIST PORTFOLIO TIMOTHY VON RUEDEN

There’s a question that we like to ask artists. It’s a slightly awkward and admittedly, slightly pretentious question. Sometimes the answer will be short, evasive, diplomatic. Other times the answer will be long, theoretical, philosophical. Either way, directly or indirectly, the answer always tells you something interesting about the artist and their work. The question is this: what’s the difference between good art and great art?

Timothy Von Rueden understands – and partly agrees – with the usual objections to this question: that art shouldn’t be judged, that art is subjective. “However,” the American artist says, “over the years, I’ve found everyone actually does have an opinion, but it’s taboo to share that opinion with others. I do believe there is a difference, and this belief often gets me in trouble.”

“Everyone has an opinion, but it’s taboo to share it with others”

Timothy doesn’t have an “official job.” He doesn’t answer to clients or art directors. He doesn’t have to adapt his style to fit game developers or animation studios. So it may seem like Timothy has no problem giving an honest