In "Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking," David Bayles discusses the evolving nature of art in a post-modern context. He reflects on how contemporary art often disengages from traditional audiences, focusing instead on personal expression and concepts rather than mass appeal. This shift alters the creator's relationship with their work and the intended audience, leading to a more introspective art-making process.

Bayles reinforces the idea that, as Adam Gopnik points out in The New Yorker, post-modernist art is characterized by its detachment from a conventional audience. This art form prioritizes individual interpretation and the artist's vision over communal understanding, making it less about entertaining viewers and more about exploring deeper themes. This perspective invites artists to confront their fears and motivations, emphasizing the intrinsic rewards of creation beyond public reception.