Altitude Fine Art

Welcome to Altitude Fine Art and thank you for visiting our website. Please let me take this opportunity to briefly explain our gallery’s mission and purpose.

Throughout history we have witnessed many “new movements” in the Art world which frequently gained prominence by rebelling against the limitations of preceding doctrines and drawing contrasts to define a new vision. These movements were usually characterized by an unquenchable thirst in the souls of artists to discover and explore new territory. Over time a buildup of critical mass inspired larger than life characters with dynamic personalities to pave the way for innovation and the birth of new ideas.

History has shown us that when at their most profound, such movements provide extraordinary and long lasting inspiration for all human kind. The influence of the Italian Renaissance is an obvious example, and countless historians have reflected on what circumstances contributed to such an abundance of creativity in that particular period. No doubt the societal aggrandizement achieved by wealthy patrons flaunting their appetite for beauty in the commissioning of masterpieces served to focus society on the importance of Art. Even if the motivation was competitive one-upmanship, the societal effect was to engender great respect for the importance of Art and deep reverence for Art’s creators. A great debt of gratitude is owed those patrons, for regardless of personal motivation their support has enriched and inspired mankind ever since. Awe and adoration for serious talent abounded, and so Art became recognized as critical criteria for assessing the true wealth of society.

Those patrons taught us the importance of wealth as a vehicle to support the creation of Art. But what can be said when all is reversed and the marketing of Art becomes a vehicle for the creation of wealth?

It is frequently claimed that Art reflects the social mores of its time, and thus much can be understood about a society through its Art. Holding up this mirror today, there appears a danger that Art may become more a commodity than a source of profound exploration and insight. With great emphasis being placed on the investment opportunity Art may represent, a tendency develops for artists to compromise their ideals in the pursuit of wealth. Art usually suffers. The evidence is mounting that it is again time for a new movement.

What would be the logical ideals of such a movement born today, and how brilliant and enduring the work that came out of it? Imagine the possibilities if financial considerations were ignored and artists focused again on producing work that required intense discipline and called on all their talent and inspiration. Standing on the shoulders of great past masters, benefiting from rigorous study of their techniques and insight, incorporating the latest advancements and discoveries and allowing for the time, skill and patience required to execute a masterpiece, what extraordinary work would be produced? Imagine a world where to gain the reputation of being a serious artist such criteria would be obligatory. Ironically, imagine how wonderful an investment the work of such artists would become!

Altitude Fine Art is dedicated to the support of such a movement by creating an uncompromising environment where Art is a testament to the pursuit of excellence. We are proud to represent an international cross-section of highly accomplished and unquestionably talented artists, and whether or not as yet renowned, there is never doubt as to the merit of what they create. We exist to support such Art and we invite you to witness the difference as you explore the gallery. We welcome you, the next generation of great patrons. We are profoundly grateful for your interest and support as it helps our cause find its rightful place in history.

Thank you,

Christopher Rote.