There are actually three worlds, and of course they're all real, and all intertwined. First, what you call "real", obviously because you don't understand or li

There are actually three worlds, and of course they're all real, and all intertwined. First, what you call "real", obviously because you don't understand or like the other two, is popular art. The defining characteristic is that it can be enjoyed directly without much context or explanation. The second is, well let's call it academic art. It's not actually confined to universities, but the defining feature is that it is at least partially based on thinking about art, and usually challenges some of the unspoken assumptions underpinning popular art and often requires context to understand. Museums show this kind of art. The third is the "art scene". The defining characteristic is that it's driven by collectors willing to sometimes pay outrageous prices for various reasons. Galleries and dealers mostly cater to this world, and this is where "star artists" are born.