Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has articulated a strong stance on the intrinsic value of popular art, asserting its equal importance to traditional fine art. In a recent statement shared by Borys Kit on social media, del Toro passionately argued for the "enshrinement" of popular forms like comic books, drawing a compelling parallel to the historical acceptance of rock and roll music. He emphasized that these artistic expressions are not merely entertainment but deserve recognition akin to classical works and should be formally celebrated.
Del Toro's advocacy for popular art is deeply rooted in his personal and professional journey, which has consistently drawn from various forms of genre and popular culture. His renowned "Bleak House" collection, a personal museum in Los Angeles, houses thousands of items ranging from comic books and monster figures to classical art history texts, vividly showcasing his belief in the cross-pollination of genres and disciplines. This extensive collection underscores his view that artistic value transcends traditional classifications, finding profound inspiration in both the grotesque and the beautiful, the mainstream and the niche. He has consistently integrated these diverse influences to craft his distinctive cinematic universe, challenging conventional artistic boundaries.
The acclaimed director's philosophy actively rejects rigid distinctions between "high" and "low" culture, viewing all creative expression through a lens of inherent artistic merit and cultural impact. He famously stated: > "Imagine all we had was classical music. And rock and roll had never been enshrined...This is rock and roll and it needs to be enshrined," according to the tweet by Borys Kit. This powerful analogy highlights his conviction that popular art forms, often dismissed as mere entertainment, possess the same profound power, emotional complexity, and cultural significance as their fine art counterparts. Del Toro's own work, from the dark fantasy of "Pan's Labyrinth" to the stop-motion animation of "Pinocchio," consistently exemplifies this seamless fusion of folklore, horror, and profound narrative.
Del Toro's outspoken views resonate strongly within a growing global movement to formally recognize and preserve popular art forms. His significant involvement as a board member for the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles further solidifies this position, as the museum is specifically designed to celebrate visual storytelling across various media, including film, illustration, and comic art. This institutional validation reflects a broader cultural shift towards appreciating the artistic depth, narrative complexity, and societal influence of creative expressions previously relegated to the periphery. The ongoing push for the "enshrinement" of popular art seeks to ensure these culturally significant works are studied, preserved, and celebrated for future generations.