Thoughts on art and globalism

I was at the Hanging Fire Exhibition at the Asia Society several months ago. During the panel discussing with artists from the show there was quite a bit of discussion on the topic of art and globalism. And audience member asked the question: “Is there a difference, or do you notice a difference in your work than that of other countries. How is your work different or do you see it as different?. One of the artists responded that “we are all part of a similar negotiation. We are all urban. As artists in an urban environment there is a greater connection in the work between an artist from Pakistan and the United States than there is within the same country between the urban artists and the isolated village crafts person.” She went on to say that with technological advancement they are exposed to the same TV shows, news and internet that Western artists are and that in the university art programs they are trained in contemporary art history. The rural craftsperson however approaches making things with a very different mindset, being more isolated from current issues and focused on tradition and craftmanship rather than concept. This separation exists within every nation. She went on to say that this question of difference between East and West is something she thinks is no longer relevant.