Mainstream art often exists in an echo chamber. It spoon-feeds us what we want and what we expect. On the other hand, there’s subversive art, which serves an entirely different purpose for both the creator and the consumer. It can be weird. It can be ambiguous. It can be profoundly unsettling and unfun. Most importantly: It doesn't promise mindless escapism and entertainment. But that doesn't mean it's pretentious or disingenuous. Often, the very opposite is true. Subversive art brings us closer to, not further from, the reality in which we live. And if we can crest its learning curve and embrace its initially frustrating qualities, we can discover an entirely new toolset for understanding and appreciating creative expression—thereby enriching our lives.