What is the purpose of an artist statement?

The primary purpose of an artist statement is to explain the concept of the artwork and the artist's choices when making the artwork. An artist statement provides insight into the artist's intentions, themes, and creative process, allowing viewers to better understand and engage with the work. It is not meant to dictate what viewers should think or to serve solely as a factual list of details about the artwork. While an artist may touch on political stances or specific mediums, the main focus is typically on the underlying ideas and motivations behind the art.