It is an insult to education and the sacred nature of study itself to continuously berate classicism and the ideals of the Academy. Am I not still a true artist even though I have formal training? There is a middle ground, there is a third movement to be considered.
To claim the Academy as outdated is not only false but also elitist. While the Academy needs to encourage and embrace some more modern styles and viewpoints, they are still an important tool in tastemaking and influence over the art world.
@SalonPres1889 I would be honored to be included at the prestigious Salon. I will soon be finishing some pieces I am excited to share with the Academy.