there's a distinction between "art" and "the art world", which is what you're talking about here. same as the difference between music and the music industry.
it's probably tricky being a "serious" artist, how far to you allow yourself to sell out in order to make it. many/most of them start off scrappy, independent, rebellious, DIY...and later when success and recognition start to roll in, they can get sucked into the art world machinations and seduced by the attention and free things (invitation to a week at a collector's summer house in the Hamptons or south of France, a seat on a private jet to go see the Venice Biennale, etc.).
some artist also start to realize the only way they can achieve their vision for a large-scale, significant piece of work is to have a patron, be it a rich collector or large global gallery like gagosian or white cube. there are always strings attached.