Artistic Freedom and Peer Pressure to Conform

I have had a number of email debates with friends over the years regarding freedom of artistic expression and the importance of getting a show.

If your being asked to join a group in a submission process to a gallery there is naturally a certain amount of give and take as to what work should be included by each member, everyone needs to be flexible to a degree. I think thou that a line is crossed if you are asked to compromise your artistic integrity to conform to the groups theme, it is a form of control/peer pressure I have often fought against. To many the end justifies the means but at what cost? If you sell out and make photographs that fit a certain theme, but those photographs do not represent your heart, your selling out. You’re saying that having a show is more important that what I show. I believe it is more important to be true to your heart, to follow your own instincts and not sacrifice your artistic freedom to get a gallery to show your work. If your good enough and work hard enough the shows will come in due time and on YOUR TERMS.