A lot of any kind of popularity might work in this way, not just Art! Did people truly think that 70s hair looked incredible? You might enjoy the work of Pierre Bourdieu, who writes about these issues in depth. There is a reason mass media works.
On the other hand, there is a social context to style and taste - we grow up in a certain aesthetic environment, and may feel true attachment to that, although a large part of it because we grew up with it! So the two factors of authentic enjoyment and social influence don't necessarily need to be in conflict.
Finally, a lot of things are popular for the straightforward reason that large groups of people actually like them. It doesn't even mean they're good. I can't stand most of the best-seller novels personally, but enough people buy and read them. A "Live Laugh Love" piece is probably more popular household item than a given print from Picasso..
Edit: You might also be interested in checking out Rene Girard, with his theory of desire and mimicry. Why people might imitate high-brow tastes etc.
On the other hand, there is a social context to style and taste - we grow up in a certain aesthetic environment, and may feel true attachment to that, although a large part of it because we grew up with it! So the two factors of authentic enjoyment and social influence don't necessarily need to be in conflict.
Finally, a lot of things are popular for the straightforward reason that large groups of people actually like them. It doesn't even mean they're good. I can't stand most of the best-seller novels personally, but enough people buy and read them. A "Live Laugh Love" piece is probably more popular household item than a given print from Picasso..
Edit: You might also be interested in checking out Rene Girard, with his theory of desire and mimicry. Why people might imitate high-brow tastes etc.