The phrase "art beholden" implies a sense of indebtedness or obligation to the art world, and a lack of freedom or independence. Antonyms for this phrase could include words such as free, liberated, independent, unconstrained, or self-directed. These words suggest a sense of autonomy and self-determination, rather than being beholden to external forces or expectations. Other potential antonyms for "art beholden" might include words such as unburdened, unencumbered, unfettered, or self-sufficient, all of which imply a sense of ease or simplicity that is the opposite of the weightiness and obligation suggested by the original phrase.