noun
devotee of the arts; art enthusiast
Refers to someone deeply absorbed in the arts, often with a nuance of being consumed by artistic pursuits. Can carry a slightly obsessive or eccentric connotation.
彼はまさに芸の虫で、一日中絵を描いている。
He is truly a devotee of the arts, painting all day long.
芸の虫と呼ばれるほど、彼女は音楽に没頭している。
She is so absorbed in music that people call her an art enthusiast.
Compound of 芸 (gei, 'art') and 虫 (mushi, 'insect'), literally 'art insect'. The metaphorical use of 虫 suggests a person who is 'bitten' or consumed by artistic passion, similar to expressions like 本の虫 (bookworm).