Mindless pursuit for artist to follow (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
rat race
'mindless pursuit' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'artist to follow' is the wordplay.
'artist' becomes 'ra' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'to follow' becomes 'trace' ('trace' can be a synonym of 'follow').
'ra'+'trace'='RAT RACE'
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rat race that I've seen before include "Grim struggle" , "constant effort to get ahead" , "Scramble to succeed" , "Hectic futile activity" , "Competitiveness in business - as for rodents?" .)