Friday, November 13, 2009

first year MFA EXHIBITION

Althought there was a pretty good variety of work in this exhibition, I found that the pieces pieces chosen to be hung worked well together. In contrast to the BFA open, it was nice to see each artist's work in an appropriate amount of space. I felt that the room/wall assignments were well done, however the wall labels were confusing in almost every room. The hanging walls were a nice touch that I'm hoping will be available of the BFA exhibition next semester to allow for my space/organization.

The paintings on far wall as soon as you walk into the gallery were interesting from a distance, but the stetching of the giant canvas was pretty disappointing up close. I enjoyed Catherine Haggarty's compositions and use of guache. Her work created a feeling of nastalgia without feeling old. The work that stood out to me the most was done by Erik Schoonebeek and Erin Dunn. Erik's elongated horizontal 2pt perspective created an interesting "galactic" space. I was intrigued by his exploration and use of fabrics and other materials. Erin Dunn's giant wall piece was what seemed to be a drawing on a blanket with a patterned fabric loosely stitched around the border; an intresting approach to framing a piece. Her installation, which invited you to sit and paint your nails, payed very careful attention the the placement and details of chochkies and nick-nacks. Her use of pinks, reds, and greens in combination with the patterns in fabrics and wheels of yarn created a welcoming, home-sweet-home feeling. This feeling of ease while watching the video of an adorable foxes and neon oceans with fun music made me feel extremely light-hearted. I wish she didn't have to share the room with anyone else.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

7DaysInDaArtWorld: Chapter 3

THE FAIR...

i like the idea of someone investing in my work, or my life as they put it.
i don't find this to be offensive by any means. it's just a matter of business.

however, i'm not a huge fan of the fact that the artists aren't at these fairs.
when the painting is being bought and sold by two other individuals, the artist becomes alienated from the work in a way.

these collectors feel like the overly "dedicated" parents who will kill a mother at 4 am outside Toys R' Us to get the last Tickle-Me Elmo.

I can't decide if this globalization of the artworld is a good thing or a bad thing for an artist.
obviously, the good stuff is that your work can be recognized internationally.
but the downside seems to me that it would dilute the popularity of the work if it is only shown in pieces in random galleries around the world.
i guess though, if your work is given attention in any form than its a good thing.

"More people than ever are buying contemporary art, and chances are that most of it is historically insignificant."
I can't imagine how stressful the decision-making process must be at one of these fairs, partly because i'm absurdly indecisive and i don't like gambling.
but learning the trade of being a collector at the expense of millions, or billions, of dollars is something that is unfathomable to me.