NEW and IMPROVED - Art Market News
January 11, 2008
I have some remarks to make about the articles appearing recently that focus on the art market - it’s highs and lows, interesting turns, and newer viewpoints. The articles I have in mind are on an array of topics but all offer some new
viewpoints on contemporary art and the contemporary art market.
The first article is “Color Theory Examined As Visual Esthetics.” It is a very good commentary, from an historic point of view, of the advent and changes in the various theories on color as part of the human visual esthetic. The article essentially points out the movement of color theory through different scientific eras and into a modern use of color as a personal nomenclature by individual artists. This article should be of special interests to artists very involved with color.
The second article is “DAMIEN HIRST Non Artist of the Hyper Culture.” A brief run down of the “shock” “concept” as art is examined. Using Damien Hirst as an example, the author points a very big finger at the inbred and well-funded hype
of the “hyper culture.” And as you read the article you will eventually get validation if you have ever asked, “But, where is the art?” Tom Wolfe might even get a laugh out the remarks quoted in the article.
The third article is an interview with “MICHAEL BIERUT of Design Observer.” The idea that design at it’s best enters the area of art is at the core of this interview. Michael Bierut has some interesting things to say about his work and about design more generally.
The fourth article is an interview of “Art Market Blog Writer Consultant NICHOLAS FORREST.” This interview questions a young and erudite scholar and entrepreneur on contemporary art trends from his viewpoint. Based in Australia, Nicholas Forrest has made a real contribution with his blog writings to new and intermediate level art collectors and enthusiasts - and all done with value as a major criteria.
The fifth article is “Top 10 Ten High Price Famous Auction Paintings.” This popular topic is written about with information on each of the top 10 works sold at auction in the recent years. Remember when you could pick up a Van Gogh for one or two million?
The sixth article is about Pop culture’s love of it’s music and performers packaging with visual art - “Top 100 Best Music Recording Artists Album Covers Art.” The list was drawn from votes by several music album cover design art experts. You will see a lot of the old favorites on the list as well as some newer work too. Do Boy groups get the best cover art?
Well read up and drop me a line when you can. I’m always glad to hear opinion on contemporary art.
- Daniel Ferris
January 18, 2008 at 1:41 am
Hey c’mon, Daniel, you’re asking a lot!
Of course I’m immediately drawn to the Damien Hirst article. My favorite young British artist and Saatchi protege. Let’s get that shark out of the Met! The author fairly portrays the contemporary art world. When did it go wrong? I trace the flaw back to the 60s and Pop Art. The art world (the world of the museums, galleries, newspapers and journals) is being driven by the collectors, gallery managers, dealers and curators, their greed and selfishness. But I also believe that we, the viewing public, get the art we deserve. We live in a manic and materialistic culture with little time for art that challenges the viewer. No time for aesthetic delectation and critical judgement, the art must grab out attention in a saturated visual environment and be absorbed in minutes. Banksy is about our level. And like Warhol, he’s laughing all the way to the bank. Just don’t be too easy on Hirst…he put up some of the funding to purchase that skull. Probably a good investment.
Don’t you think you’re pushing the blogging envelpe, though, just a little bit? This venue is meant for short posts heavy on the graphics, with pointless and profane comments.
I enjoy reading It’s Only Art? You challenge me to think. A greater challenge: to craft an intelligent comment!
Thanks. MadSilence
January 18, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Thank you Mad silence. I enjoy your viewpoint. My only problem with “people deserve what they get” is when the people who decide what people deserves say, “let them eat cake.” New and Improved Art - or I should say, art that is devoid of meaning or visual esthetic is very low level art that is way over -x-x-x $#%-”HYPED”-&*@ x-x-x-. On the other hand I am sick of hearing defenses of the Mona Lisa or Caravaggio to youngsters and new art enthusiasts as the “best” art ever. These are historic relics with only vestigial relevance to today. Envelope!?! Burn the envelope! Peace, oh crafter of intelligent comments.
January 23, 2008 at 1:27 am
Historical relics? Only vestigial relevance? Hold on Daniel! Learning by copying the classics is a traditional and effective tool in any artist’s training. But I’ve read many of your posts and believe we agree on the basics. The modernist movement didn’t trash tradition, instead using it as a springboard to better things. I’m still waiting for the new art of the 21st century to manifest. Some promise here & there…the fun is in the hunt.
MadSilence
January 23, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Oh, Madsilence . . . To whit, to woo,
That’s the problem with tradition, in the hands of the non-creative (teachers who neeeeeeed tradition) it becomes a blockade to creativity in the creative (young or new). The only reason to copy old masters is to learn restoration, become a copyist (counterfeiter), or to turn into an anachronism (mannerist who has no new style). I recommend to all artists and students that they only copy the artists from whom they actually want to take stylistic elements and techniques. The Mona Lisa was a springboard maybe 200 years ago, and maybe in newly developing nations that use only the most primitive stylistic repertoires. Every modernist tradition has it’s derivative influences but I don’t need Caravaggio to understand the power of modern or contemporary art any more than you need to learn Aramaic or Greek to understand the meaning of the Bible. Try not to revive Da Vinci for the 21st Century, please, while enjoying the hunt.
May 26, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Dear Daniel,
I must confess - I was set back in awe towards your overview. The articles you had in mind were just few, but they obtained the color and power of the whole Art History in the light of your presentation. I am convinced that our meeting was the seed that will bring forth its fruits on my blogs too.
http://candleday.wordpress.com/
http://trustlight.blogspot.com/
http://arthiker.wordpress.com/
http://www.artmajeur.com/colourrain/
Thank you.