Massive Links!: Mixed Bag Edition

by Art Fag City on March 25, 2008 Events

armory.jpg
The Armory Show 2007, Image copyright of The Amory 

  • More bad news about the Art Market: Artnet reports Pulse London and Photo-London have canceled their 2008 fairs, (via Grammarpolice,) and I’ve heard rumors of several gallery closures in smaller markets recently.  Don’t worry though,  The Armory Show’s Executive Director Katelijne De Backer told me last month that the fair expects an increase of visitors this time around, so at least one fair won’t be suffering. Indeed, the $30.oo admission is sure to be a real draw to visitors since we all know the 10 dollar increase from last year will mean a much higher quality of show.  After all the fair’s over crowding issues have all but been solved; “We have now added a new entrance for VIPs” she explained last month, “and, instead of having museum groups all show up at a set time, they can now come in at any time during the fair”.  Yes, Thank God the VIP’s have a new entrance — that will really clear up the congestion.  If you’re doubtful of course, you can always visit MoMA instead…for a mere 20 bucks.
  • I’m not convinced Bert Rodriguez’s art therapy sessions at the Whitney Biennial are all that interesting as an artistic investigation (I’ve heard several unimpressed accounts of their appointments,) but C-Monster’s reflections on Richard Lacayo’s Blog are worth the read.  Speaking to the subject of appointment;  “art-induced agita—the twitchy, nervous condition that comes from poring through impenetrable museum catalogues and blustering exhibit reviews”, she goes on to beautifully sum up her experience inside the installation

All the while, outside Rodriguez's perfect white cube, passersby were straining to understand what was happening inside. People tapped and even slammed on the door in frustration. Rodriguez had had to install a lock early on in the process because a number of visitors were barging in (despite the sign on the door asking them not to do so). It was a perfect metaphor for the art industry. Inside, was a simple conversation between two people. Outside, with all the added layers, everything was distorted, incomprehensible and inaccessible. Just the way the art industry likes it.

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post: