Comments on: Art Reality

By: Luther

Luther — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:06:12 +0000

A popular reality show about fine art is probably an oxymoron. I like the idea of each artist teaming up with video/film artists where the medium and the message are the same. I would definitely watch that but mass audiences would hate it. Perhaps this is Public Access material? Somebody has got to do this!

By: majel

majel — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:22:13 +0000

I feel a little like if you are over 50 you should jump off a cliff. An opportunity for new grads and young emerging artists is great, don’t get me wrong I would like every working artist to get some of their dreams answered but artists of all ages.

By: Trong Gia Nguyen

Trong Gia Nguyen — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:44:38 +0000

Sharon, I think reality shows are simply the new game shows, e.g. competitions between individuals vying for a prize at the end. They have nothing to do with reality. If anything they fall into the category of “constructed realism” and represent another medium (video and television) for the style – photography being the most prominent.

I just hope at the end of “American Artist” that Jerry Saltz will pronounce “Ladies and gentleman, here is your new American Artist!” And of course he/she should be an illegal immigrant who the Whitney just “discovered” for its next biennial, titled “Ameri/Cannot.”

By: Jane Rainwater

Jane Rainwater — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:50:50 +0000

Oh yeah, and don’t forget that they need to have a 30 min- i hour artists talk ready to give at a moments notice.

By: Sharon Butler

Sharon Butler — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:42:39 +0000

Thanks for the great suggestions. Of course if someone would like to produce such a show with me, the tasks are definitely negotiable.

By: Joanne Mattera Art Blog

Joanne Mattera Art Blog — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:21:15 +0000

Great post, Sharon. You’ve neatly defined the difference between “reality” and reality.

If I may, I’d add these:
. Successfully navigate the digital snafus and interfaces with your e-mail and internet providers, your computer, laptop, netbook, camera and phone–with a budget of $100
. Pay your own health insurance before, during and after the taping of the show
. Bonus points if your artwork is delivered by the handler in the same shape it left your studio: no dings, dents or scratches. And on schedule
. Immunity on the next round if you successfully retrieve artwork or payment due from a recalcitrant dealer

By: David

David — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:08:44 +0000

That sure would be a brief show. Try getting these in New York: “suitable living/working space that they can afford” and “a grant or a teaching job” without working “longer than forty hours a week at their day job” and getting a three person crew to film them all the time. I’m guessing you would call it Top Trust Funder?

By: C-Monster

C-Monster — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:00:45 +0000

i take issue with the idea that they all be art grads. you need at least one crazy street artist in there. one that’s a little twitchy from inhaling all the spraypaint. someone that isn’t afraid to get into a bar fight…