I've been reading an interview with Eugene V. Thaw in Architectural Digest. It's been a continuing series and Mr. Thaw has been discussing his thoughts on art and the general state of the art world today. Mr. Thaw has been a long time dealer and collector of art and has followed the market for over 50 years. It's interesting to read what he has to say about what's going on in the art world today. He almost seems dismissive of much of what is being passed off for art and really gives me the impression that he's not much impressed with much of the work being done today.
One of the points he makes got my attention, " Do not forget the hand of the artist in these days of computer art, minimalism, multiples, and the rest. The touch of a great artist on paper, canvas, wood, of stone is a miracle of humanity which I hope will not be totally lost in the strange new world we are entering." It's interesting to think about that in terms of the work that is being shown as new and "cutting edge" today. It seems to me that much of it is actually not made by artists at all but by the people who do the process that completes the work. The recent show at HCP had a couple of large color field type "photographs" made by a younr lady. While she did photograph the image, it was the rest of the process that really brought the work to life.
The inkjet prints and the face mounting on the plexi that made the pieces "pop".
I know in today's world it's art but somehow I'm not connecting with it. I know, she concieved the work and was responsible for it's execution but somehow, it looses me.
A point that Thaw makes is that much of the work being done today is not intended for the "home collection" but rather for the institution. It seems to me that there's something wrong with that approach to trying to communicate on a personal level.
No comments:
Post a Comment