March 9, 2010
New York, NY
Elevation (highest point) 265 ft / 80 meters
Is this how you feel after Armory Week? I did not attend nearly as many art fairs this year as I did last year. The Independent, The Armory Show and Volta were the only ones that I checked out this weekend. The Independent got great responds, the general review of The Armory Show is blah and so on and so forth, but you don’t need to to give you a recap of what other people’s opinions are.
A friend said to me, “Let me know what you think and if there is anything that is must see.” In what capacity are you attending these Art Fairs? For me personally, I go with a few objectives in mind:
1. I want to see what is being shown, which Galleries are attending and what is the overall vibe. I want to see if there are potential galleries that would be interested in my work based on what is being shown. A little reconnaissance if you will.
2. Are there any thing that moves me so that I WANT to purchase it, own it, hang it up on my wall? Make precious space for it in my living room? Live with it and have breakfast with it? (Irrespective to affordability)
3. In search of inspiration both in technique and method.
I am not attending the fair in search of that profound divine experience where the art is a must see and it changes my world and color it new. I think those experiences comes along always unexpectedly and at irregular intervals. If you were attending the art fairs to have your socks knocked off, you will be disappointed. After all, I find that if you manage your expectations correctly, you will have a much better experience in all things and find your day / journey to be more fruitful than otherwise.
Overall, there were a lot more international galleries showing at the Armory this year and I personally find the alternative perspective refreshing. There were a lot less video installations, giant sculptural pieces (which is most likely a reflection of the economical situation) and a lot more smaller scale pieces, a lot more 2-D works.
Last year I saw a painting that stopped me in my track and I wanted it. It was price at $20,000 USD and it was already sold. I really WANTED this painting. I think it can be helpful as artist to have experiences from the other side so that when we take off our paint splattered aprons and put on our heels to greet at our openings we can better understand the mindset and be a more successful artist. I didn’t see anything this year that I loved enough to want. However, this installation / sculpture piece by Nick Cave stopped me in my track and made me laugh. I rather enjoy it.
Lastly, I did find some inspiration in technique and method that I will start experimenting with and incorporate into some of the new projects that I currently have brewing.
"If you were attending the art fairs to have your socks knocked off, you will be disappointed."
So true! But what fun!
I always go to Art Fairs just to see what's what. It's research one way or another. Even when I just try to go and take a quick look, I get overwhelmed. It's always just too much to take in. It ends up being a total art binge and then 2 days later I only remember the very best and the very worste.
*shrugs*