art's dinosaur
Drying Dishes, pencil drawingHazel Dooney has written an excellent piece on the decline and fall of the gallery system and why it doesn't work any more. As an artist whose experiences have caused me to become increasingly frustrated with commercial galleries, I really needed to read this. But, rather than dilute it with my own feedback, just go read it.
posted by andrea at 8:25 a.m.
8 Comments:
Great article! Thanks for sharing. I haven't actively sought gallery representation because of all the negativity. Looks like it was a good decision. Though I do know of two small galleries that go the extra mile for their artists. Rare.
Such a wonderfully clear article on this issue. I've read many articles trying to say the same thing, but this one actually makes sense and makes me want to follow the DIY route. And helps me to understand why I do. Thanks for sharing. I've read her blog before, but not for a while now so I would have missed it.
I'm afraid the article will depress me, since I own a gallery. I will read it though.
Your dish drainer drawing is gorgeous! It celebrates the beauty in everyday rituals.
I did read the article. It made me feel better about my own gallery, which is small and features a handful of artists, whose work is on the walls just about year round. We're old-fashioned. Although a part of me envies the big galleries with artist rosters longer than both arms, I've always wondered how their artists get the exposure they need.
I did not read the article because I don't use galleries But I wanted to drop by anyway. The post about commitment and calling really grabbed me as that is something which I have issues with! I have ordered the book ( war and art...)and can't wait to get it. Love the ocean series and proud that I have 2 of your prints. I see that you have also discovered Robyn in South Africa. Isn't she just the best!
Hazel Dooney is sometimes a bit much for me ... but she is an inspiration nevertheless. I haven't yet been brave enough to comment on her blog ... so well done you for doing so!
Laure: I would think that your art would fit in certain types of galleries quite nicely -- it's just a question of finding ones that are run by people with more vision than fear.
Angela: It looks like she worked on the post for a long time in an effort to be as clear and concise as possible. It worked!
San: I'm not sure what one calls your kind of gallery (you'd know better than I!) but since Hazel Dooney lives in the extreme, white-wall, urban avant garde art world I think her experiences are different from many artists'. However people (i.e. gallery owners) are the same everywhere: ones who are motivated by power, fear or greed (or all three!), and ones who are motivated by love of art and respect for art makers and buyers. I have a pretty strong feeling that you're in the latter camp. I'm wondering about the ratio though: 2/3 art pimps to 1/3 art priests? :)
Laura: Yes -- I love her work (Robyn's) an d the article is actually kind of interesting from a human psychology perspective too if you ever have an extra moment to read it. And thanks!
Peter: She is rather frightening isn't she? Not the kind of warm-and-fuzzy art friend you'd want to share a glass of wine with, but certainly someone worth observing for her insight into the art world.
Andrea, I appreciate your putting me in the priest camp rather than the pimp camp. Most dealers are probably somewhere in between. I'm no pimp, but I don't know if I'm ready for priesthood.
:-D
Post a Comment
<< Home