Friday reviews and art news commentary

Just a very quick read of the reviews in the papers today, but more fun is when my friends send me news of Damien Hirst's downward spiral as superstar art star. Why do I find that pleasurable? I do respect his work, on some level, especially in the beginning. But like art stars, they begin to just go through the motions. It's a common dilemma, so why pick on Hirst? But Hirst just got out of hand, and I suppose that is his prerogative. You have to give him credit for being smarter than the average artist when it comes to manipulating the art world. The fact that he closed down two super-sized studios and is now going back to painting is interesting. The obvious reasons for him to stop his factory-style productions is his need for tightening his pockets during the recession. And the other is reflective of how artists are working during the recession. As predicted, artists are changing their outlook and approach to the artmaking process, and Hirst ACTUALLY painting with his OWN hands is a result of this. It's just kinda funny that this is groundbreaking news!