arias with a twist

I was able to avoid going to any art openings this weekend. Of course I felt terribly guilty. It's like calling in sick at a job, when really, you aren't sick. But it was raining! That excuse is almost as bad as saying you're on your period. In other words, that's no excuse.

But I did make it to the REDCAT performance of "Arias with a Twist." I was glad that I hadn't really read anything about it, nor heard any reports. My hairdresser mildly mentioned it, and then one of my reviewers suggested it. So, after those two unintentional recommendations, I made reservations for the late show Saturday night. We had a late dinner, then hopped in the car with a pipe in tow. We scored TV-parking, had a few tokes, and made it in plenty of time. The theater started filling up fast once we were seated. Pretty soon, it was a sold out show.

Then the lights abruptly went out. An uncomfortable silence engulfed the arena. A deep dark voice came on announcing the upcoming event, and to hold on to your seats, and that you would be terrified and horrified. Then psychedelic lights and music filled the stage — a light show that Pink Floyd would be envious of. Immediately my husband and I looked at one another and said in unison, "I'm glad we got stoned." I was glad, but thought mushrooms or cookies would have done the trick too. And speaking of mushrooms, that's one of Aria's acts, that's unbeatable--her trip is one we've all been down, but visually more of a treat.

So, the weekend wasn't a bust after all. I went to REDCAT, which I promise to do more of next year. So a performance that was stellar. I feel I still got a little culture.

art basel miami

I'm here in Hollywood, Florida, now. I spent two days at the Art Basel Miami extravaganza, rented a car now, (I'm mortified, it's a PT Cruiser) and will go up the coast to visit my stepmom in St. Augustine. It's become a tradition, me staying a few days more after the fair to spend some time visiting friends and family.

But, this is an art blog, so I'll impart a few observations about the fairs. First, the "few observations" are very literal in this sense, as I really spent very little time looking at art. A lot of time was spent on the shuttles, going back and forth between the fairs. Artillery had a booth at NADA, which was on the very north end of Miami Beach, but I was staying at the Hilton in downtown Miami with a friend (free room). Anyway, these are details I'm sure would soon get boring for anyone to read. Suffice to say, very little art was seen by yours truly.

Now, am I disappointed? Immensely. But at the same time, it all looks the same, so I'm trying terribly to convince myself I really didn't miss much. I breezed through the Art Basel Miami Beach fair at the convention center on the last day, Sunday. Surprisingly, I was able to get through the security wearing a NADA booth badge with someone else's name and photo. I pleaded to not have to go to a different building to get a press pass and badge, with only two hours left of the fair. They let me go in.

I gotta say, I was not very impressed with what I saw. These days, the ugliest art gets the most attention. After fours years of this, I've come to realize, the art that stands out is the art that tries the hardest. It's gotta have a gimmick. It has to move, be kinetic. Or it has to be outrageously crude, pornographic or just plain bad. Otherwise, it all just all blends together. Another thing I found interesting, is just how many artists are with multiple galleries. I know this is nothing new, and is becoming more common, but I still find it a little odd. For instance, Kehinde Wiley--his work was at at least three booths. I mean, it starts to look like posters in retail stores--also, his work is starting to look like that anyway--like posters. I can't imagine collectors wanting something, so, well, commonplace. So, I would say, that's something to watch for. If everyone has a Wiley--do you really want one too? I think the answer is yes.

Like I said, it's hardly something new I'm saying or pointing out, but I'm finding it increasingly annoying. It's become my pet peeve sort of. 

And it's not because the artist is particularly prolific, it's just because the artist has a lot of money, and can pay assistants to crank out the art. I mean, that's sort of fucked, isn't it?