Debating the Made In L.A. Catalog
As Made In L.A., 2012 nears its closing week many of us are coming to terms with the exhibition catalog, a hefty critical document, indeed. My collegue Roman Stollenwerk and I began a debate about its significance. We thought it would be a good idea to open up the debate to more voices. Here is our exchange, comments are open: (Full disclosure, while I [...]
Matthias Düwel at Martha Otero
The concept of an exhibition being perfect for a summertime setting might too easily be misinterpreted as a slight. It is not. The paintings and drawings by Matthias Düwel currently on display at Martha Otero Gallery capture the high key color and sartorial swing that does indeed seem suited for the ratatattat of August. If [...]
Laura Lark Loves You #4: Following The Rules
(For an introduction to Laura Lark’s advice column, click here.) Dear Laura, I think I’m ready to approach a gallery about showing my work, and maybe even ask them to represent me as an artist. I’ve heard from older artists that it’s sort of like dating. Is that true? And if it is [...]
Chinese Art Party Dampened by Widespread Fraud, says Forbes
Forbes magazine’s Abigail R. Esman contributed an expose and analysis of the Chinese art-fraud machine last week. Apparently, if you peel away the corruption, bid rigging and self-dealing, China isn’t the world biggest market for art after all. Esman says that China’s biggest auction house, Poly, is an arm of the People’s Liberation Army! Esman [...]
Margo Leavin Gallery to Close
According to the LA Times, prominent Los Angeles Gallery owner Margo Leavin has announced plans to close her gallery, citing a move on the part of art collectors away from the gallery show experience to alternative art spaces and the Internet. “People are approaching art differently today. They’re not seeking out the thoughtful, complete statement [...]
James Fee at Craig Krull
Photography’s greatest Achilles heel may be that it’s too damn illustrative. How then to wrestle the poetry back into a medium which explains so much and leaves so little for interpretation? I was reminded of this re-occuring struggle when I saw, again, the emotive and evocational prints of James Fee at Craig Krull Gallery. Fee, [...]
MacCracken and Innerst at Michael Kohn
The thing about group shows, especially in the long dog days of summer, is that they can drive you to distraction. While the art world in general has become a 365 days a year affair, many galleries still work on a “cultural season” of September through May. Summer group shows might not be the best [...]
5 from 1: Danielle Riede
5 from 1 presents the work of one artist in conversation with five sources that are driving their studio practice. The rest is up to you. Danielle Riede (link) Talking to Tecumseh, 2011 artificial flowers recuperated from crafts dimensions variable
