Work of Art Recap: The Art Pussy Escapes Elimination

by Paddy Johnson on July 15, 2010 · 228 comments WANGA

At the opening people gather around The Noumenom

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d be much happier if Work of Art were a PBS style reality show a la Frontier House with a series of art historians and critics discussing the realities of art world as we watch the struggling members of the art world. I like drama as much as the next person, but I found Bravo’s focus on artistic disputes at the expense the art particularly disheartening in this week’s public art challenge. Too many of its participants will be left scarred by this show.

Wearer of fine furs, Yvonne Force Villareal, was the guest judge this week, though her position as President and Co-Founder of the Art Production Fund didn’t do much to illuminate the field. Aside from showing and introducing her own work she said virtually nothing during the show. Please bring Richard Phillips back.

Once the challenge was introduced, the artists were split into two teams and audiences waited to see who Erik wouldn’t get along with. The Blue team members were Miles, Peregrine, Eric and Jaclyn, and Red were Nicole, Ryan, Abdi and Mark. It took all of two seconds before we hear him talk about how nervous he is to work with Jaclyn due to past arguments, but when she attempts to mend bridges Erik very much appreciates the gesture. Erik’s hair-trigger for making a lot of ill-considered statements when he feels his own skills are either being negated or challenged is a shame, because it puts into question what often seem to be good intentions.

Like other challenges in this program, this one would have benefited from further consideration on the part of the producers. Work of Art has anarchy decide who’s going to be a team leader, and then evaluates contestants on who won what arguments. Better would have been a Project Runway type model where artists sketch proposals, the guest judge chooses the best two, and then teams executing the projects are  evaluated on their execution. At least this way, the audience can maintain the illusion that quality matters. It would have also cut out a lot of misguided discussion about how grouping the artists in teams is counter intuitive to their practice. The concept of lone artistic genius doesn’t make a lot of sense in a time when countless artists outsource manufacturing and frequently work collaboratively.

As per usual the judging in this week’s episode makes no sense whatsoever. I realize these scenes are intensely edited, but even knowing this the judges seemed to respond better to the blue team before they went back to the gallery. In the park we hear about the beeswax cedar scent of the blue team’s sleigh and watch people happily climbing into its perch. By contrast the red team hears criticism about how its piece doesn’t have the relationship to the sky the group claims, and is too new age-y.  Even when they return to Bravo’s gallery, gallerist Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn rightly complains that the work “is too close to all the bad sixties and seventies works.”

Strangely she changes her tune when discussing what they enjoyed about the work. “I really liked the poetry behind it” says Greenberg Rohatyn. Please. The dealer was undoubtedly referring to the title of the work The Noumenom, which suggests seeking out the hidden magic in the world, a place presumably located in the center of a corporate lobby somewhere. Past this, making a small object big, as they did with those stones is the oldest trick in the art book.

Meanwhile the blue team gets it. “To the Red Team’s credit, they presented a piece that was much easier to interact with” says Bill Powers, an argument about an uninviting geometric form I don’t buy for a second. Suddenly the safety of the structure was an issue and art critic Jerry Saltz notes the place in the sky the sculpture points towards, “That’s exactly the hole in the sky that the twin towers left”. Bravo makes this look like a giant mistake on their part, but that’s just ridiculous. A new building is being constructed as we speak, so why should the interpretation of that hole necessarily be negative? It could in fact be quite hopeful.

In any event, lets sum up this weeks results.

THE WINNER – The kind of art that gives art a bad name – Jerry Saltz

The Red Team's sculpture, The Noumenom. Team Leader: Nicole Nadeau with Ryan Shutz, Mark Velasquez and Abdi Farah

Based on the quality of the art alone, Nicole should have been eliminated as the Red Team’s leader.

THE LOSER

The Blue Team, Scales. Team leader Miles Mendenhall, with artists Jaclyn Santos, Erik Johnson, and Peregrine Honig

Yeah sure.

THE REAL WINNER

No one. With the exception of Honig every member of The Blue Team issued sentiments about their team members that will ensure they’ll have nightmares for years to come. The Red Team made a horrible sculpture.

THE WRONGLY ELIMINATED

Work of Art Contestant Erik Johnson

Erik Johnson deserved to go home several times over before this challenge, so while I’m not sorry to see him go, it should have been connected to his art. In a confrontation at the studio over artistic direction Johnson told Miles “I’m not your helper”. He wasn’t exaggerating his position, (even if he might have sucked it up like the rest of them) but if Erik’s full of bad ideas and poor instincts his team should have let him hang himself with his planted vine idea or snake scales. UPDATE: Jaclyn Santos writes about Bravo’s outright manipulation of cast to create a more “compelling” story line. UPDATE 2: I’m hearing accounts from Work of Art Contestants that this account is not accurate. Easier said than done when elimination is on the line, but at least that way they wouldn’t have been dealing with his hostility. “I’ve been around too long and been through too much to have some stuck up art pussy tell me life lessons” Johnson complains of Miles as he stops work all together. Even if he hadn’t gone home sulking “here ends my last ditch effort at art,” statements about pussies are likely to seal the deal. The art world is full of them and we like it that way.

{ 226 comments }

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Although I don’t mention it anywhere in this post, Simon de Pury once again reminded me that he has no business as a mentor on this show. He’s an auctioneer and has no knowledge of materials.

Jesse P. Martin July 16, 2010 at 1:25 pm

I beg to differ. See-moan has the gift of Magical Instant Masterpiece Recognition Eyes, and Sargents give him boners. Qualified mentor. Overqualified, really.

Trong the Original WIGga July 17, 2010 at 8:45 pm

After his Renoir comment, we lovingly call him “Cum de Garcon”…..

Trong the Original WIGga July 17, 2010 at 8:45 pm

After his Renoir comment, we lovingly call him “Cum de Garcon”…..

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Although I don’t mention it anywhere in this post, Simon de Pury once again reminded me that he has no business as a mentor on this show. He’s an auctioneer and has no knowledge of materials.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Although I don’t mention it anywhere in this post, Simon de Pury once again reminded me that he has no business as a mentor on this show. He’s an auctioneer and has no knowledge of materials.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Although I don’t mention it anywhere in this post, Simon de Pury once again reminded me that he has no business as a mentor on this show. He’s an auctioneer and has no knowledge of materials.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Although I don’t mention it anywhere in this post, Simon de Pury once again reminded me that he has no business as a mentor on this show. He’s an auctioneer and has no knowledge of materials.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Although I don’t mention it anywhere in this post, Simon de Pury once again reminded me that he has no business as a mentor on this show. He’s an auctioneer and has no knowledge of materials.

Jesse P. Martin July 16, 2010 at 9:25 am

I beg to differ. See-moan has the gift of Magical Instant Masterpiece Recognition Eyes, and Sargents give him boners. Qualified mentor. Overqualified, really.

Trong the Original WIGga July 17, 2010 at 4:45 pm

After his Renoir comment, we lovingly call him “Cum de Garcon”…..

S.M. July 15, 2010 at 11:10 pm

It seemed like Erik was playing up the tortured/misunderstood artist thing almost as much as he was complaining about it,but that could be due to the editing. Even in an uncomfortable situation, no amount of editing can excuse Erik’s level of unprofessional behavior. While I did not love either of the pieces produced in the show [I would like to climb on Scale], I think it’s pretty impressive the groups finished what they did in such a short period of time. I loved how well the red team got along and the elevator troubles were entertaining.

S.M. July 15, 2010 at 7:10 pm

It seemed like Erik was playing up the tortured/misunderstood artist thing almost as much as he was complaining about it,but that could be due to the editing. Even in an uncomfortable situation, no amount of editing can excuse Erik’s level of unprofessional behavior. While I did not love either of the pieces produced in the show [I would like to climb on Scale], I think it’s pretty impressive the groups finished what they did in such a short period of time. I loved how well the red team got along and the elevator troubles were entertaining.

Judith Braun July 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I admit I enjoyed having Erik confront Miles, but for real and reality tv reasons, he lost. Miles comes out glowing. I still don’t buy Miles schtick, and I cringed at how the other “edited” elves fell into line, deluded that they were all equal. I know Erik is wound up tight, but I wouldn’t put it past Miles to strategically exploit that to his advantage.

And I shuddered when Jerry was hammering Erik about “why”. Meant to obliterate Erik…and to get a confession…of what? Basically that he could not find it within his temperament to serve Miles. Little did he know he’d do it anyway.

Lastly, I’m glad I wasn’t there!

Erik July 17, 2010 at 12:11 am

hey Judith, i was thinking…if i’m ever out that way and you want me to draw some whiskers on my face and pose for a picture…. it might fit in with your “pussy” pieces… 🙂 i’d be totally up for making fun of myself… as long as i get to drool over your paintings again…

xo-erik

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 6:27 pm

Tell me when you come to the Art Pussy City of the world!! 🙂

Trong Rides the G Train July 17, 2010 at 9:54 pm

I just saw the episode, and here are my random thoughts…

Team Miley Cyrus did not create a work of art. It was awful in every possible way…… is it a cross-section of a deformed pineapple? a cheap mad max lifeguard station? They could have at least dangled some toy planes at the crest to remind people of the World Trade Center while hypnotizing Distractingly Boring to sleep…… Jackie of course is the only NYorker among the group, so it was her fault for this lack of recognition. Her blog (Why isn’t it called “The TT Party”?) reminds me a lot of Jeanne’s blog on Bravo. Covering up their shallow selfish arses ex post facto… they should have their own show called “Boobs and Bangs Go to the Standard to Teach Feminism”… They begin and end each episode with a Milli Vanilli chest bump….

It was great seeing Erik tell it like it was….. 90% truth and 10% fumes is better than the other way around. And on this particular episode, there once again was a lot of carbon emissions coming from the judges – clan of the cave bear edition. I would say that Erik has quite a few sublime models of unprofessional behavior to follow on the show….

Jerry Saltz’s Vinny Barbarino impersonation of “Why, What, Where, Why, What” was kind of hilarious… They have edited him to look like the evil Emperor from Star Wars and you feel like lightning bolts will spray from his hands any second. Yvonne Force reminded me of Ming the Merciless from those old Flash Gordon films… The art world goes sci-fi, and Nicole’s pyramid will beam them back to art school. Why is the Force in charge of the Art Production Fund, and talking about the problem with good or bad public art resting with artists? It rests with a competent selection committee and curators in the first place – does anyone remember the APF’s complete waste of space, sophomoric, tepid, performance dance party several years ago at the Armory?…. Erik should have been awarded the win for refusing to go along with such an inane idea that was executed even worse…. Dissension apparently isn’t allowed in the Third Reich or contemporary art…

And I couldn’t help but wonder what I would have like to have seen made for the challenge….. which is a living monument to Rudy Giuliani as a double life-size giant chia pet digging his own mass grave, a deep hole in the ground for the public to jump into. Shovel in one hand and peace sign raised with the other in recognition of 9/11. People could water him by taking a piss in public….

That scene of the Three Milesketeers walking out on Erik was sad… Or maybe it was just nap time edited to look like that? Yes, we had nap time (or as the artists liked to call it… “Here Comes Simon”).

And no, I am not angry… just missing out on all the fun.

Shout out to my remaining roommates… Go Ryan! Go Mark!

Judith Braun July 18, 2010 at 1:45 pm

OMGTRONG! :-O

Judith Braun July 18, 2010 at 1:45 pm

OMGTRONG! :-O

Art Fag City July 18, 2010 at 5:47 pm

Honestly, I’d still pick a deformed sleigh over the minimal geometric forms in the park. There aren’t enough places to sit in the city and I like that that piece addressed that issue. The original tree fort had the problem that it would probably just become the place people piss and/or fuck in and would become totally unusable in no short order.

Also, I agree that as the only New Yorker in the group, Jaclyn should have been the one held accountable for the 9-11 hole in the sky thing, if it were an actual problem.

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 6:29 pm

I understand the impulse to go there, but should anything that points towards the WTC airspace forever be expected to pay homage to its “significance,” especially if it’s just a slapdash lifeguard-stand scoop-seat (which could still be pissed/fucked in)? Also, it annoyed me tremendously that both sculptures were based on “nature” (i.e., the sky, gravel). It seems like a default subject, and hopelessly abstracting/referencing “nature” for jaded city-folk to “interact with” (Moloch!) is dumb/patronizing for at least thirty-seven reasons. Erik’s idea to spray-paint the sculpture was good, especially if they had decided to sloppily tag the shit out of it (and then Jacyln could’ve claimed credit for the idea, as an extension of “her” other idea to let people besmirch her shockin’ & saucy self-portrait).

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 7:02 pm

And Miley Cyrus’ original vision-concept for the treehouse/comfort-installation #73 was a redux of James Turrell’s “Meeting” up the road @ P.S. 1. Windows are sublime.

Art Fag City July 18, 2010 at 8:05 pm

Yeah, I think the whole 9-11 critique is a total none issue. As I said in the original post, it could just as well have been a symbol of hope — there’s a new building going up as we speak. There were all these expressions of shock, but you have to wonder if everyone really believed that to be the issue Saltz presents.

I missed Nao in this challenge. I think she would have brought something a little more original to the table than just nature and interaction.

I don’t see this as a Turrell “meeting” redux. The piece seats three people max, and doesn’t offer an unobstructed view of the sky. I’m not sure who the proper precedent would be but I’m sure there’s a public sculpture treehouse person out there.

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 8:27 pm

I guess it’s not really a “redux” ((I also don’t think that any artist should have a copyright on windows or sky), but if I’m remembering correctly, Miles’ initial description of his idea was to create a space that allowed for an unobstructed view of the sky.

And it seemed like there were more than “expressions of shock” when Saltz slammed down his incredulous/righteous “didn’t you REALIZE?!” card. It looked as if Miles was fighting back tears – I imagine that he was more overwhelmed by the fact that he had intuited that his magnificent throne should face in the direction of such significant sky, not because he was embarrassed by the gross oversight (as implied by Saltz). I think the “revelation” just helped to further convince Miles that he’s a visionary artist. It sure convinced me.

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 8:27 pm

I guess it’s not really a “redux” ((I also don’t think that any artist should have a copyright on windows or sky), but if I’m remembering correctly, Miles’ initial description of his idea was to create a space that allowed for an unobstructed view of the sky.

And it seemed like there were more than “expressions of shock” when Saltz slammed down his incredulous/righteous “didn’t you REALIZE?!” card. It looked as if Miles was fighting back tears – I imagine that he was more overwhelmed by the fact that he had intuited that his magnificent throne should face in the direction of such significant sky, not because he was embarrassed by the gross oversight (as implied by Saltz). I think the “revelation” just helped to further convince Miles that he’s a visionary artist. It sure convinced me.

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Just to chime in that I too wondered “what’s with the sky…and nature?” If NYC residents wanted that so much they’d leave town. Personally I like to think NYC offers plenty of good ole HUMAN nature. And the whole WTC announcement seemed forced and irrelevant, and I don’t know what those aghast expressions meant. Do people walking the streets stop to notice the direction the towers once stood unless a tourist asks? If Bravo wanted it to address that, then why not just say so instead of playing gotcha.

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Just to chime in that I too wondered “what’s with the sky…and nature?” If NYC residents wanted that so much they’d leave town. Personally I like to think NYC offers plenty of good ole HUMAN nature. And the whole WTC announcement seemed forced and irrelevant, and I don’t know what those aghast expressions meant. Do people walking the streets stop to notice the direction the towers once stood unless a tourist asks? If Bravo wanted it to address that, then why not just say so instead of playing gotcha.

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Just to chime in that I too wondered “what’s with the sky…and nature?” If NYC residents wanted that so much they’d leave town. Personally I like to think NYC offers plenty of good ole HUMAN nature. And the whole WTC announcement seemed forced and irrelevant, and I don’t know what those aghast expressions meant. Do people walking the streets stop to notice the direction the towers once stood unless a tourist asks? If Bravo wanted it to address that, then why not just say so instead of playing gotcha.

Trong Rides the G Train July 17, 2010 at 9:54 pm

I just saw the episode, and here are my random thoughts…

Team Miley Cyrus did not create a work of art. It was awful in every possible way…… is it a cross-section of a deformed pineapple? a cheap mad max lifeguard station? They could have at least dangled some toy planes at the crest to remind people of the World Trade Center while hypnotizing Distractingly Boring to sleep…… Jackie of course is the only NYorker among the group, so it was her fault for this lack of recognition. Her blog (Why isn’t it called “The TT Party”?) reminds me a lot of Jeanne’s blog on Bravo. Covering up their shallow selfish arses ex post facto… they should have their own show called “Boobs and Bangs Go to the Standard to Teach Feminism”… They begin and end each episode with a Milli Vanilli chest bump….

It was great seeing Erik tell it like it was….. 90% truth and 10% fumes is better than the other way around. And on this particular episode, there once again was a lot of carbon emissions coming from the judges – clan of the cave bear edition. I would say that Erik has quite a few sublime models of unprofessional behavior to follow on the show….

Jerry Saltz’s Vinny Barbarino impersonation of “Why, What, Where, Why, What” was kind of hilarious… They have edited him to look like the evil Emperor from Star Wars and you feel like lightning bolts will spray from his hands any second. Yvonne Force reminded me of Ming the Merciless from those old Flash Gordon films… The art world goes sci-fi, and Nicole’s pyramid will beam them back to art school. Why is the Force in charge of the Art Production Fund, and talking about the problem with good or bad public art resting with artists? It rests with a competent selection committee and curators in the first place – does anyone remember the APF’s complete waste of space, sophomoric, tepid, performance dance party several years ago at the Armory?…. Erik should have been awarded the win for refusing to go along with such an inane idea that was executed even worse…. Dissension apparently isn’t allowed in the Third Reich or contemporary art…

And I couldn’t help but wonder what I would have like to have seen made for the challenge….. which is a living monument to Rudy Giuliani as a double life-size giant chia pet digging his own mass grave, a deep hole in the ground for the public to jump into. Shovel in one hand and peace sign raised with the other in recognition of 9/11. People could water him by taking a piss in public….

That scene of the Three Milesketeers walking out on Erik was sad… Or maybe it was just nap time edited to look like that? Yes, we had nap time (or as the artists liked to call it… “Here Comes Simon”).

And no, I am not angry… just missing out on all the fun.

Shout out to my remaining roommates… Go Ryan! Go Mark!

Judith Braun July 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I admit I enjoyed having Erik confront Miles, but for real and reality tv reasons, he lost. Miles comes out glowing. I still don’t buy Miles schtick, and I cringed at how the other “edited” elves fell into line, deluded that they were all equal. I know Erik is wound up tight, but I wouldn’t put it past Miles to strategically exploit that to his advantage.

And I shuddered when Jerry was hammering Erik about “why”. Meant to obliterate Erik…and to get a confession…of what? Basically that he could not find it within his temperament to serve Miles. Little did he know he’d do it anyway.

Lastly, I’m glad I wasn’t there!

Judith Braun July 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I admit I enjoyed having Erik confront Miles, but for real and reality tv reasons, he lost. Miles comes out glowing. I still don’t buy Miles schtick, and I cringed at how the other “edited” elves fell into line, deluded that they were all equal. I know Erik is wound up tight, but I wouldn’t put it past Miles to strategically exploit that to his advantage.

And I shuddered when Jerry was hammering Erik about “why”. Meant to obliterate Erik…and to get a confession…of what? Basically that he could not find it within his temperament to serve Miles. Little did he know he’d do it anyway.

Lastly, I’m glad I wasn’t there!

Judith Braun July 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I admit I enjoyed having Erik confront Miles, but for real and reality tv reasons, he lost. Miles comes out glowing. I still don’t buy Miles schtick, and I cringed at how the other “edited” elves fell into line, deluded that they were all equal. I know Erik is wound up tight, but I wouldn’t put it past Miles to strategically exploit that to his advantage.

And I shuddered when Jerry was hammering Erik about “why”. Meant to obliterate Erik…and to get a confession…of what? Basically that he could not find it within his temperament to serve Miles. Little did he know he’d do it anyway.

Lastly, I’m glad I wasn’t there!

Judith Braun July 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I admit I enjoyed having Erik confront Miles, but for real and reality tv reasons, he lost. Miles comes out glowing. I still don’t buy Miles schtick, and I cringed at how the other “edited” elves fell into line, deluded that they were all equal. I know Erik is wound up tight, but I wouldn’t put it past Miles to strategically exploit that to his advantage.

And I shuddered when Jerry was hammering Erik about “why”. Meant to obliterate Erik…and to get a confession…of what? Basically that he could not find it within his temperament to serve Miles. Little did he know he’d do it anyway.

Lastly, I’m glad I wasn’t there!

Judith Braun July 15, 2010 at 7:12 pm

I admit I enjoyed having Erik confront Miles, but for real and reality tv reasons, he lost. Miles comes out glowing. I still don’t buy Miles schtick, and I cringed at how the other “edited” elves fell into line, deluded that they were all equal. I know Erik is wound up tight, but I wouldn’t put it past Miles to strategically exploit that to his advantage.

And I shuddered when Jerry was hammering Erik about “why”. Meant to obliterate Erik…and to get a confession…of what? Basically that he could not find it within his temperament to serve Miles. Little did he know he’d do it anyway.

Lastly, I’m glad I wasn’t there!

Erik July 16, 2010 at 8:11 pm

hey Judith, i was thinking…if i’m ever out that way and you want me to draw some whiskers on my face and pose for a picture…. it might fit in with your “pussy” pieces… 🙂 i’d be totally up for making fun of myself… as long as i get to drool over your paintings again…

xo-erik

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 2:27 pm

Tell me when you come to the Art Pussy City of the world!! 🙂

Trong Rides the G Train July 17, 2010 at 5:54 pm

I just saw the episode, and here are my random thoughts…

Team Miley Cyrus did not create a work of art. It was awful in every possible way…… is it a cross-section of a deformed pineapple? a cheap mad max lifeguard station? They could have at least dangled some toy planes at the crest to remind people of the World Trade Center while hypnotizing Distractingly Boring to sleep…… Jackie of course is the only NYorker among the group, so it was her fault for this lack of recognition. Her blog (Why isn’t it called “The TT Party”?) reminds me a lot of Jeanne’s blog on Bravo. Covering up their shallow selfish arses ex post facto… they should have their own show called “Boobs and Bangs Go to the Standard to Teach Feminism”… They begin and end each episode with a Milli Vanilli chest bump….

It was great seeing Erik tell it like it was….. 90% truth and 10% fumes is better than the other way around. And on this particular episode, there once again was a lot of carbon emissions coming from the judges – clan of the cave bear edition. I would say that Erik has quite a few sublime models of unprofessional behavior to follow on the show….

Jerry Saltz’s Vinny Barbarino impersonation of “Why, What, Where, Why, What” was kind of hilarious… They have edited him to look like the evil Emperor from Star Wars and you feel like lightning bolts will spray from his hands any second. Yvonne Force reminded me of Ming the Merciless from those old Flash Gordon films… The art world goes sci-fi, and Nicole’s pyramid will beam them back to art school. Why is the Force in charge of the Art Production Fund, and talking about the problem with good or bad public art resting with artists? It rests with a competent selection committee and curators in the first place – does anyone remember the APF’s complete waste of space, sophomoric, tepid, performance dance party several years ago at the Armory?…. Erik should have been awarded the win for refusing to go along with such an inane idea that was executed even worse…. Dissension apparently isn’t allowed in the Third Reich or contemporary art…

And I couldn’t help but wonder what I would have like to have seen made for the challenge….. which is a living monument to Rudy Giuliani as a double life-size giant chia pet digging his own mass grave, a deep hole in the ground for the public to jump into. Shovel in one hand and peace sign raised with the other in recognition of 9/11. People could water him by taking a piss in public….

That scene of the Three Milesketeers walking out on Erik was sad… Or maybe it was just nap time edited to look like that? Yes, we had nap time (or as the artists liked to call it… “Here Comes Simon”).

And no, I am not angry… just missing out on all the fun.

Shout out to my remaining roommates… Go Ryan! Go Mark!

Judith Braun July 18, 2010 at 9:45 am

OMGTRONG! :-O

Art Fag City July 18, 2010 at 1:47 pm

Honestly, I’d still pick a deformed sleigh over the minimal geometric forms in the park. There aren’t enough places to sit in the city and I like that that piece addressed that issue. The original tree fort had the problem that it would probably just become the place people piss and/or fuck in and would become totally unusable in no short order.

Also, I agree that as the only New Yorker in the group, Jaclyn should have been the one held accountable for the 9-11 hole in the sky thing, if it were an actual problem.

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 2:29 pm

I understand the impulse to go there, but should anything that points towards the WTC airspace forever be expected to pay homage to its “significance,” especially if it’s just a slapdash lifeguard-stand scoop-seat (which could still be pissed/fucked in)? Also, it annoyed me tremendously that both sculptures were based on “nature” (i.e., the sky, gravel). It seems like a default subject, and hopelessly abstracting/referencing “nature” for jaded city-folk to “interact with” (Moloch!) is dumb/patronizing for at least thirty-seven reasons. Erik’s idea to spray-paint the sculpture was good, especially if they had decided to sloppily tag the shit out of it (and then Jacyln could’ve claimed credit for the idea, as an extension of “her” other idea to let people besmirch her shockin’ & saucy self-portrait).

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 3:02 pm

And Miley Cyrus’ original vision-concept for the treehouse/comfort-installation #73 was a redux of James Turrell’s “Meeting” up the road @ P.S. 1. Windows are sublime.

Art Fag City July 18, 2010 at 4:05 pm

Yeah, I think the whole 9-11 critique is a total none issue. As I said in the original post, it could just as well have been a symbol of hope — there’s a new building going up as we speak. There were all these expressions of shock, but you have to wonder if everyone really believed that to be the issue Saltz presents.

I missed Nao in this challenge. I think she would have brought something a little more original to the table than just nature and interaction.

I don’t see this as a Turrell “meeting” redux. The piece seats three people max, and doesn’t offer an unobstructed view of the sky. I’m not sure who the proper precedent would be but I’m sure there’s a public sculpture treehouse person out there.

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 4:27 pm

I guess it’s not really a “redux” ((I also don’t think that any artist should have a copyright on windows or sky), but if I’m remembering correctly, Miles’ initial description of his idea was to create a space that allowed for an unobstructed view of the sky.

And it seemed like there were more than “expressions of shock” when Saltz slammed down his incredulous/righteous “didn’t you REALIZE?!” card. It looked as if Miles was fighting back tears – I imagine that he was more overwhelmed by the fact that he had intuited that his magnificent throne should face in the direction of such significant sky, not because he was embarrassed by the gross oversight (as implied by Saltz). I think the “revelation” just helped to further convince Miles that he’s a visionary artist. It sure convinced me.

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Just to chime in that I too wondered “what’s with the sky…and nature?” If NYC residents wanted that so much they’d leave town. Personally I like to think NYC offers plenty of good ole HUMAN nature. And the whole WTC announcement seemed forced and irrelevant, and I don’t know what those aghast expressions meant. Do people walking the streets stop to notice the direction the towers once stood unless a tourist asks? If Bravo wanted it to address that, then why not just say so instead of playing gotcha.

Saul July 15, 2010 at 11:37 pm

Erik dissing Miles and his work was hilarious and on point (though socially unproductive)-unquestionably the best moment of this episode.

In an aside: When did the judges decide that physically interacting with the work was so important? And why did these teams each decide to make wacky lawn furniture. If the end product amounts to “good art”, then simply looking at it should suffice.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Yeah, I thought the importance of physical interaction was a little overblown too. I have the sense it was pushed because a bunch of boring painted wood shapes aren’t enough to look at.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Yeah, I thought the importance of physical interaction was a little overblown too. I have the sense it was pushed because a bunch of boring painted wood shapes aren’t enough to look at.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Yeah, I thought the importance of physical interaction was a little overblown too. I have the sense it was pushed because a bunch of boring painted wood shapes aren’t enough to look at.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Yeah, I thought the importance of physical interaction was a little overblown too. I have the sense it was pushed because a bunch of boring painted wood shapes aren’t enough to look at.

Saul July 15, 2010 at 7:37 pm

Erik dissing Miles and his work was hilarious and on point (though socially unproductive)-unquestionably the best moment of this episode.

In an aside: When did the judges decide that physically interacting with the work was so important? And why did these teams each decide to make wacky lawn furniture. If the end product amounts to “good art”, then simply looking at it should suffice.

Art Fag City July 15, 2010 at 7:47 pm

Yeah, I thought the importance of physical interaction was a little overblown too. I have the sense it was pushed because a bunch of boring painted wood shapes aren’t enough to look at.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Jesse P. Martin July 16, 2010 at 12:12 am

A reality show with Pollock & van Gogh would be a highly entertaining booze/solvent-drinking slug-fest. And America would learn what “impasto” is. William Blake would be shamed for misspelling “fellatio” and roundly criticized for his gratuitous naked-bathroom-photo-shoots.

The sheer amount of gays involved in the fashion & art industries are probably to blame for their dive-bombing into utter vacuity. Actually, given that WANGA is a searing lens into the soul of the art world, why isn’t it absolutely *awash* with the gays? Fashion reality shows at least have that formula down pat.

I’m also curious how many people heard “male gaze” as “male gays.” I’m also convinced that a lot of viewers are assuming that most of the contestants and judges are gaze, too.

Gina B July 16, 2010 at 12:52 pm

If you’re a Pollock, then people may put up with your BS, Erik is no Pollock. He totally played it wrong, (he needed to study more reality t.v. before he came on) He should have played ball and then if they lost, they would have had to send Miles home. Although, the judges have got to be thinking who’s made consistent work over the course of the show, I mean this person’s gotta be (consistent) on some minimum level, since they’re having a show at an actual museum….

Adam July 17, 2010 at 9:57 pm

I feel pretty bad for the Bklyn Museum for having agreed to these ridiculous stipulations by BRAVO, which probably came with a huge paycheck. This might just be the weakest museum show ever.

Adam July 17, 2010 at 9:57 pm

I feel pretty bad for the Bklyn Museum for having agreed to these ridiculous stipulations by BRAVO, which probably came with a huge paycheck. This might just be the weakest museum show ever.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Erik is pure Stuckist and if he’s not politically correct, at least he has passion. I wonder how a Jackson Pollock or William Blake or even Van Gogh would have faired on this ridiculous show.

This show is a reminder that the artworld is no longer one tiny bit more thoughtful or substantive than the fashion industry. That’s not news… but I sure hate realizing it again. The only artists recognized anymore are the ones who feverishly chase the moving carrot you guys dangle before them.

Jesse P. Martin July 15, 2010 at 8:12 pm

A reality show with Pollock & van Gogh would be a highly entertaining booze/solvent-drinking slug-fest. And America would learn what “impasto” is. William Blake would be shamed for misspelling “fellatio” and roundly criticized for his gratuitous naked-bathroom-photo-shoots.

The sheer amount of gays involved in the fashion & art industries are probably to blame for their dive-bombing into utter vacuity. Actually, given that WANGA is a searing lens into the soul of the art world, why isn’t it absolutely *awash* with the gays? Fashion reality shows at least have that formula down pat.

I’m also curious how many people heard “male gaze” as “male gays.” I’m also convinced that a lot of viewers are assuming that most of the contestants and judges are gaze, too.

Gina B July 16, 2010 at 8:52 am

If you’re a Pollock, then people may put up with your BS, Erik is no Pollock. He totally played it wrong, (he needed to study more reality t.v. before he came on) He should have played ball and then if they lost, they would have had to send Miles home. Although, the judges have got to be thinking who’s made consistent work over the course of the show, I mean this person’s gotta be (consistent) on some minimum level, since they’re having a show at an actual museum….

Adam July 17, 2010 at 5:57 pm

I feel pretty bad for the Bklyn Museum for having agreed to these ridiculous stipulations by BRAVO, which probably came with a huge paycheck. This might just be the weakest museum show ever.

Ursula July 15, 2010 at 11:51 pm

I totally agree about a PBS reboot. My biggest problem: either the challenges are real, or shouldn’t exist. On PR, if a contestant, regardless of talent, turns in a red carpet gown for a men’s sportswear challenge, there would be consequences. Here, people (well, some people) can turn in works with only the most distant relationship to the challenge, with no consequences. It’s not hard imagining Miles with a stash of pre-conceived stuff, and when a challenge gets to challenging: whopsie! time to nap and art up the FauxCD. It should be hard to imagine, if the experiment has any integrity.

Half-assing those reality tv show constructs makes them pointless. They may be negative for reasons A, B, and C, but it feels like someone behind the curtain’s running damage control on their cool, not making a statement on television.

Ursula July 15, 2010 at 11:51 pm

I totally agree about a PBS reboot. My biggest problem: either the challenges are real, or shouldn’t exist. On PR, if a contestant, regardless of talent, turns in a red carpet gown for a men’s sportswear challenge, there would be consequences. Here, people (well, some people) can turn in works with only the most distant relationship to the challenge, with no consequences. It’s not hard imagining Miles with a stash of pre-conceived stuff, and when a challenge gets to challenging: whopsie! time to nap and art up the FauxCD. It should be hard to imagine, if the experiment has any integrity.

Half-assing those reality tv show constructs makes them pointless. They may be negative for reasons A, B, and C, but it feels like someone behind the curtain’s running damage control on their cool, not making a statement on television.

Ursula July 15, 2010 at 11:51 pm

I totally agree about a PBS reboot. My biggest problem: either the challenges are real, or shouldn’t exist. On PR, if a contestant, regardless of talent, turns in a red carpet gown for a men’s sportswear challenge, there would be consequences. Here, people (well, some people) can turn in works with only the most distant relationship to the challenge, with no consequences. It’s not hard imagining Miles with a stash of pre-conceived stuff, and when a challenge gets to challenging: whopsie! time to nap and art up the FauxCD. It should be hard to imagine, if the experiment has any integrity.

Half-assing those reality tv show constructs makes them pointless. They may be negative for reasons A, B, and C, but it feels like someone behind the curtain’s running damage control on their cool, not making a statement on television.

Ursula July 15, 2010 at 11:51 pm

I totally agree about a PBS reboot. My biggest problem: either the challenges are real, or shouldn’t exist. On PR, if a contestant, regardless of talent, turns in a red carpet gown for a men’s sportswear challenge, there would be consequences. Here, people (well, some people) can turn in works with only the most distant relationship to the challenge, with no consequences. It’s not hard imagining Miles with a stash of pre-conceived stuff, and when a challenge gets to challenging: whopsie! time to nap and art up the FauxCD. It should be hard to imagine, if the experiment has any integrity.

Half-assing those reality tv show constructs makes them pointless. They may be negative for reasons A, B, and C, but it feels like someone behind the curtain’s running damage control on their cool, not making a statement on television.

Ursula July 15, 2010 at 11:51 pm

I totally agree about a PBS reboot. My biggest problem: either the challenges are real, or shouldn’t exist. On PR, if a contestant, regardless of talent, turns in a red carpet gown for a men’s sportswear challenge, there would be consequences. Here, people (well, some people) can turn in works with only the most distant relationship to the challenge, with no consequences. It’s not hard imagining Miles with a stash of pre-conceived stuff, and when a challenge gets to challenging: whopsie! time to nap and art up the FauxCD. It should be hard to imagine, if the experiment has any integrity.

Half-assing those reality tv show constructs makes them pointless. They may be negative for reasons A, B, and C, but it feels like someone behind the curtain’s running damage control on their cool, not making a statement on television.

Ursula July 15, 2010 at 7:51 pm

I totally agree about a PBS reboot. My biggest problem: either the challenges are real, or shouldn’t exist. On PR, if a contestant, regardless of talent, turns in a red carpet gown for a men’s sportswear challenge, there would be consequences. Here, people (well, some people) can turn in works with only the most distant relationship to the challenge, with no consequences. It’s not hard imagining Miles with a stash of pre-conceived stuff, and when a challenge gets to challenging: whopsie! time to nap and art up the FauxCD. It should be hard to imagine, if the experiment has any integrity.

Half-assing those reality tv show constructs makes them pointless. They may be negative for reasons A, B, and C, but it feels like someone behind the curtain’s running damage control on their cool, not making a statement on television.

lauren July 15, 2010 at 11:58 pm

i am both an art student and a reality tv junky. loved last night’s show. miles needed to be told what for in a bad, bad way. his work is decent but in the end it’s not that much better or worse than some of the other “top artists” on the show. he’s just lucky enough to have a style that lends itself to woa’s work environment. afc got it right in evaluating the work but any reality show addict should know that woa will suffer without erik. he was jumpy, insecure, had a big mouth, and a brain injury. his problems with self editing were tv gold. for what it’s worth he was right about the metal sheeting in a big way. i hope he doesn’t give up. he has a long way to go but if he can calm the fuck down and take advice of some kind from someone he could have some potential. that’s the problem with this show. it ignores our materials fetishes and work styles and almost demands crap. wouldn’t it be better to get together a group of students to work under a group of established artist over a summer? twice the catfights and ten times the decent work.

lauren July 15, 2010 at 7:58 pm

i am both an art student and a reality tv junky. loved last night’s show. miles needed to be told what for in a bad, bad way. his work is decent but in the end it’s not that much better or worse than some of the other “top artists” on the show. he’s just lucky enough to have a style that lends itself to woa’s work environment. afc got it right in evaluating the work but any reality show addict should know that woa will suffer without erik. he was jumpy, insecure, had a big mouth, and a brain injury. his problems with self editing were tv gold. for what it’s worth he was right about the metal sheeting in a big way. i hope he doesn’t give up. he has a long way to go but if he can calm the fuck down and take advice of some kind from someone he could have some potential. that’s the problem with this show. it ignores our materials fetishes and work styles and almost demands crap. wouldn’t it be better to get together a group of students to work under a group of established artist over a summer? twice the catfights and ten times the decent work.

Jesse P. Martin July 16, 2010 at 12:13 am

@Laniru: Who are “you guys?”

Laniru July 16, 2010 at 3:46 am

Sorry. Not a well written post.
“you guys” = v.i.ps who sit around and make up what is relevant and what isn’t. I assume several people in the “you guys” club are involved in or follow this blog.

Jesse P. Martin July 15, 2010 at 8:13 pm

@Laniru: Who are “you guys?”

Laniru July 15, 2010 at 11:46 pm

Sorry. Not a well written post.
“you guys” = v.i.ps who sit around and make up what is relevant and what isn’t. I assume several people in the “you guys” club are involved in or follow this blog.

Ladeda July 16, 2010 at 12:22 am

Erik needs to strike while the iron is hot and get his “art pussy” brand out there. It would be no different than all those Real Housewives working the Bravo.
And now that I think of it the possibilities are endless.
Miles could come out with sleeping masks.
Peregrine might sell those helmets she wears.
Jaclyn could sell mirrors where you see her reflection not your own.
Ryan could sell those orangey sunglasses that he painted on himself during the car challenge or prepackaged drag ensembles.
Jamie Lynn seems like a natural to produce whimsical car air fresheners.
Judith would just need to mediate a cut of the pussy profits with Erik because she was working the pussy long before Erik.
Abdi might create a comic book series starring a jumpsuit wearing version of himself.
Mark may not like it but there is a pile of money to be made in hotel art.
John created a pineapple head and Sponge Bob lives in a pineapple which convinces me that he needs to move to California.
Trong = wigs.
Miss Nicole needs a spin off show “Nic and the Bros” where they traverse the country in a camper and periodically stop to make site specific gravel inspired geometric things.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Interesting way to break it all down. I’d like to see more clever categorical ramifications as I self reflect.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Interesting way to break it all down. I’d like to see more clever categorical ramifications as I self reflect.

Ladeda July 15, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Erik needs to strike while the iron is hot and get his “art pussy” brand out there. It would be no different than all those Real Housewives working the Bravo.
And now that I think of it the possibilities are endless.
Miles could come out with sleeping masks.
Peregrine might sell those helmets she wears.
Jaclyn could sell mirrors where you see her reflection not your own.
Ryan could sell those orangey sunglasses that he painted on himself during the car challenge or prepackaged drag ensembles.
Jamie Lynn seems like a natural to produce whimsical car air fresheners.
Judith would just need to mediate a cut of the pussy profits with Erik because she was working the pussy long before Erik.
Abdi might create a comic book series starring a jumpsuit wearing version of himself.
Mark may not like it but there is a pile of money to be made in hotel art.
John created a pineapple head and Sponge Bob lives in a pineapple which convinces me that he needs to move to California.
Trong = wigs.
Miss Nicole needs a spin off show “Nic and the Bros” where they traverse the country in a camper and periodically stop to make site specific gravel inspired geometric things.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 2:32 pm

Interesting way to break it all down. I’d like to see more clever categorical ramifications as I self reflect.

Ladeda July 16, 2010 at 12:26 am

Nao needs her own uncensored prime time show on a different network.

Eleggua2000 July 27, 2010 at 4:58 am

Someone should just give Nao her own channel. A show is not enough to conatain her.

Eleggua2000 July 27, 2010 at 4:58 am

Someone should just give Nao her own channel. A show is not enough to conatain her.

Ladeda July 15, 2010 at 8:26 pm

Nao needs her own uncensored prime time show on a different network.

Eleggua2000 July 27, 2010 at 12:58 am

Someone should just give Nao her own channel. A show is not enough to conatain her.

Patrick July 16, 2010 at 12:41 am

As is our habit, my wife and I discussed the show afterward. We were both struck by the “art pussy” comment. She asked me if I knew any art pussies, and I’ll admit, I could quickly come up with a few, mostly people I knew in school. But then I thought about it some more and determined that to some degree, we’re all art pussies. Except for Tony Fitzpatrick. Just in case he reads your blog, not Tony.

Patrick July 15, 2010 at 8:41 pm

As is our habit, my wife and I discussed the show afterward. We were both struck by the “art pussy” comment. She asked me if I knew any art pussies, and I’ll admit, I could quickly come up with a few, mostly people I knew in school. But then I thought about it some more and determined that to some degree, we’re all art pussies. Except for Tony Fitzpatrick. Just in case he reads your blog, not Tony.

maaaaaaango July 16, 2010 at 1:29 am

“I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d be much happier if Work of Art were a PBS style reality show a la Frontier House with a series of art historians and critics discussing the realities of art world as we watch the struggling members of the art world”

i love you paddy.

done and done.

maaaaaaango July 15, 2010 at 9:29 pm

“I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d be much happier if Work of Art were a PBS style reality show a la Frontier House with a series of art historians and critics discussing the realities of art world as we watch the struggling members of the art world”

i love you paddy.

done and done.

maaaaaaaango July 16, 2010 at 1:43 am

i’ve had a few, but what i meant to say was that this show is a dirty joke, on everyone. jerry saltz isn’t gonna get a daytime show like tyra.

Tanne July 19, 2010 at 3:59 am

I beg to differ. Saltz could be real competition for Maury in the “who’s my baby daddy?” corner of daytime programming.
“WHAT? WHO? WHY?”
I’d think twice about having unprotected sex with him glaring out of my tv.

maaaaaaaango July 15, 2010 at 9:43 pm

i’ve had a few, but what i meant to say was that this show is a dirty joke, on everyone. jerry saltz isn’t gonna get a daytime show like tyra.

Tanne July 18, 2010 at 11:59 pm

I beg to differ. Saltz could be real competition for Maury in the “who’s my baby daddy?” corner of daytime programming.
“WHAT? WHO? WHY?”
I’d think twice about having unprotected sex with him glaring out of my tv.

perfectliar July 16, 2010 at 2:08 am

I think the reason you don’t fully enjoy this show is because you think it’s about art. But it’s not.

It’s about artists and the drama they create. No one wants to watch a show on Bravo where there’s no ridiculous situations, no stakes, no fighting, no tension, no crazy people with out-of-control personalities. This is a television show. It exists for entertainment purposes. There’s nothing entertaining (to the vast majority of TV viewers) about “art historians and critics discussing the realities of art world.”

perfectliar July 15, 2010 at 10:08 pm

I think the reason you don’t fully enjoy this show is because you think it’s about art. But it’s not.

It’s about artists and the drama they create. No one wants to watch a show on Bravo where there’s no ridiculous situations, no stakes, no fighting, no tension, no crazy people with out-of-control personalities. This is a television show. It exists for entertainment purposes. There’s nothing entertaining (to the vast majority of TV viewers) about “art historians and critics discussing the realities of art world.”

CW July 16, 2010 at 2:28 am

I can’t help but think (and I could be totally wrong and just cynical on this) that the red team saw the train wreck that was the blue team and decided to use that to their advantage and amp up themselves getting along so well, it was just a little to saccharin to pass the smell test (or taste test?)

CW July 15, 2010 at 10:28 pm

I can’t help but think (and I could be totally wrong and just cynical on this) that the red team saw the train wreck that was the blue team and decided to use that to their advantage and amp up themselves getting along so well, it was just a little to saccharin to pass the smell test (or taste test?)

pesharpe July 15, 2010 at 11:54 pm

If you read Jaclyn Santos’ blog (www.jaclynsantos.com) you may find some very interesting points to consider relative to last night’s show. She talks pretty freely about the slanting of the show both in editing and through direction. She also takes credit for the design of the scoopy princess beach chair, for what it’s worth. It certainly doesn’t resemble Mile’s original sketch.

Art Fag City July 16, 2010 at 3:25 pm

I’m surprised Bravo hasn’t forced Jaclyn to take that post down. I’ve tried to stick mostly to talking about the art, because it’s harder for Bravo to manipulate that. Stories they can. Reading Jaclyn’s post makes me regret having said anything about the dispute, particularly because I had wondered when I wrote the piece how the sleigh design came to be. You just don’t know what the reality is on these shows because the producers aren’t about letting the narrative construct itself.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 9:30 am

I’m trying to think about WHY we watch what we know is edited and then try to analyze if and where we are being tricked, or misled from what actually happened. I admit I want to see the real thing, as though I was a fly on the wall. But once I accept that I’m a viewer of an edited version at home, I have to just take that seat and watch the “show”. I think the contestants, including myself, (in spite of my own urge to straighten out the story), will have to let it go also…to be “a show”. I’m thinking that the show itself, even with it’s artificialities and stupid soundbites, has generated topics for discussion….ie: artists’ intentions, “failure”, process vs results, education, commercial vs fine, and also about the roles of critics, gallerists vs the guest artists, Not new subjects, but the show served as a catalyst for tons of serious and funny conversations. Artists like to do that. It can be an exhibition…a book, whatever… but in this case it’s a reality TV show….and next time it might be an HBO Original Series. I’d LOVE THAT.

lnwyd July 18, 2010 at 6:58 pm

Judith is really right about the “show.” We all understand that “reality TV” has nothing in particular to do with reality. WANGA, moreover, reduces the idea of art and the creative process to a contest.

It strikes me that some sort of documentary that follows the creative lives of a diverse group of artists over a period of a year or so might well be interesting. Totally fictionalized, it would be a PERFECT HBO series. Judith, have you copyrighted the idea? You should. Let’s write a pitch and send it to an agent.

I miss your presence on the show, Judith. The perspective of a person of our age brings to such a program is now sorely lacking.

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 4:40 pm

Actually I did pitch that idea (and a few others) to the producers…but it was while I was drinking and dancing at the wrap party! Not fictionalized though (though now I do think an HBO series could be great)…I’d originally thought it would be following a few artists as they actually try to launch their art careers over a 1-2 yr period. Not with visible cameras…but more via video diaries.

The thing is…asa a result of being on the show I have had ideas of how it could be so much better, but I want to stay in my studio and focus on my own work, not become a tv series developer!! But…If someone CALLS ME!!! :-))

pesharpe July 16, 2010 at 3:54 am

If you read Jaclyn Santos’ blog (www.jaclynsantos.com) you may find some very interesting points to consider relative to last night’s show. She talks pretty freely about the slanting of the show both in editing and through direction. She also takes credit for the design of the scoopy princess beach chair, for what it’s worth. It certainly doesn’t resemble Mile’s original sketch.

Art Fag City July 16, 2010 at 7:25 pm

I’m surprised Bravo hasn’t forced Jaclyn to take that post down. I’ve tried to stick mostly to talking about the art, because it’s harder for Bravo to manipulate that. Stories they can. Reading Jaclyn’s post makes me regret having said anything about the dispute, particularly because I had wondered when I wrote the piece how the sleigh design came to be. You just don’t know what the reality is on these shows because the producers aren’t about letting the narrative construct itself.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 1:30 pm

I’m trying to think about WHY we watch what we know is edited and then try to analyze if and where we are being tricked, or misled from what actually happened. I admit I want to see the real thing, as though I was a fly on the wall. But once I accept that I’m a viewer of an edited version at home, I have to just take that seat and watch the “show”. I think the contestants, including myself, (in spite of my own urge to straighten out the story), will have to let it go also…to be “a show”. I’m thinking that the show itself, even with it’s artificialities and stupid soundbites, has generated topics for discussion….ie: artists’ intentions, “failure”, process vs results, education, commercial vs fine, and also about the roles of critics, gallerists vs the guest artists, Not new subjects, but the show served as a catalyst for tons of serious and funny conversations. Artists like to do that. It can be an exhibition…a book, whatever… but in this case it’s a reality TV show….and next time it might be an HBO Original Series. I’d LOVE THAT.

lnwyd July 18, 2010 at 10:58 pm

Judith is really right about the “show.” We all understand that “reality TV” has nothing in particular to do with reality. WANGA, moreover, reduces the idea of art and the creative process to a contest.

It strikes me that some sort of documentary that follows the creative lives of a diverse group of artists over a period of a year or so might well be interesting. Totally fictionalized, it would be a PERFECT HBO series. Judith, have you copyrighted the idea? You should. Let’s write a pitch and send it to an agent.

I miss your presence on the show, Judith. The perspective of a person of our age brings to such a program is now sorely lacking.

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Actually I did pitch that idea (and a few others) to the producers…but it was while I was drinking and dancing at the wrap party! Not fictionalized though (though now I do think an HBO series could be great)…I’d originally thought it would be following a few artists as they actually try to launch their art careers over a 1-2 yr period. Not with visible cameras…but more via video diaries.

The thing is…asa a result of being on the show I have had ideas of how it could be so much better, but I want to stay in my studio and focus on my own work, not become a tv series developer!! But…If someone CALLS ME!!! :-))

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Actually I did pitch that idea (and a few others) to the producers…but it was while I was drinking and dancing at the wrap party! Not fictionalized though (though now I do think an HBO series could be great)…I’d originally thought it would be following a few artists as they actually try to launch their art careers over a 1-2 yr period. Not with visible cameras…but more via video diaries.

The thing is…asa a result of being on the show I have had ideas of how it could be so much better, but I want to stay in my studio and focus on my own work, not become a tv series developer!! But…If someone CALLS ME!!! :-))

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Actually I did pitch that idea (and a few others) to the producers…but it was while I was drinking and dancing at the wrap party! Not fictionalized though (though now I do think an HBO series could be great)…I’d originally thought it would be following a few artists as they actually try to launch their art careers over a 1-2 yr period. Not with visible cameras…but more via video diaries.

The thing is…asa a result of being on the show I have had ideas of how it could be so much better, but I want to stay in my studio and focus on my own work, not become a tv series developer!! But…If someone CALLS ME!!! :-))

Judith Braun July 19, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Actually I did pitch that idea (and a few others) to the producers…but it was while I was drinking and dancing at the wrap party! Not fictionalized though (though now I do think an HBO series could be great)…I’d originally thought it would be following a few artists as they actually try to launch their art careers over a 1-2 yr period. Not with visible cameras…but more via video diaries.

The thing is…asa a result of being on the show I have had ideas of how it could be so much better, but I want to stay in my studio and focus on my own work, not become a tv series developer!! But…If someone CALLS ME!!! :-))

lnwyd July 18, 2010 at 10:58 pm

Judith is really right about the “show.” We all understand that “reality TV” has nothing in particular to do with reality. WANGA, moreover, reduces the idea of art and the creative process to a contest.

It strikes me that some sort of documentary that follows the creative lives of a diverse group of artists over a period of a year or so might well be interesting. Totally fictionalized, it would be a PERFECT HBO series. Judith, have you copyrighted the idea? You should. Let’s write a pitch and send it to an agent.

I miss your presence on the show, Judith. The perspective of a person of our age brings to such a program is now sorely lacking.

Kate L July 16, 2010 at 4:19 am

I make a living as an artist so this program has been really interesting to watch. I am so tired of Miles and his attitudes. He is arrogant and unkind. I think Erik is overly sensitive but is goaded by Miles’ eye rolling and cockiness. Miles hasn’t done enough or seen enough or produced enough to be so sure of himself. I am around other artists all the time and I may not agree with them but I can be courteous. Jacklyn is always doing art about being objectifed by men and yet she puts herself out as an object with her half clad “book cover” and her half clad “art that moves you.” She is cute but can she create art? The judges are making no sense at all…I am an artist but that doesn’t mean that I have to trample everyone or be a “tortured” soul…Actually some artists can just be everyday people who create art to share with other people because they are driven by an inner vision.

Kate L July 16, 2010 at 12:19 am

I make a living as an artist so this program has been really interesting to watch. I am so tired of Miles and his attitudes. He is arrogant and unkind. I think Erik is overly sensitive but is goaded by Miles’ eye rolling and cockiness. Miles hasn’t done enough or seen enough or produced enough to be so sure of himself. I am around other artists all the time and I may not agree with them but I can be courteous. Jacklyn is always doing art about being objectifed by men and yet she puts herself out as an object with her half clad “book cover” and her half clad “art that moves you.” She is cute but can she create art? The judges are making no sense at all…I am an artist but that doesn’t mean that I have to trample everyone or be a “tortured” soul…Actually some artists can just be everyday people who create art to share with other people because they are driven by an inner vision.

lauren July 16, 2010 at 4:27 am

you hit the nail on the head. it isn’t all about art. i told a friend the other day that she just had to see this crazy show because it’s like school with all the drab brush washing and thought in the face of a blank surface cut out. maybe the best thing that could come out of this show is a few thousand people looking at all the wacky drama and understanding that you don’t have to be a super duper special gifted from on high person to enjoy slinging a brush. after top chef “gourmet” home cooking took off as a hobby. it didn’t cheapen the serious culinary world in any way and it brought joy to people in their daily lives.

lauren July 16, 2010 at 12:27 am

you hit the nail on the head. it isn’t all about art. i told a friend the other day that she just had to see this crazy show because it’s like school with all the drab brush washing and thought in the face of a blank surface cut out. maybe the best thing that could come out of this show is a few thousand people looking at all the wacky drama and understanding that you don’t have to be a super duper special gifted from on high person to enjoy slinging a brush. after top chef “gourmet” home cooking took off as a hobby. it didn’t cheapen the serious culinary world in any way and it brought joy to people in their daily lives.

casey curran July 16, 2010 at 9:02 am

I haven’t read all of AFC’s blogs but I would like to point out the obvious, that even though this show isn’t bringing anything new to the conversation of art (for now) it is the most engaging type of discussion about art.

What I’m waiting for is the work about the show itself.
Warhol would be amused

casey curran July 16, 2010 at 5:02 am

I haven’t read all of AFC’s blogs but I would like to point out the obvious, that even though this show isn’t bringing anything new to the conversation of art (for now) it is the most engaging type of discussion about art.

What I’m waiting for is the work about the show itself.
Warhol would be amused

Elizabeth Fox July 16, 2010 at 1:50 pm

It’s just occurred to me that it’s a shame to no one has brought up the “intellectual” artist vs the intuitive artist conflict that exists so prevalently in the art world. We’ve all felt misunderstood sometimes and struggle to find the correct words to explain our work. Once you cross that intellectual boundary, there’s no reason to lose patience with those who haven’t. Sometimes the people who have gone to school and are used to defending themselves forget just how hard of a struggle it was to get to that place. Their sense of superiority is ugly and a turn off for those that are struggling with fathoming our own minds and work. I saw Erik in the intuitive category mentally and you really have to fight with words to be understood and he just wasn’t there yet. Everyone lost patience. And he lost patience with himself. We’ve all been there. You give up or you don’t. I know which one I’ve chosen.

Kate L July 16, 2010 at 4:56 pm

Elizabeth you brought up a great point. And said it much better. I am so tired of the snobbishness by some in the art world. I especially hate when they talk “down” to the masses…. When I look at GREAT art such as Derain, Matisse, Degas, Picasso they use wonderful colors and forms and appeal to so many people because their art draws us in. Artists such as Delacroix and Wyeth are darker but appeal to us because of their powerful visions. I feel that some of the critics are talking just to hear themselves talk…

Elizabeth Fox July 16, 2010 at 8:58 pm

Thanks a lot Kate. That’s right, we all hate getting talked down to. And I thought it was interesting that no one seemed to notice that Erik’s alienation is symbolic of a much bigger picture. Seems like you’ve notice similar conflicts in the art world. But hey, what would life be without conflict…a very boring picture.

Elizabeth Fox July 16, 2010 at 9:50 am

It’s just occurred to me that it’s a shame to no one has brought up the “intellectual” artist vs the intuitive artist conflict that exists so prevalently in the art world. We’ve all felt misunderstood sometimes and struggle to find the correct words to explain our work. Once you cross that intellectual boundary, there’s no reason to lose patience with those who haven’t. Sometimes the people who have gone to school and are used to defending themselves forget just how hard of a struggle it was to get to that place. Their sense of superiority is ugly and a turn off for those that are struggling with fathoming our own minds and work. I saw Erik in the intuitive category mentally and you really have to fight with words to be understood and he just wasn’t there yet. Everyone lost patience. And he lost patience with himself. We’ve all been there. You give up or you don’t. I know which one I’ve chosen.

Kate L July 16, 2010 at 12:56 pm

Elizabeth you brought up a great point. And said it much better. I am so tired of the snobbishness by some in the art world. I especially hate when they talk “down” to the masses…. When I look at GREAT art such as Derain, Matisse, Degas, Picasso they use wonderful colors and forms and appeal to so many people because their art draws us in. Artists such as Delacroix and Wyeth are darker but appeal to us because of their powerful visions. I feel that some of the critics are talking just to hear themselves talk…

Elizabeth Fox July 16, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Thanks a lot Kate. That’s right, we all hate getting talked down to. And I thought it was interesting that no one seemed to notice that Erik’s alienation is symbolic of a much bigger picture. Seems like you’ve notice similar conflicts in the art world. But hey, what would life be without conflict…a very boring picture.

MIchelle P. July 16, 2010 at 2:47 pm

My main complaint with Erik is that he stated over and over how this show was his last chance to be an artist and that he felt the need to be validated by his girlfriend and family based on his successes through the show. In my view, this kind of thinking has is hindering him more than being an ‘untrained’ artist. I am sad that the editors figured out a way to present him as such a sour villain that was not able to get along with others. His last words on the show were absolutely hilarious and wise – something about how he would rather be voted off the show for making a clown painting on a palette than for other artists’ ideas and works. Well said.

This show is a bit of a train wreck and I can’t look away. I enjoy reading the commentary here. Ladeda – I am cracking up at your whimsy.

MIchelle P. July 16, 2010 at 10:47 am

My main complaint with Erik is that he stated over and over how this show was his last chance to be an artist and that he felt the need to be validated by his girlfriend and family based on his successes through the show. In my view, this kind of thinking has is hindering him more than being an ‘untrained’ artist. I am sad that the editors figured out a way to present him as such a sour villain that was not able to get along with others. His last words on the show were absolutely hilarious and wise – something about how he would rather be voted off the show for making a clown painting on a palette than for other artists’ ideas and works. Well said.

This show is a bit of a train wreck and I can’t look away. I enjoy reading the commentary here. Ladeda – I am cracking up at your whimsy.

Mark July 16, 2010 at 2:51 pm

The kind of art that gives art a bad name – Jerry Saltz

Coming from a willing participant on a ‘reality TV show’ about ‘art.’ At least the show does not lack good ironies…

Mark July 16, 2010 at 10:51 am

The kind of art that gives art a bad name – Jerry Saltz

Coming from a willing participant on a ‘reality TV show’ about ‘art.’ At least the show does not lack good ironies…

sally July 16, 2010 at 3:55 pm

Erik should seriously consider going to art school. It’s a pretty good place to kick against the system and you have to either do nothing at all or break the law before they kick you out. I think he’s got the drive and smarts to make it work for him.

Tanne July 19, 2010 at 4:12 am

Going to art school is voluntarily working for the system. The education institution in general is a system within many other systems.
$$$$$$$$$$$

sally July 16, 2010 at 11:55 am

Erik should seriously consider going to art school. It’s a pretty good place to kick against the system and you have to either do nothing at all or break the law before they kick you out. I think he’s got the drive and smarts to make it work for him.

Tanne July 19, 2010 at 12:12 am

Going to art school is voluntarily working for the system. The education institution in general is a system within many other systems.
$$$$$$$$$$$

Casino Snacks July 16, 2010 at 6:01 pm

In 8th grade, Mrs. Thrush scolded me for saying pussy. Much to my chagrin, she joyfully explained anatomy. Gross. I remember looking at her and thinking, “Dude, I prefer the “weak” version of the word.” At the time, pretty much everything out of my mouth was “pussy and “fag.” Oddly, she was OK with fag. Hmmm.

I took her words and anatomy lesson to heart and ceased using the word for 3 decades. I was a budding man-feminist and douche bag – of course I listened to her.

At a Barmitzvah a few months ago, I rediscovered the word (and cocksucker!!) and I’m a different man. I feel liberated.

Thanks to Erik I-Didn’t-Go-To-Art-School for appropriating pussy and exposing its joys to a larger audience. We’ll miss ya!

Casino Snacks July 16, 2010 at 2:01 pm

In 8th grade, Mrs. Thrush scolded me for saying pussy. Much to my chagrin, she joyfully explained anatomy. Gross. I remember looking at her and thinking, “Dude, I prefer the “weak” version of the word.” At the time, pretty much everything out of my mouth was “pussy and “fag.” Oddly, she was OK with fag. Hmmm.

I took her words and anatomy lesson to heart and ceased using the word for 3 decades. I was a budding man-feminist and douche bag – of course I listened to her.

At a Barmitzvah a few months ago, I rediscovered the word (and cocksucker!!) and I’m a different man. I feel liberated.

Thanks to Erik I-Didn’t-Go-To-Art-School for appropriating pussy and exposing its joys to a larger audience. We’ll miss ya!

Art Pussy July 16, 2010 at 6:06 pm

I swore I was not going to watch this show anymore. But like all train wrecks, it is hard to avert one’s gaze. For me art has to be inspired. Root word is in-spirit. When I try to conjure up inspiration the results are always disastrous. The work in this show is not inspired. It is con-spired, per-spired, fuck-spired! It is art school assignments. where do the producers get off thinking that they are creating the Next Great Artist? I think the artists who have been voted off
are the lucky ones.

Judith Braun July 16, 2010 at 9:52 pm

One of my favorite moments on Episode 1 was when China states the name of the show…”WoA, The Next Great Artist”…and the camera cut to me rolling my eyes. I thank Bravo for the eternal separation from that stupid title.

Art Pussy July 16, 2010 at 2:06 pm

I swore I was not going to watch this show anymore. But like all train wrecks, it is hard to avert one’s gaze. For me art has to be inspired. Root word is in-spirit. When I try to conjure up inspiration the results are always disastrous. The work in this show is not inspired. It is con-spired, per-spired, fuck-spired! It is art school assignments. where do the producers get off thinking that they are creating the Next Great Artist? I think the artists who have been voted off
are the lucky ones.

Judith Braun July 16, 2010 at 5:52 pm

One of my favorite moments on Episode 1 was when China states the name of the show…”WoA, The Next Great Artist”…and the camera cut to me rolling my eyes. I thank Bravo for the eternal separation from that stupid title.

Art Pussy July 16, 2010 at 6:10 pm

Also, I have not seen any comments on this post from any of the participants unlike in AFC’s other posts. Did Bravo and SJP issue a cease and desist letter.

Art Pussy July 16, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Also, I have not seen any comments on this post from any of the participants unlike in AFC’s other posts. Did Bravo and SJP issue a cease and desist letter.

Jim C. July 16, 2010 at 6:47 pm

Whoever said this is not a show about art has it right.

And that’s OK. Art is more like a quiet character on the show–you do catch glimpses of it every now and then. Execution is important, but you do have to look past the suckage of the pieces to the idea behind those pieces. This is why Miles has dominated the show–being conceptually sure of yourself and proficient in several media seems to be the ticket. This is also why Erik had to go–he makes far too much of “trained vs. untrained” nonsense, but maybe the one place it gets you is in the concept: What’s the Big Idea? How well can you defend it? This is why Jackie passed the note, and why Saltz badgered him. Erik used excuses.

What can I say? I find the show fascinating for all the right and wrong reasons. Like other reality shows I wonder if (should it be picked up for a next season) they’ll refine it, and if the contestants will be a bit more saavy.

Concerning the drama: it felt like Erik was outright manipulated into giving in to his insecurities, and it’s a shame he had to go out with hurtful words for the girls. Miles may or may not be a douche who may or may not have deserved the harsh words; it’s hard to say, because obviously that’s the narrative we’re supposed to pick (and I don’t trust that). The piece did have scales, it was called “Scale;” Erik should have claimed these contributions but instead he let himself get played.

Every artist ultimately learns that the only thing keeping them from being an artist is themselves. Hope Erik gets that and keeps on.

Jim C. July 16, 2010 at 2:47 pm

Whoever said this is not a show about art has it right.

And that’s OK. Art is more like a quiet character on the show–you do catch glimpses of it every now and then. Execution is important, but you do have to look past the suckage of the pieces to the idea behind those pieces. This is why Miles has dominated the show–being conceptually sure of yourself and proficient in several media seems to be the ticket. This is also why Erik had to go–he makes far too much of “trained vs. untrained” nonsense, but maybe the one place it gets you is in the concept: What’s the Big Idea? How well can you defend it? This is why Jackie passed the note, and why Saltz badgered him. Erik used excuses.

What can I say? I find the show fascinating for all the right and wrong reasons. Like other reality shows I wonder if (should it be picked up for a next season) they’ll refine it, and if the contestants will be a bit more saavy.

Concerning the drama: it felt like Erik was outright manipulated into giving in to his insecurities, and it’s a shame he had to go out with hurtful words for the girls. Miles may or may not be a douche who may or may not have deserved the harsh words; it’s hard to say, because obviously that’s the narrative we’re supposed to pick (and I don’t trust that). The piece did have scales, it was called “Scale;” Erik should have claimed these contributions but instead he let himself get played.

Every artist ultimately learns that the only thing keeping them from being an artist is themselves. Hope Erik gets that and keeps on.

Mark number 2 July 16, 2010 at 9:17 pm

As someone who has interacted with Miles is real-life, this story Bravo has cooked up seems pretty cocked. Miles is coming off arrogant on this show because he has a wide breadth of skills, something he is known in Minneapolis to share and offer. Although I haven’t partaken in his work/trade ventures, he keeps a studio in his garage where people are free to come to learn and use the machines he has collected from his work/trade program. There has been multiple occasions where he’s been recommended by friends when I need a stretcher built and the common response when I tell them I don’t want to really learn and don’t have the money to pay him is, “he works for beer.”

I heard him speak once at a local crit group and the kid is more self conscious than he is egotistical. Someone was talking about him receiving some grant and he explained how he didn’t want the money and only applied for practice, made a case for why he didn’t deserve it, and proceeded to ask the room if anyone needed anything. Don’t know if anything came out of that gesture but he was sincere enough to tell people to stop laughing when he said it.

So, AFC, for what it’s worth I don’t buy it.

Art Fag City July 16, 2010 at 9:30 pm

I’ve never thought Miles came off arrogant on this show, but he does seem to say things just to get on the camera. For example: In the Audi challenge there’s a clip of him describing what happened when Simon woke them up in which he says, “And I’m not sure if I have undies on, but I’m pretty sure I do”. I don’t care how sleepy you are, you don’t lose track of whether you’ve got your underwear on when Bravo walks in the door.

Ratzo Rizzo July 30, 2010 at 3:33 pm

Calling them undies alone warrants some consideration. It sexualizes them in a way that suggests he is innocent of any transgression. That aside I can’t figure out why people dislike this kid some much. I think on some level he represents the successful and gentile artist that is far more clever and attractive than we would like to admit. He knows how to control scenarios and has a keen sense of manipulation. He is undoubtedly the most cunning of the bunch or willing to act on his knowledge but is cold in the way he manages to portray himself. I think on some level he tries, and at times fails, to be endearing or to provide some comic relief. Editing could account for much of this I suspect but not all. I like him as the winner for these reasons. I would rather see and hear him than the grumpy naive artist who was recently sent packing. There is nothing more uninteresting than a guy who can’t control his temper. A foxy character with or without underwear is much better viewing. On that note I can’t tell you how many times I have jumped out of bed to greet Simon De Pury without knowing if I was wearing underwear or not.

Ratzo Rizzo July 30, 2010 at 3:33 pm

Calling them undies alone warrants some consideration. It sexualizes them in a way that suggests he is innocent of any transgression. That aside I can’t figure out why people dislike this kid some much. I think on some level he represents the successful and gentile artist that is far more clever and attractive than we would like to admit. He knows how to control scenarios and has a keen sense of manipulation. He is undoubtedly the most cunning of the bunch or willing to act on his knowledge but is cold in the way he manages to portray himself. I think on some level he tries, and at times fails, to be endearing or to provide some comic relief. Editing could account for much of this I suspect but not all. I like him as the winner for these reasons. I would rather see and hear him than the grumpy naive artist who was recently sent packing. There is nothing more uninteresting than a guy who can’t control his temper. A foxy character with or without underwear is much better viewing. On that note I can’t tell you how many times I have jumped out of bed to greet Simon De Pury without knowing if I was wearing underwear or not.

Judith Braun July 16, 2010 at 10:44 pm

Hmmm…interesting story on Miles. I have such specific reasons for seeing him as a phony that I’m even inclined to think he does it all for PR…which is just so cynical of me I know. But Miles doesn’t need me to believe him …or in him…he’ll do just fine I’m sure!

Keith Perelli July 17, 2010 at 12:32 am

Judith, I checked out your site and appreciate the variety and experiential nature of your work. I wish, the producers had spent a bit more time introducing the artists and what they have accomplished or produced professionally. I think that background would help give the viewer greater context of how the artists who participate in this race against the clock absorb, process and experiment with a variety of materials (and sometimes compromise due to time constraints) through the context of the challenge. While as artists we are sure to bring our own sensibilities to the challenge at hand, I have a suspicion that some artists are rehashing rehearsed ideas or installations of sorts that have little to do with the challenge. While, I love Miles prints, I think his photo of a vacant corridor used in the (Audi challenge) was pulled from his past ideas digital inventory of his portfolio. Does that seem fair? I wondered if he had ventured out and responded outside of the Audi showroom would I respect his creative problem solving a bit more. I also found it interesting that his usual overstimulated environmental difficulties seemed to vanish when he was confronted with Erik’s demeanor.

I just hope if this show makes it to year two that judging is more important as in “Top Chef” (every contestant is discussed) and that the show finds, I dare say more seasoned artists.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 7:02 pm

Keith: Thanks for checking out my website. Although during the lengthy audition process we present our backgrounds thoroughly, that information is not given much attention in the end. The portfolios and bios they offer are done without much input from the artists, I remember it being at the last minute that I saw what was going up and had to correct a few glaring mistakes. Evidence that Bravo was mostly focused on the “show” and not on the artists with their own career paths. But I honestly didn’t pay much attention to it, since I didn’t see the show as connected to my serious art life. I know that may sound kind of flippant, but it’s the truth. I figured I was just going to be spontaneous and see what happened.

As you saw on my site, I was a realist painter back 25 yrs ago! But I wasn’t going to start trying to paint like that on tv! Though they could have had a specific “drawing from observation” challenge…would have been fun!

As for where each person comes up with what to do…the only thing I would like is for the artists to be genuine about it. I don’t like seeing someone say…”oh, it just occurred to me to do …this or that…” when they’ve actually been doing it for years. I liked Ryan’s naturalness that way…not posturing just being himself.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 7:02 pm

Keith: Thanks for checking out my website. Although during the lengthy audition process we present our backgrounds thoroughly, that information is not given much attention in the end. The portfolios and bios they offer are done without much input from the artists, I remember it being at the last minute that I saw what was going up and had to correct a few glaring mistakes. Evidence that Bravo was mostly focused on the “show” and not on the artists with their own career paths. But I honestly didn’t pay much attention to it, since I didn’t see the show as connected to my serious art life. I know that may sound kind of flippant, but it’s the truth. I figured I was just going to be spontaneous and see what happened.

As you saw on my site, I was a realist painter back 25 yrs ago! But I wasn’t going to start trying to paint like that on tv! Though they could have had a specific “drawing from observation” challenge…would have been fun!

As for where each person comes up with what to do…the only thing I would like is for the artists to be genuine about it. I don’t like seeing someone say…”oh, it just occurred to me to do …this or that…” when they’ve actually been doing it for years. I liked Ryan’s naturalness that way…not posturing just being himself.

justine jaspers July 18, 2010 at 2:20 am

What specific reasons do you have, Judith? Just dangling this sort of vague accusation doesn’t put you in a very good light. For this viewer of the show (who has had issues with all of the patchwork characters the show has provided for us–with the exception of Abdi this far into the season), it smells of jealousy. Why say anything at all unless you’re willing to back it up with specifics?

justine jaspers July 18, 2010 at 2:20 am

What specific reasons do you have, Judith? Just dangling this sort of vague accusation doesn’t put you in a very good light. For this viewer of the show (who has had issues with all of the patchwork characters the show has provided for us–with the exception of Abdi this far into the season), it smells of jealousy. Why say anything at all unless you’re willing to back it up with specifics?

Woody Tanaka July 18, 2010 at 3:26 am

Anyone who saw episode 1 — where Miles “pretends” to not know who Sarah Jessica Parker is — and who doesn’t think that Miles is a phony, at least to some degree, isn’t paying attention. (And I agree with Keith that Miles seems to have a very… convenient anxiety disorder, where an Audi dealership sends him into a coma, but a full-bore interpersonal dust up can be shrugged off with a pithy quip…)

justine jaspers July 18, 2010 at 5:56 am

Miles actually copped to that later–I can’t remember if it was in an interview on youtube or on the bravo site (or perhaps in the show itself?). He said he’d done it as a joke and that he felt like a jackass (rightly so) afterwards cuz it backfired.

justine jaspers July 18, 2010 at 5:56 am

Miles actually copped to that later–I can’t remember if it was in an interview on youtube or on the bravo site (or perhaps in the show itself?). He said he’d done it as a joke and that he felt like a jackass (rightly so) afterwards cuz it backfired.

Judith Braun July 18, 2010 at 2:15 pm

Justine: I “dangled that vaguely” only because of contract issues, not to be coy. In general Miles immediately wreaked of posturing with his victim of OCD schtick and then his game (WOODY alludes to)…of posturing for the camera, and then playing innocent if/when called out. But I’ll be a bit more specific about one case that involved me, (which I have addressed other places.) All his interview statements about me bothering him all the time were fabricated. He and I had ONE single conversation/spat the entire time I was there, and we barely crossed paths otherwise, so to see him completely make up a scenarios of how he finally got sleep after I left, and no longer had to fake bathroom breaks to avoid me? 100% flat out lies!. He has admitted to me privately since, that he too only remembers one conversation, followed by his phony Miles….”Woops!” Now I do have other instances of complete falsehoods I witnessed in the short time I was there, but maybe this one alone gives you my drift.

Art Fag City July 18, 2010 at 5:37 pm

Bravo has a clip of Jaclyn Santos also caught in a bald face lie. I always assume people only lie when absolutely necessary but this kind of falseness seems to be an issue with more than one contestant on the show, and it’s very very ugly.

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 12:04 am

Is it wrong to assume (and expect) that any reality-show participant is around 500-3000% more likely to be a hammy, lying attention-whore? The medium doesn’t seem to attract the quiet, humble, and ethical types. Except for Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Amarosa or Clay Aiken, of course.

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 12:04 am

Is it wrong to assume (and expect) that any reality-show participant is around 500-3000% more likely to be a hammy, lying attention-whore? The medium doesn’t seem to attract the quiet, humble, and ethical types. Except for Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Amarosa or Clay Aiken, of course.

Soledad Ramos July 19, 2010 at 12:43 pm

JP Martin you seem to be describing yourself. Do you do anything other than snark for attention on web sites?

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Is it wrong to assume (and expect) that any reality-show participant is around 500-3000% more likely to be a hammy, lying attention-whore? The medium doesn’t seem to attract the quiet, humble, and ethical types. Except for Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Amarosa or Clay Aiken, of course.

Soledad Ramos July 19, 2010 at 12:43 pm

JP Martin you seem to be describing yourself. Do you do anything other than snark for attention on web sites?

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Is it wrong to assume (and expect) that any reality-show participant is around 500-3000% more likely to be a hammy, lying attention-whore? The medium doesn’t seem to attract the quiet, humble, and ethical types. Except for Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Amarosa or Clay Aiken, of course.

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 2:44 pm

@Soledad: Thanks for fully re-quoting my last comment. Your doing so effectively DOUBLES the chances for this “snark(ing) for attention” comment to garner the attention I so desperately crave. It’s like you’re my unwitting PR agent!

I love you, Soledad; you double my rainbow. Please re-quote this entire comment (with my name and the date/time I posted) and send me some more of your schoolmarm reprove…

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 2:44 pm

@Soledad: Thanks for fully re-quoting my last comment. Your doing so effectively DOUBLES the chances for this “snark(ing) for attention” comment to garner the attention I so desperately crave. It’s like you’re my unwitting PR agent!

I love you, Soledad; you double my rainbow. Please re-quote this entire comment (with my name and the date/time I posted) and send me some more of your schoolmarm reprove…

Mark number 2 July 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm

As someone who has interacted with Miles is real-life, this story Bravo has cooked up seems pretty cocked. Miles is coming off arrogant on this show because he has a wide breadth of skills, something he is known in Minneapolis to share and offer. Although I haven’t partaken in his work/trade ventures, he keeps a studio in his garage where people are free to come to learn and use the machines he has collected from his work/trade program. There has been multiple occasions where he’s been recommended by friends when I need a stretcher built and the common response when I tell them I don’t want to really learn and don’t have the money to pay him is, “he works for beer.”

I heard him speak once at a local crit group and the kid is more self conscious than he is egotistical. Someone was talking about him receiving some grant and he explained how he didn’t want the money and only applied for practice, made a case for why he didn’t deserve it, and proceeded to ask the room if anyone needed anything. Don’t know if anything came out of that gesture but he was sincere enough to tell people to stop laughing when he said it.

So, AFC, for what it’s worth I don’t buy it.

Art Fag City July 16, 2010 at 5:30 pm

I’ve never thought Miles came off arrogant on this show, but he does seem to say things just to get on the camera. For example: In the Audi challenge there’s a clip of him describing what happened when Simon woke them up in which he says, “And I’m not sure if I have undies on, but I’m pretty sure I do”. I don’t care how sleepy you are, you don’t lose track of whether you’ve got your underwear on when Bravo walks in the door.

Ratzo Rizzo July 30, 2010 at 11:33 am

Calling them undies alone warrants some consideration. It sexualizes them in a way that suggests he is innocent of any transgression. That aside I can’t figure out why people dislike this kid some much. I think on some level he represents the successful and gentile artist that is far more clever and attractive than we would like to admit. He knows how to control scenarios and has a keen sense of manipulation. He is undoubtedly the most cunning of the bunch or willing to act on his knowledge but is cold in the way he manages to portray himself. I think on some level he tries, and at times fails, to be endearing or to provide some comic relief. Editing could account for much of this I suspect but not all. I like him as the winner for these reasons. I would rather see and hear him than the grumpy naive artist who was recently sent packing. There is nothing more uninteresting than a guy who can’t control his temper. A foxy character with or without underwear is much better viewing. On that note I can’t tell you how many times I have jumped out of bed to greet Simon De Pury without knowing if I was wearing underwear or not.

Judith Braun July 16, 2010 at 6:44 pm

Hmmm…interesting story on Miles. I have such specific reasons for seeing him as a phony that I’m even inclined to think he does it all for PR…which is just so cynical of me I know. But Miles doesn’t need me to believe him …or in him…he’ll do just fine I’m sure!

Keith Perelli July 16, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Judith, I checked out your site and appreciate the variety and experiential nature of your work. I wish, the producers had spent a bit more time introducing the artists and what they have accomplished or produced professionally. I think that background would help give the viewer greater context of how the artists who participate in this race against the clock absorb, process and experiment with a variety of materials (and sometimes compromise due to time constraints) through the context of the challenge. While as artists we are sure to bring our own sensibilities to the challenge at hand, I have a suspicion that some artists are rehashing rehearsed ideas or installations of sorts that have little to do with the challenge. While, I love Miles prints, I think his photo of a vacant corridor used in the (Audi challenge) was pulled from his past ideas digital inventory of his portfolio. Does that seem fair? I wondered if he had ventured out and responded outside of the Audi showroom would I respect his creative problem solving a bit more. I also found it interesting that his usual overstimulated environmental difficulties seemed to vanish when he was confronted with Erik’s demeanor.

I just hope if this show makes it to year two that judging is more important as in “Top Chef” (every contestant is discussed) and that the show finds, I dare say more seasoned artists.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Keith: Thanks for checking out my website. Although during the lengthy audition process we present our backgrounds thoroughly, that information is not given much attention in the end. The portfolios and bios they offer are done without much input from the artists, I remember it being at the last minute that I saw what was going up and had to correct a few glaring mistakes. Evidence that Bravo was mostly focused on the “show” and not on the artists with their own career paths. But I honestly didn’t pay much attention to it, since I didn’t see the show as connected to my serious art life. I know that may sound kind of flippant, but it’s the truth. I figured I was just going to be spontaneous and see what happened.

As you saw on my site, I was a realist painter back 25 yrs ago! But I wasn’t going to start trying to paint like that on tv! Though they could have had a specific “drawing from observation” challenge…would have been fun!

As for where each person comes up with what to do…the only thing I would like is for the artists to be genuine about it. I don’t like seeing someone say…”oh, it just occurred to me to do …this or that…” when they’ve actually been doing it for years. I liked Ryan’s naturalness that way…not posturing just being himself.

justine jaspers July 17, 2010 at 10:20 pm

What specific reasons do you have, Judith? Just dangling this sort of vague accusation doesn’t put you in a very good light. For this viewer of the show (who has had issues with all of the patchwork characters the show has provided for us–with the exception of Abdi this far into the season), it smells of jealousy. Why say anything at all unless you’re willing to back it up with specifics?

Woody Tanaka July 17, 2010 at 11:26 pm

Anyone who saw episode 1 — where Miles “pretends” to not know who Sarah Jessica Parker is — and who doesn’t think that Miles is a phony, at least to some degree, isn’t paying attention. (And I agree with Keith that Miles seems to have a very… convenient anxiety disorder, where an Audi dealership sends him into a coma, but a full-bore interpersonal dust up can be shrugged off with a pithy quip…)

justine jaspers July 18, 2010 at 1:56 am

Miles actually copped to that later–I can’t remember if it was in an interview on youtube or on the bravo site (or perhaps in the show itself?). He said he’d done it as a joke and that he felt like a jackass (rightly so) afterwards cuz it backfired.

Judith Braun July 18, 2010 at 10:15 am

Justine: I “dangled that vaguely” only because of contract issues, not to be coy. In general Miles immediately wreaked of posturing with his victim of OCD schtick and then his game (WOODY alludes to)…of posturing for the camera, and then playing innocent if/when called out. But I’ll be a bit more specific about one case that involved me, (which I have addressed other places.) All his interview statements about me bothering him all the time were fabricated. He and I had ONE single conversation/spat the entire time I was there, and we barely crossed paths otherwise, so to see him completely make up a scenarios of how he finally got sleep after I left, and no longer had to fake bathroom breaks to avoid me? 100% flat out lies!. He has admitted to me privately since, that he too only remembers one conversation, followed by his phony Miles….”Woops!” Now I do have other instances of complete falsehoods I witnessed in the short time I was there, but maybe this one alone gives you my drift.

Art Fag City July 18, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Bravo has a clip of Jaclyn Santos also caught in a bald face lie. I always assume people only lie when absolutely necessary but this kind of falseness seems to be an issue with more than one contestant on the show, and it’s very very ugly.

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Is it wrong to assume (and expect) that any reality-show participant is around 500-3000% more likely to be a hammy, lying attention-whore? The medium doesn’t seem to attract the quiet, humble, and ethical types. Except for Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Amarosa or Clay Aiken, of course.

Soledad Ramos July 19, 2010 at 8:43 am

JP Martin you seem to be describing yourself. Do you do anything other than snark for attention on web sites?

Jesse P. Martin July 18, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Is it wrong to assume (and expect) that any reality-show participant is around 500-3000% more likely to be a hammy, lying attention-whore? The medium doesn’t seem to attract the quiet, humble, and ethical types. Except for Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Amarosa or Clay Aiken, of course.

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 10:44 am

@Soledad: Thanks for fully re-quoting my last comment. Your doing so effectively DOUBLES the chances for this “snark(ing) for attention” comment to garner the attention I so desperately crave. It’s like you’re my unwitting PR agent!

I love you, Soledad; you double my rainbow. Please re-quote this entire comment (with my name and the date/time I posted) and send me some more of your schoolmarm reprove…

Erik July 17, 2010 at 12:01 am

PADDY!!! i totally think you hit the nail on the head, when you said that my group should have let me hang myself on my bad ideas. i asked them that…. i said if my ideas are bad, let me do them cause i will be the one who goes home for them. they said that they didn’t want to lose the challenge. i just wasn’t able to get my point across that if the judges hate my ideas, i’ll take FULL responsibility… oh well…

and p.s. jackie’s blog is WAY off. not how things were at all 🙂

thank you again for letting my posts go up on this page!

Laniru July 17, 2010 at 5:54 pm

Erik, have you ever read about the Stuckists, Billy Childish, etc.? I really think there are avenues for artists who don’t want to go down the typical art world path. Art worlders don’t realize it, but their hold on visual culture has slipped. What they celebrate now is NOT what will be in history books in 100 years.

Laniru July 17, 2010 at 5:54 pm

Erik, have you ever read about the Stuckists, Billy Childish, etc.? I really think there are avenues for artists who don’t want to go down the typical art world path. Art worlders don’t realize it, but their hold on visual culture has slipped. What they celebrate now is NOT what will be in history books in 100 years.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 7:09 pm

so…if every person on the show wrote a blog with their version of what happened everyone would be telling different stories. And they’d all be true! And false.
I THINK I LIKE watching people’s faces. That’s how I can tell. I read that 95% of the muscles in our faces are INVOLUNTARY.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 7:09 pm

so…if every person on the show wrote a blog with their version of what happened everyone would be telling different stories. And they’d all be true! And false.
I THINK I LIKE watching people’s faces. That’s how I can tell. I read that 95% of the muscles in our faces are INVOLUNTARY.

Ratzo Rizzo July 30, 2010 at 3:37 pm

I like the idea of everyone’s blog being both right and wrong. I think 75% of those muscles can be trained not to volunteer their reactions. Also remember that the editing alone can make it appear as if someone was taken aback by another person’s statement when in fact it was simply a response to another event. A boring response leads to a bored audience. Head-turning and horrifies looks are a staple in what we call reality television.

Erik July 16, 2010 at 8:01 pm

PADDY!!! i totally think you hit the nail on the head, when you said that my group should have let me hang myself on my bad ideas. i asked them that…. i said if my ideas are bad, let me do them cause i will be the one who goes home for them. they said that they didn’t want to lose the challenge. i just wasn’t able to get my point across that if the judges hate my ideas, i’ll take FULL responsibility… oh well…

and p.s. jackie’s blog is WAY off. not how things were at all 🙂

thank you again for letting my posts go up on this page!

Laniru July 17, 2010 at 1:54 pm

Erik, have you ever read about the Stuckists, Billy Childish, etc.? I really think there are avenues for artists who don’t want to go down the typical art world path. Art worlders don’t realize it, but their hold on visual culture has slipped. What they celebrate now is NOT what will be in history books in 100 years.

Judith Braun July 17, 2010 at 3:09 pm

so…if every person on the show wrote a blog with their version of what happened everyone would be telling different stories. And they’d all be true! And false.
I THINK I LIKE watching people’s faces. That’s how I can tell. I read that 95% of the muscles in our faces are INVOLUNTARY.

Ratzo Rizzo July 30, 2010 at 11:37 am

I like the idea of everyone’s blog being both right and wrong. I think 75% of those muscles can be trained not to volunteer their reactions. Also remember that the editing alone can make it appear as if someone was taken aback by another person’s statement when in fact it was simply a response to another event. A boring response leads to a bored audience. Head-turning and horrifies looks are a staple in what we call reality television.

Lorenzo July 17, 2010 at 1:54 am

Agree – this show is a trainwreck I can’t stop myself from watching.

Miles is definitely up to something and while I think he was actually more open to collaboration in the beginning once the train left the station this was the direction it was going in. I even think he is a little surprised that his act is working so well on the judges.

Erik has proved that while his execution may be somewhat lacking at times, his ideas are sound. Unfortunately in group challenges like this it turned into a popular group that wasn’t willing to take the time to include Erik until they needed him to move stuff that was too heavy for the girls. The other members would cut him off every time he tried to present an idea, so with the scales he pulled away for a few minutes to draw the idea as words are not his strong point and he was still shut down. For someone so invested in the competition to feel “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” I completely understand his obvious struggle between shutting down completely and trying to suck it up – and I do believe he tried to suck it up.

Honestly, his work on the show was not the best and maybe some of his previous work should have sent him home, but I don’t see how he possibly could have gotten a word in with that clique, and yes a smarter, savvier contestant would have stated his case better and that is why he was sent home.

I hope he doesn’t give up because if you truly love something you should continue to do it.

Lorenzo July 16, 2010 at 9:54 pm

Agree – this show is a trainwreck I can’t stop myself from watching.

Miles is definitely up to something and while I think he was actually more open to collaboration in the beginning once the train left the station this was the direction it was going in. I even think he is a little surprised that his act is working so well on the judges.

Erik has proved that while his execution may be somewhat lacking at times, his ideas are sound. Unfortunately in group challenges like this it turned into a popular group that wasn’t willing to take the time to include Erik until they needed him to move stuff that was too heavy for the girls. The other members would cut him off every time he tried to present an idea, so with the scales he pulled away for a few minutes to draw the idea as words are not his strong point and he was still shut down. For someone so invested in the competition to feel “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” I completely understand his obvious struggle between shutting down completely and trying to suck it up – and I do believe he tried to suck it up.

Honestly, his work on the show was not the best and maybe some of his previous work should have sent him home, but I don’t see how he possibly could have gotten a word in with that clique, and yes a smarter, savvier contestant would have stated his case better and that is why he was sent home.

I hope he doesn’t give up because if you truly love something you should continue to do it.

Laura July 17, 2010 at 12:30 pm

If you’re looking for a realistic take on the “art world” watch the documentary “Mr. Dial Has Something To Say.” After watching it, WoA seems like nothing more than an advertising spot for Audi.

Laura July 17, 2010 at 8:30 am

If you’re looking for a realistic take on the “art world” watch the documentary “Mr. Dial Has Something To Say.” After watching it, WoA seems like nothing more than an advertising spot for Audi.

patpatpatpat July 18, 2010 at 10:27 pm

I think Abdi, Ryan, and Miles are in the final three. Everyone else has made some sort of web/blog/commenting effort except those three. So the end storyline will be two nice guys vs the big wild art pussy. Because Abdi loves christ he will lose. Ryan will not take the only shred of good advice from Simon “I wear awesome suits” De Pury and continue to do self-portraits hopefully as badass as his Audi work. Miles will then swoop in with a “comfort” zone/fort thing that is totally fuckable/number2able. It will be titled “Fuck Hut.” Jerry will try it out.

btw the carpet floor produces this calm/neutral space. Miles work doesnt produce the calm environment that he keeps mentioning in every crit.

@Trong Wtf? A producer would be shouting at the judges demanding that you not be sent home had you been this honest on the show.

patpatpatpat July 18, 2010 at 10:27 pm

I think Abdi, Ryan, and Miles are in the final three. Everyone else has made some sort of web/blog/commenting effort except those three. So the end storyline will be two nice guys vs the big wild art pussy. Because Abdi loves christ he will lose. Ryan will not take the only shred of good advice from Simon “I wear awesome suits” De Pury and continue to do self-portraits hopefully as badass as his Audi work. Miles will then swoop in with a “comfort” zone/fort thing that is totally fuckable/number2able. It will be titled “Fuck Hut.” Jerry will try it out.

btw the carpet floor produces this calm/neutral space. Miles work doesnt produce the calm environment that he keeps mentioning in every crit.

@Trong Wtf? A producer would be shouting at the judges demanding that you not be sent home had you been this honest on the show.

Dina July 19, 2010 at 3:06 am

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure Abdi’s a Muslim. That doesn’t preclude him from loving Christ as well, just throws a monkey wrench into your equation. Or maybe not. I don’t know where Allah rates in losing reality shows for contestans.

patpatpatpat July 19, 2010 at 9:24 pm

AFC did my research. Blame them if it’s wrong. None of that matters though. ummm. Has anyone seen Abdi, Miles, or Ryan comment/blog/set the record straight? If so, that would throw a monkey wrench into my equation.

The rest of my post was stupid. Er except the magical power of carpets. Also, I would like to see Miles build that structure. The interior could be this awesome Ernesto Neto nylon mass. The womb he’s always wanted.

patpatpatpat July 19, 2010 at 9:24 pm

AFC did my research. Blame them if it’s wrong. None of that matters though. ummm. Has anyone seen Abdi, Miles, or Ryan comment/blog/set the record straight? If so, that would throw a monkey wrench into my equation.

The rest of my post was stupid. Er except the magical power of carpets. Also, I would like to see Miles build that structure. The interior could be this awesome Ernesto Neto nylon mass. The womb he’s always wanted.

patpatpatpat July 19, 2010 at 9:24 pm

AFC did my research. Blame them if it’s wrong. None of that matters though. ummm. Has anyone seen Abdi, Miles, or Ryan comment/blog/set the record straight? If so, that would throw a monkey wrench into my equation.

The rest of my post was stupid. Er except the magical power of carpets. Also, I would like to see Miles build that structure. The interior could be this awesome Ernesto Neto nylon mass. The womb he’s always wanted.

patpatpatpat July 19, 2010 at 9:24 pm

AFC did my research. Blame them if it’s wrong. None of that matters though. ummm. Has anyone seen Abdi, Miles, or Ryan comment/blog/set the record straight? If so, that would throw a monkey wrench into my equation.

The rest of my post was stupid. Er except the magical power of carpets. Also, I would like to see Miles build that structure. The interior could be this awesome Ernesto Neto nylon mass. The womb he’s always wanted.

Dina July 19, 2010 at 3:06 am

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure Abdi’s a Muslim. That doesn’t preclude him from loving Christ as well, just throws a monkey wrench into your equation. Or maybe not. I don’t know where Allah rates in losing reality shows for contestans.

patpatpatpat July 18, 2010 at 6:27 pm

I think Abdi, Ryan, and Miles are in the final three. Everyone else has made some sort of web/blog/commenting effort except those three. So the end storyline will be two nice guys vs the big wild art pussy. Because Abdi loves christ he will lose. Ryan will not take the only shred of good advice from Simon “I wear awesome suits” De Pury and continue to do self-portraits hopefully as badass as his Audi work. Miles will then swoop in with a “comfort” zone/fort thing that is totally fuckable/number2able. It will be titled “Fuck Hut.” Jerry will try it out.

btw the carpet floor produces this calm/neutral space. Miles work doesnt produce the calm environment that he keeps mentioning in every crit.

@Trong Wtf? A producer would be shouting at the judges demanding that you not be sent home had you been this honest on the show.

Dina July 18, 2010 at 11:06 pm

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure Abdi’s a Muslim. That doesn’t preclude him from loving Christ as well, just throws a monkey wrench into your equation. Or maybe not. I don’t know where Allah rates in losing reality shows for contestans.

patpatpatpat July 19, 2010 at 5:24 pm

AFC did my research. Blame them if it’s wrong. None of that matters though. ummm. Has anyone seen Abdi, Miles, or Ryan comment/blog/set the record straight? If so, that would throw a monkey wrench into my equation.

The rest of my post was stupid. Er except the magical power of carpets. Also, I would like to see Miles build that structure. The interior could be this awesome Ernesto Neto nylon mass. The womb he’s always wanted.

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 5:52 am

From Abdi’s Facebook “Info” Page:

Religious Views: Christian
Interests: God
Books: The Bible

What made you “pretty sure Abdi’s a Muslim?”

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 5:52 am

From Abdi’s Facebook “Info” Page:

Religious Views: Christian
Interests: God
Books: The Bible

What made you “pretty sure Abdi’s a Muslim?”

Dina July 19, 2010 at 2:32 pm

I stand corrected. They’d featured a couple of shots of him in the show where he appeared to be performing Salah, hence my assumption.

Jesse P. Martin July 19, 2010 at 1:52 am

From Abdi’s Facebook “Info” Page:

Religious Views: Christian
Interests: God
Books: The Bible

What made you “pretty sure Abdi’s a Muslim?”

Dina July 19, 2010 at 10:32 am

I stand corrected. They’d featured a couple of shots of him in the show where he appeared to be performing Salah, hence my assumption.

LiberationNYC July 19, 2010 at 2:45 pm

I wish Erik had gone out in a blaze of glory and punched Miles in the face. Then he could have picked his teeth up of the floor and made even more of his isolated art with them.

And why was it lost on the judges that the Beetlejuice sculpture would be useless after a rainstorm because it would collect water making it West Nile friendly and impossible to sit on???

LiberationNYC July 19, 2010 at 2:45 pm

I wish Erik had gone out in a blaze of glory and punched Miles in the face. Then he could have picked his teeth up of the floor and made even more of his isolated art with them.

And why was it lost on the judges that the Beetlejuice sculpture would be useless after a rainstorm because it would collect water making it West Nile friendly and impossible to sit on???

LiberationNYC July 19, 2010 at 2:45 pm

I wish Erik had gone out in a blaze of glory and punched Miles in the face. Then he could have picked his teeth up of the floor and made even more of his isolated art with them.

And why was it lost on the judges that the Beetlejuice sculpture would be useless after a rainstorm because it would collect water making it West Nile friendly and impossible to sit on???

LiberationNYC July 19, 2010 at 10:45 am

I wish Erik had gone out in a blaze of glory and punched Miles in the face. Then he could have picked his teeth up of the floor and made even more of his isolated art with them.

And why was it lost on the judges that the Beetlejuice sculpture would be useless after a rainstorm because it would collect water making it West Nile friendly and impossible to sit on???

no sex, no status July 19, 2010 at 3:54 pm

A little late to this party, but for what it’s worth:

I can sympathize with the desire of outsiders to push back against the perceived (and all too often, real) cliquishness and pretentiousness of The Art World as it is manifested by artists like Miles, who is clearly steeped in and has internalized all of the pseudo-intellectual window dressing and performance-spectacle clichés that currently run rampant among young, art-schooled artists.

However, I am stridently “team Miles” as relates to the catfight that broke out last episode and in general Miles and Erik’s respective worthiness for continued competition on the show in general.

Like him or not, Miles is *by far* the strongest artist remaining on the cast; the only one really speaking the language of contemporary art in terms of conceptual rigor, technical execution, variety of materials and techniques, propensity to create site-sensitive installations and include elements of interactivity and performance. The rest of the cast at this point is a collection of mediocre-at-best figurative painters, illustrators and one photographer. He may not be “the next great artist,” whatever that actually means, but Miles is the only cast member with the potential to put together a solo show that will not be an utter embarrassment to the Brooklyn Museum (or really, one that wouldn’t be laughed out of any gallery in Chelsea). It is entirely legitimate to argue that fluency in insider contemporary art world trends does not a strong artist make, but nobody else on that show is making a compelling case coming from an outsider artist perspective, and Miles is the only one making work that speaks to our (“we” being sophisticated contemporary art connoisseurs) understanding of what art can be, rather than Bravo’s simplistic view that art = painting.

Meanwhile, Erik is *by far* the weakest of the bunch. He should have been sent packing in week one for that atrocious clown-painting-on-palette-on-an-easel. Everything—EVERYTHING—he has done on this show has been sub-deviantart.com level angst-schlock. Not going to art school is NOT a valid excuse for total aesthetic illiteracy or a parade of cringe-worthy, amateurish paintings not fit for a goth coffee shop. Again, I understand it must be incredibly frustrating to have one’s ideas shot down by the more sophisticated artists in a team challenge, but can we acknowledge that Erik’s ideas were *terrible*? I mean, seriously: “I think we should cover the back in snake scales, because they’re cool.” WHAT?! “How about some hanging vines?” WHY?? What on earth did either of those suggestions have to do with the challenge or the team’s concept? Why is Miles, the team leader, supposed to accept suggestions that will obviously compromise the quality of the work?

Miles may be an art pussy, but talent-wise he’s got the goods and was right to shoot down Erik’s suggestions. Erik is a self-styled outsider who is completely ignorant of the qualities of art he is purportedly reacting against. The stream of garbage he offered up every week would be easier to excuse if he didn’t go out in a blaze of ridiculous machismo, ad-hominem attacks and thinly (if at all) veiled misogyny and homophobia, projecting his ignorance and closed-mindedness onto his competitors. Good riddance.

laniru July 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Dear “sophisticated contemporary art connoisseur”,
I think it’s neat how you lump all of deviantart, a site with over 11 million contributors, into one aesthetic category. If you look past the front page there is plenty of talent; that is, if you’re willing to look for it without the art world’s permission.

laniru July 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Dear “sophisticated contemporary art connoisseur”,
I think it’s neat how you lump all of deviantart, a site with over 11 million contributors, into one aesthetic category. If you look past the front page there is plenty of talent; that is, if you’re willing to look for it without the art world’s permission.

laniru July 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Dear “sophisticated contemporary art connoisseur”,
I think it’s neat how you lump all of deviantart, a site with over 11 million contributors, into one aesthetic category. If you look past the front page there is plenty of talent; that is, if you’re willing to look for it without the art world’s permission.

laniru July 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Dear “sophisticated contemporary art connoisseur”,
I think it’s neat how you lump all of deviantart, a site with over 11 million contributors, into one aesthetic category. If you look past the front page there is plenty of talent; that is, if you’re willing to look for it without the art world’s permission.

no sex, no status July 19, 2010 at 11:54 am

A little late to this party, but for what it’s worth:

I can sympathize with the desire of outsiders to push back against the perceived (and all too often, real) cliquishness and pretentiousness of The Art World as it is manifested by artists like Miles, who is clearly steeped in and has internalized all of the pseudo-intellectual window dressing and performance-spectacle clichés that currently run rampant among young, art-schooled artists.

However, I am stridently “team Miles” as relates to the catfight that broke out last episode and in general Miles and Erik’s respective worthiness for continued competition on the show in general.

Like him or not, Miles is *by far* the strongest artist remaining on the cast; the only one really speaking the language of contemporary art in terms of conceptual rigor, technical execution, variety of materials and techniques, propensity to create site-sensitive installations and include elements of interactivity and performance. The rest of the cast at this point is a collection of mediocre-at-best figurative painters, illustrators and one photographer. He may not be “the next great artist,” whatever that actually means, but Miles is the only cast member with the potential to put together a solo show that will not be an utter embarrassment to the Brooklyn Museum (or really, one that wouldn’t be laughed out of any gallery in Chelsea). It is entirely legitimate to argue that fluency in insider contemporary art world trends does not a strong artist make, but nobody else on that show is making a compelling case coming from an outsider artist perspective, and Miles is the only one making work that speaks to our (“we” being sophisticated contemporary art connoisseurs) understanding of what art can be, rather than Bravo’s simplistic view that art = painting.

Meanwhile, Erik is *by far* the weakest of the bunch. He should have been sent packing in week one for that atrocious clown-painting-on-palette-on-an-easel. Everything—EVERYTHING—he has done on this show has been sub-deviantart.com level angst-schlock. Not going to art school is NOT a valid excuse for total aesthetic illiteracy or a parade of cringe-worthy, amateurish paintings not fit for a goth coffee shop. Again, I understand it must be incredibly frustrating to have one’s ideas shot down by the more sophisticated artists in a team challenge, but can we acknowledge that Erik’s ideas were *terrible*? I mean, seriously: “I think we should cover the back in snake scales, because they’re cool.” WHAT?! “How about some hanging vines?” WHY?? What on earth did either of those suggestions have to do with the challenge or the team’s concept? Why is Miles, the team leader, supposed to accept suggestions that will obviously compromise the quality of the work?

Miles may be an art pussy, but talent-wise he’s got the goods and was right to shoot down Erik’s suggestions. Erik is a self-styled outsider who is completely ignorant of the qualities of art he is purportedly reacting against. The stream of garbage he offered up every week would be easier to excuse if he didn’t go out in a blaze of ridiculous machismo, ad-hominem attacks and thinly (if at all) veiled misogyny and homophobia, projecting his ignorance and closed-mindedness onto his competitors. Good riddance.

laniru July 19, 2010 at 5:00 pm

Dear “sophisticated contemporary art connoisseur”,
I think it’s neat how you lump all of deviantart, a site with over 11 million contributors, into one aesthetic category. If you look past the front page there is plenty of talent; that is, if you’re willing to look for it without the art world’s permission.

L.M. July 20, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Looks like we’ve worried this episode to death. (Can hardly wait for the next one.)

L.M. July 20, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Looks like we’ve worried this episode to death. (Can hardly wait for the next one.)

L.M. July 20, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Looks like we’ve worried this episode to death. (Can hardly wait for the next one.)

L.M. July 20, 2010 at 10:44 am

Looks like we’ve worried this episode to death. (Can hardly wait for the next one.)

Peter July 23, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Peter July 23, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Peter July 23, 2010 at 3:40 pm

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