Gursky Returns
Over at Modern Art Notes, Tyler Green describes Andreas Gursky as "the most overrated artist on the planet". Actually, that title goes to Richard Avedon. For me, Gursky's 2001 MoMA mid-career retrospective was the single event which opened my eyes to the world of contemporary photography, something I had till then given no consideration to whatsoever. Gursky's approach - large scale, architectural subjects, no/unrecognizable people - first sparked my love for both creating and looking at photographs.
Gursky's first American show since MoMA opened May 8th at Matthew Marks. I am particularly interested to see Greeley, an arial view of the Greeley, CO feedlots where thousands of cattle are corralled before slaughter. Odd as it seems, this is a nostalgic image as I've spent some time in Greeley, near Kim's hometown.
As to Richard Avedon, I expected that my New Yorker subscription would be tax deductable this year as it appears to have become a charitable contribution to the Richard Avendon Retirement Fund. My accountant frowned on this suggestion.
Through June 27th at Matthew Marks
522 W. 22 St.
212-243-0200
I agree with you re: Gursky. Besides the sheer boldness of the large scale, I love that his work engages the viewer at both macro and micro levels. "Most Overrated" or "Most"-anything is a fatuous argument, along the lines of Po-tay-to / Po-tah-do. Thanks for your site.