May 2006 Archives
I don't think I knew about this before, but I just got word that there's just 7 hours left for online bidding in ICP's benefit auction, themed "American Beauty". As you might imagine, there is a fair amount of celebrity, landscape and nude or "erotic" photography in the mix. Many lots have only a single bid and are currently well below "retail" prices. Mona Khun for $800 (no bids), Todd Hido for $600 (1 bid), or Weegee for $900 and no bids.
The live auction takes place tomorrow, Thursday, June 1
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Splashlight Studios
535 W 35th St
Where does he find the time? As you might have noticed, things have gotten a little stale around here as I've been consumed by work and an 18-month old and have found little time to get out to see anything exciting. Edward Winkleman, however, has been knocking out a series of thought provoking posts over at his site. All are concerned with art in general, but each has applicability to photography as well. Take a gander.
Hugging a Porcupine: Transgression and Timing
While the participants seem more wrapped up in arguing whether blogs are over- or under-hyped, Arts Journal is hosting a group blog re: the function and future of arts criticism.
Some galleries want art to be loved and others just want to be left alone.
Tyler Green has reviewed the Getty's Robert Adams show, drawn from its permanent collection. For those of us who are from the West and love the West, Adams' critique of our destructive relationship with the land is only growing in importance.
Erik's posted a wrap up on the recent photography auctions. Looks like most lots came in within their estimated range or even low. Some notable exceptions were for lesser known photographers, indicating interest by speculators rather than true collectors. Do we hear the air coming out of the bubble yet?
LA gets a couple of days here and there. NY gets a few days, too. Toronto, however, gets a whole month. The CONTACT Toronto Photography Festival is in full swing through the end of this month with a full slate of events for the photographer, collector or plain ol' aficionado.
"Art does not equal journalism." Sometimes art equals propaganda.
Some rambling thoughts: shoudln't we be rewarding complex work that analyzes difficult world issues from multiple perspectives rather than simplistic one-sided agitprop? What sort of culture are we left with when the ideal of objectivity embodied by mid-20th century journalism is tossed aside for the extremes of subjectivity which in effect is propaganda - journalism's evil twin?
Rob Gardiner has launched Photo Book Guide, a new site completely dedicated to photo books past and present. Until relatively recently, the photo book was the primary means of displaying photographs in the absence of gallery shows and museum interest. Fox Talbot's "Pencil of Nature" was the first photobook, with actual prints tipped into each page. Rob's got just a handful of entries now, but I'm looking forward to this resource expanding over time.
From the Walker Arts visual arts bloginterview with Alec Soth.
Paul: What about--I guess the question is: what makes a good photographer, but I don't really want you to answer that because I think it's too big (and too subjective) of a question...
Alec: It's a corny question, but it's a good one. And suddenly I have an answer. I think what makes a good photographer is being willing to explore what you really want to explore. If you really want to photograph furry kitties, just do it. It's ok
Despite all the talk of globalizing of the art market, photography (and other arts) is still heavily influenced by local issues and people. (As opposed to "global people." New Trends in Chicago Photography is part of the Version '06 festival that started last weekend and runs through May 7 (next Sunday) and has been curated by Chicago-area photographers Greg Stimac and Brian Ulrich. With over 40 photographers represented, it's hard to believe there will be enough space to get a real sense of anyone's work, but I'm not in Chicago, so I can't really say. If you do go, leave a short review in the comments.
Through May 7 at Version Kuntshalle Iron Studios
3636 S Iron St (1st and 4th floors)
Admisson is Ten Bucks (5 if you're in school)
