On the Web: May 2006 Archives
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?
"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
