Art News: When the Curator Breaks the Rules
The curators' guidelines for barebrush suggest 1 or 2 pieces, max, per artist, but guest curator, Bart de Koning Gans, felt strongly about consistency of language and its variety between artists. June 2008 emphasizes the clarity of the Bart's vision. This N*des-of-the-Month calendar is very subtle. It is effective and professional. It presents the artists who are included in the setting and context, as worthy of professional representation.
Only ten of the 54 artists world-wide who entered work got into the calendar. "I'm sure it's a disappointment to a lot of artists," said barebrush CEO Ilene Skeen. "I have a lot of great art on the site, but the program of using a different guest curator each month means that we imitate real-world conditions. It's important for the curators to be happy with the calendar they produce -- that their show truly represents their concept of art of the nude if they were to show it at their gallery."
Note from the Curator:
Curating for Barebrush was a great experience. Though I struggled with the rules
a bit, I feel strongly about the images I put forth. June comes across as
consistent and shows my interest in line and the development of language. I feel
each artist has taken the nude and appropriated it to make it their own rather
than just a display of a model.
The artists represented for June 2008 are: Donna Cleary*, Donelli J. DiMaria, Guenter Knop*, Serge Lis*, Jean Marcellino*, Joseph Mayes, Jacqui Morgan*, Jon Reddich, Ilene Skeen, Tim Woodhouse.
"I am somewhat embarrassed that my work is included, but that was apparently part of Bart's vision as well," said Ms. Skeen.
Commenting on the fact that only nine artists were included, gallery owner, Chris Henry smiled and shrugged, 'That's the business. You find a few artists you like and you push it."
Bart made it clear that it wasn't business considerations that informed his choices, but artistic sensibilities. No matter, the effect for the artists was the same. Those whose work did not fit with the curator's vision were excluded -- but that it true for every calendar...real-world conditions.
Bart wrote later that he apologizes "for breaking the rules, but this is [my] way of curating and when an artist sends out their work out to be criticized and chosen by a curator this is what can happen."
Each of the artists selected for the calendar receives two (2) complimentary listings. Five artists, indicated by asterisks (*), are nominated for the Curators Choice Awards. Each nominee receives 8 additional complimentary listings and is in the running for cash prizes as well. YOU CAN VOTE NOW. Winners announced July 1st.
The calendar is in previews now (for members only) , and will go live to the public on June 1.
Barebrush.com, dedicated to the art of the nude
Comments welcome
Link to Eworldwire national press release
Share on Facebook