[Previous entry: "The Revolutionary Spirit"] [Next entry: "My Transverse Myelitis"]
05/08/2010: "Art Chicago 2010"
Well, another Art Chicago has come and gone and I'm glad that I attended again this year. I'm tempted to say that Art Chicago is the best art fair that I visit all year, but I won't go that far. However, it's very well executed, the people are nice and of course, the art is great. From the moment you approach the elevators in the Merchandise Mart, security guards guide you on your trip to the 12th floor. Also the gallery layout plan is easy to follow and I never get lost when I'm there, which is way more than I can say for some other top international art fairs. On the downside, Art Chicago tends to be more conservative; less risky. I didn't see anything this year that challenged me. I'm not talking about "shock value." I was looking for something that "pushed the envelope" or pushed art forward. I didn't see it. Believe me ... I combed every aisle and every gallery. I also didn't see it downstairs on the 7th floor at the Next Art Fair for emerging artists. Next tends to be sophomoric and "art school confidential," if you will. Obviously, the work of these up and coming artists isn't as polished as their counterparts upstairs, but the energy and optimism is undeniable. However, I must say that I think Next needs to be tightened up a bit. I love the fact that Next is very approachable and the intimidation factor is indeed five notches lower than the lofty Art Chicago. However, Next needs to remind the students that it's an important venue and presentation and professionalism are just as important as the art itself. Trust me, I attend these fairs every year and I see how they work. Ultimately, I think it's important that people attend. They're trade shows for living art. They give people a chance to see the wide variety of talent and price points out there. Also, a few dealers told me that sales are picking up. That's good news for the economy, but they say this coming summer will be the true test. In short, if you love art, you shouldn't miss Art Chicago. Next!
Replies: 28 Comments
on Saturday, September 3rd, austin defense attorneys said
Great! Thanks for this good news.
on Tuesday, July 12th, Web Design Qatar said
Its really nice to see those art works..I love it..Those paintings and the artist imaginations are really awesome.Thanks for this.Web Design Qatar
on Tuesday, May 17th, Jonathan said
Great job on the article, wish I could make it to more of these art shows.
Jonathan
www.clothingshowroom.com
on Monday, May 16th, Ana Expression-Art said
Great article on Art Chicago. Thanks for posting and creating this space. I hope this year be able to visit this amazing event. Thanks! www.expression-art.net
on Saturday, May 14th, elenalee said
good article on art chicago
====================
webdesign
on Friday, March 11th, https://kohlkoepfchen.wordpress.com/ said
I wished i could be there, but i am from Germany, and they dont have anything like this here :( But maybe ill find my way to chigago one day
on Wednesday, December 1st, Dave said
2011 is just around the corner. I can't wait for this year's show.
Dave
on Friday, October 29th, Photography Art Cafe said
Interesting review. I suppose the rarity of original work keeps it special. Plus I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who gets lost at art fairs sometimes!!
on Friday, October 8th, air jordan shoes said
congratulations on you for attending the best art in Chicago.you are lucky one.
air jordan shoes
on Saturday, August 21st, Jos� Carrilho said
Maybe the reason of not existing noticeable changes is related to the fact of Chicago traditionaly being a culture city, thus betting on the formula that has resulted during all these years.
Jos�
on Thursday, August 19th, www.ceviri.info.tr said
what I'm trying to say is that this blog hits warning gong...and it'd be interesting if the greater art community, took your words to heart. I'm just glad that this fact you point out is getting noticed.
on Tuesday, August 10th, James Lutherland said
I had a great time reading around your post as I read it extensively. Thanks for this topic! Keep the posts coming!
[url=http://www.multivitamins.myvillagegreen.com/index.html]Multivitamins[/url]
on Tuesday, August 3rd, Rio home equity said
I'll considered to visit this gallery, thanks for this information. http://homeequityrates.co.uk
on Tuesday, July 27th, Sheenashirley said
This would be very great to hear about Art chicago through this post. It was very amazing. Thanks for posting a very great comments in this post.
http://www.dianeclancy.com/
on Wednesday, June 9th, Gina Torrez said
I agree I don't see alot of art that pushes the limit. I don't understand why these larger shows just don't rope off a section and allow the more risque art in. Artist like Duprel Antwone and Caroline Everett...
on Saturday, May 29th, Art Management Software said
Glad to hear Art Chicago went well and all the best for next year.
on Thursday, May 27th, Austin Art War said
These artist blogs are very inspiring to see. It helps to fuel the inner pursuit for one's own artistic merit.
on Wednesday, May 26th, Ryan O'Rorke said
Hey,Check out this really good website. www.canvaspixel.com ,really good modern contemporary art on canvas,Let me know what you all think,Thanks
on Sunday, May 23rd, Andrew said
A good point you make about nothing pushing the envelope. That brings to mind another question; is it 'being an artist' or producing art that's important? Can one paint or sculpt with full attention directed at the work, while watching oneself in a mirror? You seem to be saying that in this event, conformism played a huge role, or it's ok to push the envelope as long as you push it the same way as everyone else is doing. Thought provoking, and not a spin I read often in art commentary.
on Saturday, May 22nd, brown said
interesting what you share about how you didn't find a challenging work of art. I take this comment you have made as a fact. I've read your blogs before and see you're a writer of value...thats my impression anywaystar ebook
on Saturday, May 22nd, star ebook said
There's nothing worse than a poorly organised art event :D Glad to hear that this one went well.
on Friday, May 21st, Office Space said
Yep poorly organized art event looks like a decorated bin.
on Friday, May 21st, Acurela said
wonderful
http://acurela.com/
on Thursday, May 20th, Beds said
Great article, l love this blog it's so informal. xx
on Tuesday, May 18th, Tom said
Im learning about art my wife does it and I think is good Im working on making it a business for her you blog was good to read. thanks
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticCreationsLP
on Wednesday, May 12th, Adrian said
interesting what you share about how you didn't find a challenging work of art. I take this comment you have made as a fact. I've read your blogs before and see you're a writer of value...thats my impression anyway. And what I'm trying to say is that this blog hits warning gong...and it'd be interesting if the greater art community, took your words to heart. I'm just glad that this fact you point out is getting noticed.
on Wednesday, May 12th, Indian Art said
Hi.... good to hear that another Art Chicago has went well.
http://www.indianartideas.com
on Saturday, May 8th, Maker Review said
There's nothing worse than a poorly organised art event :D Glad to hear that this one went well.
Great news that sales are picking up too.
