Graphic Echo's regularly scheduled interviews will be back shortly... but for now, a brief discourse on the brightest trend in the art market.
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| 1. “ready-made” by Peter
Liversidge photo: Sean Kelly Gallery |
The 2012 Armory Show at
Pier 94 seemed to be lit by neon lights. As a rough guesstimate, at least one out of every ten gallery booths featured neon art. The alternative medium isn't new to the market (Bruce Nauman first grabbed the glow back in the 60's), but this past week demonstrated how it has been taken upwind by more and more contemporary artists. What is it about neon that has hooked onto the art world and taken hold of dealers and collectors? Have we become the moths to the neon flame?
Pier 94 seemed to be lit by neon lights. As a rough guesstimate, at least one out of every ten gallery booths featured neon art. The alternative medium isn't new to the market (Bruce Nauman first grabbed the glow back in the 60's), but this past week demonstrated how it has been taken upwind by more and more contemporary artists. What is it about neon that has hooked onto the art world and taken hold of dealers and collectors? Have we become the moths to the neon flame?
 |
| 2. “What Makes Me Understand What I
Know? N°1”
by He An photo: Galerie Daniel Templon |
 |
| 3. Drum
with neon light and mirror, by Iván Navarro photo: ArtObserver.com |
Bred to capture the attention of the general public, the principle purpose of the neon sign is to attract potential customers and draw in the numbers. The
ever-monotonous
light of the neon confronts the viewer with a constant source of
energy, mesmerizing us as this is phenomena that the human body is physically incapable of
achieving. Neon artists could be criticized for using this basic
principle of nature against us. Is it just a cheap measure to get our
attention? Well, maybe for some.
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| 4. “Fucking
Beautiful” by Tim Noble and Sue Webster photo: Blain Southern |
What should be unplugged:
- “ready-made” by Peter Liversidge at Sean Kelly GalleryUnder-thought; how many times can you really poke fun at the ready-made? The properties of neon were not used to its advantage here.
What's worth blowing a fuse:
- “What Makes Me Understand What I Know? N°1” by He An at Galerie Daniel TemplonOrnate in the traditional Eastern sense, a successful fusion of decorative Chinese art, modern technology and a commentary on contemporary regional culture.
-
The mirror makes this piece appear as if the artist unveiled the bottomless hole that must exist in this spot. Transcendent and enjoyable, something everyone can appreciate.
- “Fucking Beautiful” by Tim Noble and Sue Webster at Blain SouthernThe aesthetic is simple, each colorful letter works with the whole in the same way each flower belongs in its bouquet. The words are presented like authentic handwriting, as if they were plucked right. from. a diary.
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