Reality Television and Art School collide

When I was studying fine art at the University of Washington (Proud Alum 2005) I always joked that the personal torture that was the dynamics of 65 people competing for 16 slots then competing against one another for being the smartest, most talents, most avaunt guard or whatever was the making of a reality television show. (Love triangles and backstabbing included). I loved the experience: I am an expert problem solver, can research anything including physics of black holes, representation of females/ by females, can make rather than buy many things (lumber poodle, no joke) and have endured years of critiques to make me acutely self-aware/self-deprecating. I think everyone should have to do a year of art school, really!

And I don't know how I missed this in July- but here it is, art reality shows. Do I think this will benefit art- quality or appreciation? No. I think this will reinforce already negative stereotypes of artists. Do I want more people to see how artists work, not just the Damien Hursts or Andy Warhols but the Kiki Smiths and Uta Barths. I want the practice of art to be more accessible to more, I think Reality Television may hurt the cause.

What do you think?

Competing interests

I am not into the Twilight series- have your pick of reasons why- but so many people are!

‘New Moon’ Takes In $72.7 Million on Opening Day

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” took in $72.7 million in its first day to break the single day domestic box office record previously held by “The Dark Knight,” which had a $67.2 million opening day last year, the Associated Press reports.

How do we court this audience, the tween audience away from mediocre literature, fantasy narratives and arcane gender roles?

I understand the value of good entertainment, I have spent many an afternoon watching dumb movies or trash television but how do we engage these audiences with existing art, that has many of the great qualities of the entertainment genre but actually supports artists, local organizations and promotes personal/ intellectual growth? Can we capture the tween audience without pushing the same product?

Arts organizations are suffering in this economy- why is it that boxoffice records are being broken? Is it just mass appeal, platinum marketing accounts, or is it deeper?

NYTimes article is it about theater or entertainment?

Seattle made the NYTimes spotlight as a "Permanent Theater Festival" in this weeks Escapes section. I view Seattle as a Theater town, I serve on the board of a great local theater. There are many opportunities to see great art here, and it does sway towards performance. One of my reason's for staying in Seattle is the access to the arts.

What concerns me about this article is that it is mostly about entertainment and large venues- when the richness of arts really comes from small companies. When I think of Seattle arts- it is rarely Teatro Zinzani it is the small neighborhood venues and public works supported by the city and county. Also- we have an amazing Ballet and Opera across the street from Teatro. What do you think?