Art reality show

A contemporary art reality show is in the works... it's a collaboration between the company that does Project Runway and Sarah Jessica Parker's production company. Though I've only seen a few episodes, I like Project Runway--I think there's a lot to be learned from the way Tim Gunn's critiques. But based on the Variety announcement, this contemporary art project sounds ill-conceived.

From Variety:

Potential skein would pit a dozen aspiring artists against one another, following the group as they attempt to produce various kinds of artwork -- from painting and photography to sculpting and industrial design. Pieces would be rated by a panel of judges, as well as by the contestants themselves.

Being a good contemporary artist has little to do with being able to bounce from medium to medium. I think the challenges should mainly focus on the artists addressing a particular topic in whatever medium they choose. It would be interesting, perhaps, to have one challenge which was required to be in 2D and one that must be sculptural (or maybe an installation). It would also be interesting to have a challenge where the artists have to do a public art proposal--with the winning one actually getting the commission. But to require sculptors to paint and painters makes videos? That's just silly.

I'm also concerned about this little tidbit to counter the point the viewers might not be interesting in contemporary art:

Lipsitz added that art is "something we consume every day... whether it's your favorite coffee mug, an ad in a magazine or a mural you drive by on the way to work."

Lipsitz's examples seem more about design than contemporary art (as does the fact industrial design is going to be one of the challenges). This seems to suggest not being in tune with what contemporary art is all about. I'd much rather hear an acknowledgment that is going to be challenging and that the audience's engagement will greatly depend on the judges and experts giving context.

Anyway, I wouldn't recommend applying for this show (unless they revamp their approach). But if you must, keep your eye on Magic Elves Inc's webpage.

[via MTAA]