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Repository 110: Back from Basel | Highlights and Collecting Strategies
I just did the math: between Art Basel Miami Beach, private collections, and satellite fairs I have viewed close to 1,576 pieces of art in the past 48 hours. I think I can consider myself an endurance aesthete, because even as I wandered the last fair with sand in my shoes I could have continued for another 48 hours. Out of all the work, I would say 99% was not so great. As Sir Norman Rosenthal said before his talk…
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Repository 109: Art Basel | Letter to Art
Dear Art, I am writing on the eve of my visit with you in Miami at the Basel fair. I look forward to seeing you, though I understand this is not the best condition that you are in. I promise not to be judgmental when I see you – I know you will be very tired. There are lots of eyes and minds sucking the life out of you at this time. I also know that you will be forced…
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Repository 38: Camille Paglia on Whether Visual Art Has a Future
I just read a great excerpt from Camille Paglia’s new book, Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art From Egypt to Star Wars published in the WSJ. I have always loved her cultural commentary, and have followed her essays and publications closely. This particular missive on art is so prescient and obvious, and in her most eloquent way she hits the proverbial nail on the head with respect to the quality deficit in contemporary fine art. She notes that commercial art…
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