The Norman Rockwellization of Porn
Harry and I attended John Currin's vernissage at Gagosian Gallery on November 11. Currin's technique gets better and better - but his subject matter swings from one cliche to another. There are mountains of irony and kitch - all painted to masterful effect. My first impression was that Currin is taking on the Musee D' Orsay's painting L'Origine du monde (1866) by Corbet as part of his goal of assuming the mantle as America's Lucien Freud or Bacon. History repeats itself here with Rockwellesque scenarios and suburban vanitas. Other work addresses art historical and cultural references... from early American portrature to porn.
Eric Fischl spoke at VCU last week. I asked him what he thought of Currin's show. His comments are posted here. If you love figuration you'll probably find things of interest in this show but there isn't a lot of heart in the work. That's Currin's general failing in my book. Ambition over heart - it's his mojo and its a winning one in Chelsea and most every other art market or art school. His paintings are novel but could they ever stand up to a Rembrandt?
The opening was quite a scene... its a shame we had to rush back downtown my friend Goxwa's opening but that's the way it is - everything happens at once.
Eric Fischl spoke at VCU last week. I asked him what he thought of Currin's show. His comments are posted here. If you love figuration you'll probably find things of interest in this show but there isn't a lot of heart in the work. That's Currin's general failing in my book. Ambition over heart - it's his mojo and its a winning one in Chelsea and most every other art market or art school. His paintings are novel but could they ever stand up to a Rembrandt?
The opening was quite a scene... its a shame we had to rush back downtown my friend Goxwa's opening but that's the way it is - everything happens at once.
Labels: criticism, drawing, gallery, media literacy, NYC, painting
4 Comments:
I like both exhibits you visited.
I really enjoy Goxwa's.
I saw a preview showing of the new Diane Arbus movie. First it really intriguing. You get wrapped up, in a plot that is openly fiction. Several unanswered plot questions in the film. Surreal in a way.
RE -
It's a good time to look at painting, for sure. Both shows will likely sell out which is another good sign of the times... the election earlier this month was the first!
We hope to see the Arbus fanatasy film soon. I've loved her photography for so long... it will be interesting to see their interpretation of her story.
i need to find this article that i recently reread that i had kept from my graduate years. it deals with some of what you wrote if i remember correctly.
i'll be back when i find it.
Dirty Rockwells! What a concept...
People love to hate J.C. I wonder what N.R. would think about the comparison...
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