Sometimes I hate conceptual art so much I could scream! I am sick of art that has to express a cultural or political critique of our times in order to be found relevant and worth hanging in a museum. Of course the MFAs and art history majors must produce a thesis, and it is much easier to write one using theories of cultural critique than aesthetic values.
I make beautiful paintings for people to hang on the walls of their homes and enjoy. Thus, you could say I am making decadent bourgeois art. Of course, it is my job only to paint it, not to interpret it. Let the critic or curator figure out what it means.
I studied a little theory myself in graduate school, and there was a catch-22 that stated, in brief, if you weren't critiquing the status quo, then you were automatically supporting it. By providing art for the homes of the middle-class and wealthy, I am supporting the exploitative capitalist system.
Artists are supposed to be social critics. You can't simply follow your bliss and paint your passion. You must make an intellectual statement as well.
That's my rant for today. Just finished working on two paintings. One, I think is ready:
Canvas #43 60" x 60"
The second one still needs more:
Canvas #45 60" x 60"
