MCV Arts

Tag: art-scene

  • Beauty vanishing?

    Fascinating article by Rachel Wetzler:

    https://www.artforum.com/features/year-in-review-2024-rachel-wetzler-new-historicism-1234721659/

    Is beauty really vanishing from our world, or are we witnessing something more complex? A fascinating debate is unfolding in the art world, where social media warriors bemoan the loss of classical aesthetics while contemporary artists quietly revive traditional forms in surprising ways. When conservative voices post viral threads comparing ornate historical doorknobs to plastic Amazon basics, they’re not just talking about design – they’re making claims about moral decay and cultural identity. Yet in galleries from TriBeCa to Kreuzberg, artists like Cecily Brown and Jordan Casteel are embracing beauty with fresh eyes, returning to classical techniques and subjects without the weight of nostalgia. The late critic Dave Hickey argued that beauty isn’t vanishing but was deliberately sidelined, seen as too commercial, too seductive. Perhaps beauty isn’t disappearing at all – we’re just caught in an electric moment of redefining what it means and who gets to decide. Between gilt doorknobs and contemporary canvases, the future of beauty hangs in the balance.

    Something in my soul feels so flat.

  • The Blonde Bombshell

    https://www.bostonmagazine.com/2006/05/15/the-blonde-bombshell/

    I am musing.

    The Blonde Bombshell: An Artistic Retrospective

    The Boston Magazine article “The Blonde Bombshell” explores the dynamic and bold work of Nancy Chartres, a prominent figure in Boston’s early 2000s art scene known for blending glamour and cultural commentary.

    Collaborating with Nancy was a pivotal moment in my artistic career, where I contributed intricate line art for her “Bug Brigade” series and created a centerpiece painting for the Cynseria exhibit, showcased at the Cyclorama gala in Boston. These projects exemplified the power of storytelling through visual art, with my contributions enhancing her provocative narratives. This collaboration inspired me to push creative boundaries and highlighted the transformative potential of art to engage audiences on deeper levels.

    The article also highlights Nancy Chartres criminal activities, which involved embezzlement and fraud. She was found guilty of stealing over $6.4 million from her employer, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where she served as the director of public programs. Chartres used her position to funnel museum funds into her personal accounts over a span of several years, financing a lavish lifestyle that included expensive cars, real estate, and extravagant parties. Her actions ultimately led to her conviction, exposing a stark contrast between her glamorous public persona and the criminal behavior hidden behind the scenes.

    Wow.