My visit to Frieze art fair in London last week really got me thinking. What am I doing compared to the state of the larger art world? How does my work relate? My visit was quite eye opening, a lot more painting that I expected which was pleasant to see, and moreover, a seeming slide towards a more creative and skilled approach to work. Sound silly? I mean that over the years, visiting contemporary galleries has become more and more depressing for me. As an artist I personally place value on timely, considered art. Art which takes some skill to create, something that not everyone could come up with. I have personally found exhibitions rather devoid of this attribute in recent years, save for the stunning exhibition Fiona Rae compiled in 2008. I remember a quote from her, saying she liked witty art, art that was intelligent and challenging. I find I agree more and more. So to see some really quite interesting and engaging art at Frieze gave me some hope... Perhaps in these difficult economic times, when money is not as plentiful, those big bang make the money art works are stepping aside for those practitioners who may have been slightly sidelined by the shock and awe of the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, and we are allowed to see some creative beauty coming through? A very positive note then... I would not say that the entire fair was to my taste, certainly not. I still find it hard to engage with video and performance art, however, each to their own. As the old saying goes, if we all liked the same thing, the world would be a boring place.
I feel an urge to get back in the studio.
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