Art Essay by Gary A. Bibb

I was asked by Jane Wang, curator of the PoArt exhibit and performance event, to write an introductory essay about the conceptual theme: The Prostitution of Art. The event will be held at Mobius, Inc. Boston, MA - September 2010.


Prologue -

The Prostitution of Art (which could also be stated as the commoditization of aesthetic intimacy between artist and audience) is a complex issue; due in part to a subjective and divergent definition of art, along with a lack of consensus about art’s societal function. There is nothing inherently wrong with making a living from selling one’s art; however, the degrading aspect is when an artist compromises craftsmanship and/or artistic integrity in exchange for personal gain; i.e. wealth, fame, etc. I have been told numerous times during my 40 plus years as an artist that it is easy to remain virtuous and idealistic when you’re not facing starvation. To which I reply, “The lack of commercial success has tested my commitment and challenged my fundamental concepts about art; and yet, I continue to believe some endeavors have an inherent, transcendent value which makes them worthy of personal abnegation (sacrifice, self-denial).”

If an artist does not strive for excellence, nor attempt to communicate a message which awakens or edifies, then the result is usually fad or fashion and little more. I sometimes use the analogy of comparing greeting card sentiments with literature when helping people understand art. Greeting cards usually have a maudlin expression which may be adequately crafted, but they are rarely challenging or transformative. Similarly, a majority of the population in our culture desires a quick, shallow artistic experience that entertains rather than edifies (not that entertainment and edification are necessarily incongruent). This general trend of superficiality presents a challenge (and an opportunity) to the artist; one that requires our interaction with the public in a manner which clearly espouses the benefits and virtues of art. If our culture is to experience an aesthetic (re)awakening, artists must realize their responsibility and embrace the role of exemplar/advocate.

Our rich artistic heritage has been fostered by those who took risks and sacrificed much to refine their skills, explore new territories and express profound concepts. It isn’t their cleverness, inventiveness or notoriety alone which merits our adoration; they also exhibited discipline and life-long dedication to their artistic values. The question remains: Are we up to the challenge of building upon their legacy or will we allow art to become impotent – with minimal impact and marginal relevancy? As artists, we should be compelled to honor our ascendants by continuing to infuse art with vitality, pursue conceptual clarity and strive for excellence; all while expanding our artistic boundaries.

Perhaps the Prostitution of Art is as much about compromising the virtues of art as it is the selling-out for monetary gain.

Gary A. Bibb - USA
August 2010

FluxCase Micro Museum Exhibits - Gary A. Bibb

"10 Temporary Constructions"
Micro Book with Found Objects
©2010 Gary A. Bibb - Photos: Fluxmuseum 2010


































Sponsored by The Ontological Museum and The Fluxmuseum
Ft. Worth, TX
fluxcase.com/fluxcase-micro-museum/fluxcase02

Gary A. Bibb - Fluxmuseum Fluxhibition #4

"The Emperor's Scepter is a Perdicious Amusement"
Enhanced Found Object
©2010 Gary A. Bibb

fluxmuseum.org/fluxhibition-4/index.html

Fluxhibition #4
Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Fort Worth, TX

Exhibit Calendar: October 8-30, 2010

Gary A. Bibb Art - Columbus, OH

"3254 - FULL"
Found Object Collage w/ Mixed Media
©2010 Gary A. Bibb


The Visual Poetry Exhibition
Skylab Gallery
Columbus, OH

Exhibit Calendar: August 2010
The artwork will become part of the
Ohio State University permanent collection.

Gary A. Bibb - Art Exhibit in Argentina

"Freedom of Expression"
Mixed Media Collage
©2010 Gary A. Bibb


Liberty Art Exhibit
The National Institute of Art
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Exhibition Calendar: August 2010
The artwork will remain part of the institute's permanent collection.

Gary A. Bibb Exhibits Art in Omaha, NE

"T. C. #73"
Temporary Found Object Construction
©2010 Gary A. Bibb


















"Memento Mori" (A Book About Death)
500 Graphite Drawings
©2009 Gary A. Bibb


In conjunction with the exhibit: Til Death Do Us Part, a presentation of the original International exhibit: A Book About Death (EHF Gallery - NY, NY 2009) is to be featured. Additional new artworks exploring the theme will also be included.

RNG Gallery
1915 Leavenworth Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Exhibition Calendar: July 31, 2010 - Aug. 28, 2010

Gary A. Bibb - Art Exhibit in Sweden

"Greetings From Vail Colorado"
Mixed Media Collage
©2010 Gary A. Bibb


Spectacular Sights Art Exhibit
Gallery KG52
Stockholm, Sweden

Exhibition Calendar: August 2010.

Gary A. Bibb Exhibits Art at the Armory Center

"Homage to the Umbrella Lady"
Mixed Media Collage
©2010 Gary A. Bibb


The Judith A. Hoffberg Honorary Exhibition
Armory Center for the Arts
Caldwell Gallery
145 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103

Exhibition Calendar: June 26, 2010 - Aug. 22, 2010

MoMA-UK Exhibits Gary A. Bibb Artwork

"Risorgimento"
Found Object Collage
©2010 Gary A. Bibb

Risorgimento - To live again through rebirth. (Gary A. Bibb)
From my continuing concept of "The Redemption of Rubbish."
(Click this link to read the essay - garyabibb.blogspot.com/2009).

A new presentation of the original New York exhibit: A Book About Death was installed at the Museum of Modern Art in Machylleth, Wales, UK. "Memento Mori #452" by Gary A. Bibb was included.

Additionally, artworks were created by various international artists and jury selected specifically for this exhibition to complement the original installation. Gary A. Bibb's "Risorgimento" was featured in the expanded exhibit. The new work will be retained by MoMA-UK for their permanent art collection.

Exhibition Calendar: April 27 - May 8, 2010

Gary A. Bibb Exhibits Art in Sao Paulo, Brazil

"Penumbra"
Found Object Collage w/ Mixed Media
©2009 Gary A. Bibb

Penumbra - A transitional condition between the darkness of despair and the illumination of hope. (Gary A. Bibb)

Gary A. Bibb has artwork featured in the international exhibition “Um Livro Sobre A Morte” at the National Art Museum of Brazil - Museu Brasileiro da Escultura (MuBE). The collage, "Penumbra" will be retained by the museum for their permanent collection.

Location: Museu Brasileiro da Escultura - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Exhibition Calendar: February 4 - March 28, 2010