Image from "Jumping in Art Museums" Blog
(with #1 being the favorite)
By N. Painter
Highly visual art nerd seeks artblog to warm the cold, lonely nights. Must evince sparkling sense of humor, know how to work a comma and the difference between “its” and “it’s.” Broad knowledge of “local” events is desirable, tons of posted images get me really randy. The more fun, the better. Opinions are a plus, “art-speak” not necessary.
1. DC Art News- Lenny Campello talks about area shows, workshops, emerging artists, area gossip- whatever I want to know, he’s generally talking about it. I really wish someone would take him up on his offer to mediate a forum on appropriation in the art world (re/eg: the Cara Ober/Christine Bailey debacle). I visit Campello’s blog almost daily for his breakdown of local events and for his wry wit. He is also interested in feedback from his readers, as he recently responded to a comment that he did not cover individual artists’ websites on his blog by (this is unbelievable) actually starting to cover individual artists’ websites. Campbello’s opinions about whatever’s going on are so good, he doesn’t need a comments section.
http://dcartnews.blogspot.com/2. Artcade Forum- I love this blog because it’s so fun to read! Posts are about Corcoran shows, area shows, talks, and one recent post was even in regards to a library book (which may or may not be returned). I think this is a great example of what an artblog should be- several people posting about topics they are invested in and engaged with, without fear of stepping on any art world toes.
http://www.artcadeforum.com/3. Fallon and Rosof’s artblog- This is a Philadelphia-based artblog which often satisfies my search for new-to-me artists. I have a huge pet peeve with “art” blogs that post reviews or blurbs with few to no images. Roberta Fallon and Libby Rosof tend to be generous with their images. Not to mention their opinionated and intelligent writing sans hyper-intellectualization. Kudos to the “Kiss for Mayor Nutter” campaign- way to take blogging to the next level- activism.
http://fallonandrosof.blogspot.com/4. Jumping In Art Museums- AU’s own Allison Reimus can take the credit for starting that new trend you’ve been hearing so much about: visit an art museum, see something you like? Jump for it and send the images to:
http://www.jumpinginartmuseums.blogspot.com/ Way to emphasize the possibilities for fun in museum-going, Allison!
5. SELLOUT- Stuff they don’t tell you in grad school. Actually, stuff they might allude to if you dig around for long enough and ask the “right” questions, but generally stuff they don’t just come out and say in grad school. Unfortunately, SELLOUT is on a bit of a hiatus, but I have my fingers crossed it will continue with its candid dispersal of need-to-know art world info in the near future.
http://www.imasellout.info/6. BMORE ART- Baltimore-based art blog, focusing on art happenings in the Baltimore area. I particularly enjoyed when BMORE ART had a series of artists writing about the topic of “Authenticity,” about a month ago. Editor Cara Ober also shared some important information about copyright for artists in a post titled “The Big C: Copyright for Visual Artists?” I enjoy blogs the most when they serve as my source for information about what is happening in the area, and when the authors/editors use them to express personal concerns. I think a high level of investment in a blog’s subject on the part of the editors/authors of a blog are what make it a great read.
http://www.bmoreart.blogspot.com/7. Adventures of Hoogrrl- Great (because it’s fun!) blog from area collector with tons of images and events. It seems that so many blogs are artist or critic-driven, it’s nice to get the perspective of a collector in the mix.
http://www.hoogrrl.com/8. Edward Winkleman- I am such a sucker for gossip. Especially gossip that is intelligently divulged.
http://edwardwinkleman.blogspot.com/
9. It’s Nice That- Design-based blog hosting tons of eye-candy images. What about a fine arts-based blog that does this? What am I missing- is there one? PAINTERSNYC kinda does this, but it seems less for the purpose of sharing good stuff than for providing an artist’s work and the opportunity for people to rip it up, via the comments section.
http://www.itsnicethat.com/10. Anaba- I have to give a shout-out to the guy who started it all for me, Martin Bromirski and his blog “Anaba.” Through Anaba, I was introduced to the world of art-blogging, and I was hooked. At the time, Anaba was Richmond, Virginia based, and I loved Martin’s witty, snarky, humorous take on the RVA arts scene (or lack thereof). Posts regarding Jerry Saltz and Art Basel:Stuffys, AND the world’s first google image search sculpture, AND the Christoph Buchel saga were instant classics. Martin’s currently living the life in NY, and I think I can speak for many RVA’ers when I said, “Richmond misses you, Martin.” We didn’t know what we had ‘til it was gone.
http://anaba.blogspot.com/2006/12/jerry-saltz-studio-visit-report.htmlHonorable (?) Mention:
Anonymous Female Artist (A.K.A. Militant Art Bitch)- I was really intrigued by the idea that there was this woman (?) artist out there anonymously airing her grievances about the lack of representation for women in the art world via her blog. I guess I still am intrigued; however, the vitriolic tone of this blog has made it a tough read at times, and I’ve often found myself wondering, “What is this person doing to promote change aside from griping in his/her blog?” I also think this blog represents a lot of what has side-lined contemporary feminism. “Nice girls” don’t want to be associated with the term “feminist,” because they think this will automatically label them as man-haters. Is there some way for us to be “militant art bitches,” without hating on the gentlemen of the art world? (I did choose the word “gentlemen” intentionally.)
http://www.anonymousfemaleartist.blogspot.com/These are my current picks, but I’m always on the lookout for a good artblog. If you think there’s one I’ve missed, please let me know.
"Without You I Am Lost," by Nikolas Schiller
