The Pfister has named New York Fiber Artist Timothy Westbrook their next Artist in Residence.
http://blog.thepfisterhotel.com/2012/02/the-pfister-hotel-names-new-york-fiber-artist-next-artist-in-residence/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThePfisterHotel+%28The+Pfister+Hotel%29&utm_content=FaceBook
So congrats to him. He has some very unique work and I'm sure the drastic change in medium and art-form in general will draw a very different crowd from the past artists.
However, I can't hide a bit of disappointment. Sure, the person I voted for didn't win, so there's that, but I'm more stuck on the "New York Artist" part of the winner. You have to go with what you think is best, so I can't fault the Pfister there, but I really thought the idea of the residency was more community based, an attempt to offer an area artist a huge stage where they already have a concrete connection, and where viewers could come to appreciate the talent from the area and feel a commonality between them and the person working. Awarding an artist from outside the area, and one from New York, which isn't void of opportunity itself, stands directly at odds with the local art scene....and while I'm more disappointed than upset, I can definitely see where some people may be more of the latter. Mix that in with that the fact that the winner of the public vote got almost twice the votes of the second place vote-getter, yet still was not picked.
I guess it's just a bit "blah" for me now. I liked the residency because it was something I could aspire to, something within grasp for area artists. And not that it isn't that anymore, not that they've changed the philosophy of the residency, but it doesn't have that "local" draw right now. It doesn't feel like it's the city's residency, but more a random exhibit. Something with no roots, something in passing...soemthing I have nothing to do with other than observation. Will he stay to help move the art scene of milwaukee forward once his time is up or will he grab the money and go back to New York, with Milwaukee just a line on his resume?
I'm not questioning or even commenting on the artist's quality. That will come later. I think he has some good talent and I'll definitely check in to see what he's doing. But really, my excitement about this years AIR plummeted with this announcement, and I think that's a big loss for the city.
The Pfister has done what they felt was best for the residency and that's all you can ask for from a company offering such a great prize. BUT, We have some top quality here....some really really great artists that are working for the future of the art in the city in unique and interesting ways...and I guess it's just a big disappointment that one of the biggest opportunities for artists we have here was given to someone outside of the community so many have worked so hard to foster.
I am one of the finalists and I just wanted to let you know that I am not dissappointed about anything in the competition. Five "lost" and one "won" but that is what the game was from the start. Now, at the end the winner was from NY, and that might be kind of painful, especially after the Giants beat the Packers at Lambeau. But so what! There is a new season coming soon. Albin
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marion... The thing I am MOST disappointed about is the fact that someone from out of state was chosen for this opportunity. If you want art in your own community to grow, then support the artists in your own community. It's that simple really. There are not many opportunities around here that are this big for local artists, and to choose someone from another state.. ANY state... is really a slap in the face of the local art community. Sad really. The thing is, there is SO much great art and artists right outside the Pfister's back door, but it doesn't get recognized because of the influence the coastal cities have on the art scene. As a matter of fact, you are seeing more and more national coverage about what is going on in contemporary art in Milwaukee! Personally, I think this is a missed opportunity for the Pfister to show off just one more reason why it is great to come to Milwaukee. Also, I do want to say that this is not a comment on Timothy's work... as a matter of fact, I think it is quite fantastic. I just would love to see larger/local companies, like the Pfister, support the local artists rather than go out of state to find someone who already has SO many more opportunities just because of where they live.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jimbot here. My reaction has nothing to do with Timothy's work...and I'm still going to pay attention to what he does and support him and the residency. It's just disappointing. There are many more opportunities in the bigger cities, many which restrict themselves to residents of those cities or states, and with the Pfister being such a big residency in a city without a ton of opportunities of that kind, I simply would have liked to see the loyalty. I'd hate to see the residency turn into a one year free stay/exhibit for random artists who aren't really putting anything into the community.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm wrong and it will bring more attention to Milwaukee and it'll be the best for everyone. I hope it is. I'm not mad at Timothy Westbrook. I don't hate his art. I don't want the residency to fail. I don't want the Pfister to reverse the decision. I'm just disappointed it didn't end up being someone with some connection to the community and an interest in its future.