Branding Creativity. What's the Point?

You may have heard about Branding Creativity, the latest show put together by Reginald Baylor Studio, Plaid Tuba, Hanson Dodge, Newaukee and a whole bunch of other people...

(info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/700530103313103/) but you may be asking yourself "what's the point?" Why would artists spend any time giving MORE attention to brands already known all over the world? What's the point of taking on the brand?

First off, I don't speak for anyone else. Some of the other artists may share the same thoughts, some may not, some may not have thought about it at all and some may still question the legitimacy of the show...but I think the overall thing to take away is that, no matter how you feel, the topic of "brand" ignites a conversation that is unfortunately absent from the majority of art shows....

The simplest defense of the topic i can think of is that it starts a conversation around art...and that's what we need for art to become powerful again...

but that's not the only reason...here is how I addressed the project in response to some questions about why an art show would focus on "brand"...

We live in a society where the use and inspiration of "brand" is impossible to escape. IMHO it's kind of pointless to criticize "brand" or how anyone decides to integrate it into their lives when everyone here is currently using blogspot, facebook, twitter or (insert internet company), a brand, to change other people's perceptions of their own lives. I am not one to personally celebrate any particular brand, but i was excited to take on the opportunity and challenge to create a piece of work that follows in the LONG LONG LONG line of artists who address corporate influence in their career. Where would Michelangelo have been without the catholic church as patrons? Where would Warhol be without mass production and industry...where would Banksy be without a brand-recognition?
I'm not saying I'm going to now start including logos in every piece I make, but to ignore the opportunity and the long history of "The Brand" in art doesn't do anything to take their influence from our lives or help me grow as an artist. Everyone is free to their opinion and I welcome the alternative (the worst thing that happens is you are introduced to another viewpoint and a conversation happens)...but i just dont get why you would want to restrict what art can focus on, even if it rubs you the wrong way.
I'm not a lover of the corporate world in any sense...but as an artist im an unable to escape them and, to be perfectly honest, use brands constantly every day in design and the products I use. To pretend that, because i don't include them in my art, they no longer play a part in my life or work is simply a lie...and I took on this show as a way to address that while still creating a "daniel fleming" artwork. To deny myself the challenge would simply deny that experience and I don't see how that helps me grow as an artist. If Wrangler sales go up 500K this quarter because of my piece...I'll denounce everything I wrote and never take part in a brand-related show again...but until that happens I honestly don't feel like I'm, in any way, damaging any artistic credibility or letting a corporation take advantage of me. Again...everyone can have an opinion...this is just how i addressed the show and the focus.

And so, on that note, feel free to stop by the opening this Friday, and make sure to bring your thinking cap. Criticism is a good thing, even if you don't agree with it...and whether you think the show is dumb or the coolest thing ever (or anything in between), it is creating a conversation and that is what we should be looking for when exhibiting artwork...