Vanity Fair

Richard Serra, Bully with a Beret

Dropping by the Richard Serra show at Gagosian brought to mind a Vanity Fair article. It compiled a list of the top Six Artists alive today.

Here are the results: 

      The Most-Voted-for Artists

  • Gerhard Richter: 24 votes
  • Jasper Johns: 20 votes
  • Richard Serra: 19 votes
  • Bruce Nauman: 17 votes
  • Cindy Sherman: 12 votes
  • Ellsworth Kelly: 10 votes. 

Serra’s work, 7 Plates, 6 Angles, summed up our gallery experience. The piece bossed us around just like a high school class bully. “Go here!” it demanded. “No, go over there!” “Get outta my way!” It was just itching for an excuse to do some bodily harm.

Vanity Fair reported that Richard Serra voted for himself. Which makes sense. 7 Plates, 6 Angles, has a blustery self-confidence.

After pussyfooting around the work for a while we made a beeline for the door. The sculpture shouted after us, “Hell, yah, I am gonna vote for myself!”

Artworld Confidential welcomes the writer and artist Tom McManus.

Getting into an Art Gallery.

As an artist you are also an art salesman. Especially if you are trying to get in a gallery by going to Thursday night openings. If an art opening starts at 7 get there at 7. The owner will be anxiously milling about wondering if anyone will show up and there you are. Dress noticeably well. Look like you walked out of the pages of Vanity Fair magazine. Do not dress in a painter’s uniform of Dr. Marten’s, tee shirt and paint splattered pants. That look is over. Get a nice suit from a thrift store and have it tailored for about $14. If you are female do not show up in clothes you have made yourself. Do not try to look “interesting”. Get a perfume spritz and buy something hot at Bloomingdale’s. Return it the next day.

Compliment the director/owner on their insight and fine choice of art. Even if, and it surely will be, a horrid a pile of dung. Laugh rotundly at any attempt at nervous wit he or she may proffer.