The Art Quarterly: Contemporary Art Magazine Online

King of culture

2009-06-27T21:38:00.002-07:00

What is a world without an Icon of culture? If in the West (america) every option to play black and white, beat it into a thriller and any opportunity to spin a mix of Michael Jackson has become the ritual de jour. Whether in a car radio of a sixteen year old or that of a 5O something the tribute rocks on. Was the death of John Lennon or Jimi Hendrix as global, permiating and resonating in the 70s or 80s? Did Warhol reach so many? This editor thinks not. Feel free to comment

Female Icons - Fawcett and Bourke-White on film

2009-06-25T13:40:00.007-07:00

With the passing of Farrah Fawcett, known for her iconic role in 'Charlie's Angels' and to some known for her starring role in the Schiller movie "Bourke-White", it's important to reflect how female icons are nested in our culture. For those who are not aware, Fawcett, who was 62 and a common staple for boys to men looking for a poster pin up in the 70s, became an icon for mostly the sexy and stunning persona she displayed in front of the camera. She was the blonde bombshell that was incredibly sexy, tall and shapely.

Of course, the persona that she gained from Charlie's Angels made it difficult for the audience to see her in other roles. After she left the series, she starred on Broadway, other made-for-TV productions, and Hollywood films including the biography of photographer, Margaret Bourke-White, who was the first photographer for FORTUNE Magazine and one of the first four photographers of LIFE Magazine.

While the film was less than a blockbuster, it is one of the few that attempted to do two leading ladies justice related to their careers. By casting Fawcett as the "Mother of Modern Photojournalism", the actress was effectively finding a way out of her stereotypical style that the 70s had cast her to. One scene from the movie actually featured Bourke-White (Fawcett) shooting the historic photographs of Gandhi as he protested British power in India and the cast system. While educational and mildly entertaining, the film ultimately did not break the grip that culture had for Fawcett.

Fortunately so. Fawcett became the "mother" of pop-culture inspiration that change flat hair into big, put Texas women on the map and left an indelible mark in trades like Playboy. No she was not the first female to pose twice for career changing publications but she was the strength out of political malaise and daze found in the 70s and 80s. Fawcett became your locker inspiration or the inspiration for the girl standing next to you in school to use a blow dryer. Fawcett became the style consultant for most big hair photographs found in the 70s. Farrah Fawcett, while not accepted as an intelligent actress (similar to Anna Nicole, Marilyn, Pam and others), gave most women a subtle kick to be amazing in their own right. Bourke-White would have enjoyed shooting Fawcett.

She is survived by her son, Redmond, born in 1985; her long-time
companion, Ryan O'Neal.

Tiananmen Square and The Iconic Image

2009-06-01T12:51:00.010-07:00

What would Jeff Widener, a renowned photojournalist, say to the man whom his photograph immortalized? In the iconic image, the Chinese citizen, whose fate to this day is unknown, blocks the path of a procession of tanks in what remains a defining moment of the June 5th, 1989 Tiananmen Square aftermath. “I would ask him,” says Widener, “what finally carried him over the top emotionally? Had he lost a loved one in the military crackdown? Was it a planned case of defiance or had he just been broken down to the point that he no longer feared for his own personal safety?”

If not for the photographs, that of Widener along with the other journalists present that day, the man’s signal act of defiance might have been lost along with much else of the historical record, as the Chinese government sought to whitewash the fact of the six-week student-led protest, to propagate amnesia in the name of nationalism. But Widener happened to be there, one beat photographer among many, risking life and limb to capture events as they happened, and it was his image that the AP ultimately picked up, soon to be seared into minds around the globe.

Roger Cohen of the NY Times recently quoted Chinese researcher Shi Guoliang in the observation that, “students [at Beijing’s China Youth University for Political Sciences] don’t do sit-ins, they blog and use Twitter.” Faced with a vastly improved economic prognosis, Chinese youth twenty years later seem content to keep their dissident thoughts anonymous on the margins of the internet. Yet the power of Widener’s image abides, one individual standing over and against the iron fist of oppression, in a country where individualism has no ostensible platform.

Will that change? “You will see such images used more and more to make political statements as well as increase social awareness for all of us as humans,” says Widener. In ways obvious and subtle. Widener considers an image of Pope John Paul II stifling a yawn during a ceremony at St. George’s Cathedral in London, to be among his most revealing, “the human side of a great man.”

Great man or no, the anonymous Chinese citizen may have made a more resonant statement. As of April 29, 2009, The National reports that government censorship of English language accounts of the 1989 Tiananmen protests have been eased for the first time in mainland China.

About Jeff Price: Price is a New York based writer whose professional works focus on culture, politics and the big city lifestyle.

The Mel and El Show - Show and Tell

2009-05-21T13:24:00.004-07:00

Mel and El on 54th street is a real break from Broadway.

This is a funny innuendo riddled show for the X Generation able to laugh at itself.

While for everyone, this show hits the sweet spot for creative tribe
types as Mel and El have a Jersey Jewish background that is sure to
resonate with fellow tribes women.

What makes the show art is the tie in of music and the great 80s
culture. Yes its an XX club, decorated with The Boss's albums, lavish in
lady pink centered on a visit to memories performed and memories woven
into a glorious set design: A design that underlies how a generation of
women were influenced through pop culture, music and the arts while
dreaming of, shall we say, "their serviceable areas."

While El is happily hitched in reality, each performer sings and shares
their "club" memories that are cleverly sexual and, flat out hilarious.
A great part of the performance delves into these two real characters as
blossoming teens developing ads for a fictitious product sponsor:
"WOMAN".

For those who need comparisons, this is an off Broadway show similar to
Jewtopia. Its niche success should resonate with a broad audience - if
niche can be broad.

When at the Ars Nova Theater, mention that you heard the ad for "WOMAN"
at The Art Quarterly. Tickets available online
http://www.melandel.com/.

Sent from GALLERY M Mobile Services. Are you connected?

http://www.gallerym.com/about.cfm

LUBIE LOVE Screening April 22, Earth Day, in Denver, CO

2009-04-20T00:08:00.011-07:00

When executive producer and director Mason Hayutin ventured into the world of the nation's auto crisis it was long before it became front page news. You see, Hayutin, a classic example of American entrepreneurs having to work without any bailout funds coming his way, had the guts to put his money where his mouth was in the independent production of “LUBIE LOVE – One Trucker, One Love, One Country Addicted to Oil.”

The recently completed documentary journeys with a New Jersey Trucker who, as we find out, uncovers in 2005 not only the gas crisis and the government’s (Ws second term) conservation approach but the various Americans along the way who were making and not making efforts to curb our country’s foreign oil addiction due to terrible CAFE standards.

It is a story that Hayutin believes will resonate with audiences who care for both fixing the auto industry but also with those with a concern for the environment and free trade. The film is 66 minutes and uncovers some great destinations and characters along the country’s dilapidated highway system and major cities: New York, St. Louis, Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Hayutin, who looks forward to festival success in the Fall of ’09 and Spring of ’10, feels LUBIE LOVE has a great mix of a “youtube” zaniness with a serious subject. The film features New York based singer and song writer Ryan Saliman (also originally from Denver), whose tunes fit the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the countryside gas stations of Missouri and the great vistas of Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

Some Denver merchants will be happy to know – the journey featured shoots in upscale Cherry Creek North, Sheplers in Greenwood Village and of course various gas and car washes like Waterway in Cherry Creek and Glendale’s Shotgun Willies. There is a great scene with a serious yet humorous interview of a Harley Davidson owner outside of Littleton’s Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson Motor Company.

To participate in a special LUBIE LOVE Earth Day event, GALLERY M has organized a “Freedom Ride” by local Harley enthusiasts on April 22, 2009. The rumble through Cherry Creek North will precede the showing of the "making" of the movie and the art installation at 7 PM. Tickets are available online at tickets.lubielove.com. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Questions can be directed to the gallery at 303.331.8400

Schatz has string of successes

2009-03-31T10:00:00.003-07:00

Howard Schatz, internationally collected and followed for his important contributions to fine art photography, has had a month of achievements that further his leadership and skill. Mid March, Schatz was once again selected as the lead story photographer of Sports Illustrated. SI relied on Howard's motion photography techniques to capture the power and dominance of St. Louis Cardinal's Albert Pujols (March 16, 2009). Across the pond, Schatz opened in Kiev, Ukraine: H2O The Underwater Photography of Howard Schatz on March 20th. The exhibit continues until April 20th. And in Germany, The Heinz-Nixdorf Museum, Motion Science, delves into Howard's various styles (underwater, use of light paired with motion and the human form). The Paderborn, Germany museum exhibit run's through July 5, 2009.

New Media and the Masters

2009-03-08T11:38:00.003-07:00

The art world has finally come to grip with the confluence of digital. Artists once considered ground breaking are mainstream and their use of the computer - more than accepted. In fact, film and video is permeating the contemporary shows consistently. There is a distinction between doing something for art's sake (like barking dogs being silenced or calmed by a lone tap dancer) or combining concept with motion (shooting an ascent up an adult jungle gym with a digital camera). It is experiential and enabling the "audience"/collector to interact. Is this of value to the fine arts or simply for the museum/public spectacle?

Weeks of Art Fairs - Fair Results

2009-03-08T10:07:00.011-07:00

When the thunder of Wall Street met Main Street in mid 08, the aloof in the art world felt art would be immune. Rational players in the art world have known otherwise and the loss of "hedge fund" money/speculation in art is repricing certain artists with limited skill and maintaining quality artists, and their galleries. From late February to late March, the art world hits New York with a variety of fairs and 1 underwhelming expo.

The Armory Show is perhaps the most significant to the overall art world's "pulse". Venerable dealers from the contemporary to the masters put on their best face and have adjusted to the changing economic reality. Some of these dealers have a solid showing of Stellas, Wesselmans, Beardens and Dines up for consideration along with names obscure to emerging collectors. Attendance has been "strong" through Saturday afternoon, per the Armory press department. Of course, "strong" in lookers vs. "strong" in buyers is a distinct difference for collectors, gallerists and artists alike. Our walk from the contemporary pier up the "scaffold" stairs to the "main Armory galleries" exposed that "sticker shock" is only relevant to the contemporary mess left behind. Yet one day, perhaps not today, some from the lower level will ascend to become main, sought after artists.

The significance of Obama signing stimulus in Denver

2009-02-18T11:20:00.009-07:00

In the midst of 46MPH winds and bright sunshine, President Obama selected Denver, CO for signing the Stimulus and Recovery Bill. Why Denver? Why not Denver! The sun shines more than 300 days a year; the wind blows on a consistent schedule throughout the year; residents relish the outdoors all year; and Colorado became a pivotal state in the presidential election of 2008. The president signed the bill at the Museum of Nature and Science, which is more than 100 years old and is powered by more than 400 photovoltaic cells on the roof of the museum. What an example for the President to show off (and demostrate) the creative energy of America - found in Colorado. He actually went to the roof of the museum to inspect the installation. Once inside, he noted the importance of the Colorado delegation in Congress to get this bill passed. With all the natural resources vested in Colorado, this state should be a leader in developing energy independence for the United States. Afterall, Vestas (Denmark) has established two manufacturing facilities in the state. Southwest Colorado with its abundance of sun and wind, could power a majority of the United States (per the Energy office of Governor Ritter and the sharp folks at NREL). With private investment matched by public incentives, the natural landscape can be painted and crafted in a profitable canvas of design, technology and concern for keeping Colorado beautiful. And I'm no hippie named moonbeam.

Red Phallic Symbol on Highway - Highland Bridge

2008-12-29T15:35:00.005-07:00

Well Denver has done it again. Found a way to spend it's hard earned public coffers on fine art that doesn't serve a purpose. This is the banter on the airwaves by Caplis and DA turned Radio Host, Craig Silverman. Are they wrong?

We think partly. Art as monuments to war/causes are traditional statements for rallies; art as monuments to the creative thoughts, the engine for America's next generations are for the human spirit at all levels. Ultimately, monuments like that wasted money of a death horse greeting fine travelers with a poltergeist Colorado/Denver welcome look at DIA should indeed be desecrated and removed. Nothing elegant or proud of civic culture comes from it - which may not be the case from glancing at this red phallic symbol.

Veterans Day Celebration

2008-11-10T11:55:00.005-07:00

Veterans Day congers up the memory of Japan's surrender in WWII and the reaction of Americans to the end of the war. Tomorrow in New York, 'the nurse' in Alfred Eisenstaedt's most famous photograph of WWII is the grand marshal of the NYC Veterans Day Parade. She will be dressed in her 'whites' as she says she was in Times Square that memorable day. Since Eisenstaedt did not know the sailor and the nurse in his photograph, will we ever know the true identities. Indeed, we certainly can collect this iconic photograph to keep this day alive from generations to generations.

Fall Edition of Art Quarterly is now online

2008-11-10T02:14:00.004-07:00

Living a simple, elegant lifestyle is inclusive with the fine arts. The latest edition of The Art Quarterly is now available for download. Features include: "America in All Her Grandeur - The Solo Exhibit of Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen"; Photographers Joshua Barash and Howard Schatz's exploration with emerging techniques; and holiday options and MARKET TWO opportunities.

Leaders and Their Followers

2008-11-05T13:17:00.003-07:00

Today we experience a new America as Barack Obama is now President-elect of the United States. Watching Charlie Rose and his guests talk about the election, I was struck by the statement of Bernard Henri-Levy (philosopher, activist, journalist, filmmaker, author of "Who Killed Daniel Pearl") as he joined in with the discussion of the pundits, historians, and friends of Obama. He said that the uniqueness of Obama is that he stands on the shoulders of Martin Luther King, who stood on the shoulders of John F. Kennedy. The panel also discussed the historical significance that the 44th president will be an African American, but that this African American is the one who will assume this mantel of responsibility. How appropriate that his acceptance speach was in the footsteps of MLK -shown by Photographer Ted Williams, in his 1966 Chicago Rally.

Invent Baby Invent

2008-10-31T12:26:00.004-07:00

Again, I listened to New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman, talk about his thoughts for the future of the United States. He said that in this political climate of McCain vs. Obama the mantra must be 'Invent Baby Invent' not 'Drill Baby Drill'. This country of blue states/red states/ but all are the United States of America (as Obama said in 2004), we must be developing energy independence for ourselves, which will then filter out to the rest of the world. By developing wind power, solar polar and other renewable sources of energy, we will be able to green our environment for generations to come.

Thus 'America in all of her Grandeur' is so timely. Opening November 14, 2008 (thru March 31, 2009), the paintings of Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen record the natural beauty of our land whether it be Joshua Tree National Park (CA); Rocky Mountain National Park (CO) or Shenandoah National Park (VA).

Photography influences on news culture

2008-10-27T21:07:00.005-07:00

In the October issue of 'Vanity Fair' Magazine, the editors featured 'the 25 best news photographs' in honor of the magazine's 25th anniversary. At GALLERY M, we can relate. Not only is it our start of our 13 year, we believe, as does Vanity Fair, that art (including photography) has the ability to be transformational; to transform the viewers' lives. Of the 25 photographs highlighted in the issue, GALLERY M represents 7 of the 25 images mentioned including: The Flag Raising on Mt. Suribuchi by Joe Rosenthal; Dewey Defeats Truman as captured by Ed Clark; Nick Ut's Kim Phuc in Vietnam Napalm, Nixon Waves Farewll by the Associated Press, Tianamen Square Demonstration, and poingent images from the civil rights movement, including Martin Luther King's "I have a dream speech" which has a similar feel to our own Ted Williams' Soldier Field MLK works and the vintage photograph shown here by Francis Miller; ; Police Chief shooting a Viet Cong officer by Eddie Adams; Nixon boarding the plane the day of his resignation; John Kennedy Jr saluting his father released by AP; Students being escorted to high school as desegregation begins as a vintage by Ed Clark; ; Tiananmen Square Associated Press photographer depicting the importance of one person can make a difference.

What a statement of the times we live in; what a statement of the significance of GALLERY M as it continues to assist collectors build collections of importance.

DNC sets mark for leadership?

2008-08-28T19:31:00.013-07:00

In historic proportion, the 4 days in Denver have exposed leadership in America. The question will be: can leadership compete? Cutting taxes for 95% of the majority of America would be a great thing. How do you pay for the rise in food, gas, and health care? The oil addiction is a function of poor policy, misguided marketing and lacking leadership. Today leaves us with an opportunity to change the course of history. This is reflective of times past. Obama wants to waste time with nuclear energy, harness clean coal and support the established auto industry - per his evening speech at Invesco Field. Will the next convention lead to the same blind support of failed policies? If so, will our leadership end in the motorcycle diary that each American never expected to creep up on ourselves in a pure democratic and capitalist society? As editor of a for profit company, taking a political position is easy: we believe in consumer choice first and political leaders second. Evaluate your election options carefully - as this campaign will lead you to an alternative that either will propel America to great heights or remain the butt of European, Asian and R.O.W. jokes. Consumer demand for a good is by far the fastest vote available in the American economy. Understanding what you see and buy is the core of not just your future but that of the intellectual age. "Hold firmly without wavier to the hope we cannot confess", Barack Obama reference to scripture.

The Second Coming for Art and Autos - DNC

2008-08-24T19:22:00.006-07:00

As part of the Denver Democratic convention, GALLERY M's "Leaders and Their Followers" photography selling exhibit has tapped a great natural resource - Colorado leaders in the arts, economy and yes government policy. On Monday August 18th, a crowd of collectors gathered for a special evening with program manager for the State of Colorado's energy policy, Mr. Morey Wolfson. Wolfson, a 40 year expert in energy and environmental policy, detailed the great renewal underway in Colorado's rural communities specific to wind and other alternatives like solar, NG and even the trade off's of domestic oil and coal production. He pointed out that the heartland is already bustling with economic growth efforts set in place by multinational companies - Vestas, GE, and various sectors crucial to reducing the carbon footprint in Colorado and nationally. Does this mean the end of the car as we know it?

Design change announced for Prius in Red

2008-07-06T22:33:00.008-07:00

When auto manufactures make bold design changes, it underscores the importance of the "art" side of consumerism. Fine art vs. graphic design or industrial design has a similar starting point: to tell a message visually. Yet the paths to get there today take you to an outcome that may not seem connected. When a company like Toyota announced on July 6th that it would use solar panels to power part of the energy required to operate a car, it's design team had to work with a visual message - to ensure consumers would accept a vehicle's looks. Seeing is believing and after proving demand unquestionably, the Prius is the first production vehicle of note to "boldly go where no one has gone before" and place panels on consumer ready vehicles. The Japanese consumer rather than the American is the first to benefit.

Do stop by GALLERY M to find the "Red" Prius in Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen's "The Infinite".

Denver announces freedom of speech area at DNC

2008-06-24T13:38:00.005-07:00

The city of Denver, in preparation of some lude and wild DNCers, has ensured 50,000 square feet to uninhibited, unfettered "free speech" zones. So make sure you are inside the corral when you want to speak your mind to avoid Denver police "involvement." Kinda sad that the First Amendment requires such control.

A Two-Point Perspective on "The House is Small but the Welcome is Big"

2008-06-21T15:05:00.009-07:00

"The House is Small but the Welcome is Big" photography benefit show explores the daily lives of 15 women and children in Africa. Each photograph, taken by a child from Mozambique or a woman from Cape Town, is a documentation of their lives, all of which are affected by poverty and/or disease. So what makes these photographs so interesting and powerful? I'll answer that question with yet, another question: Would you be able simply to shoot photographs of your family, your friends, your town, etc. and be able to capture and convey your daily struggles, triumphs, thoughts, and emotions? It is the two-point perspective in these photos-- that of the women and children photographers and that of the viewer -- that makes these photos so remarkable.

Remember, these African women and children were simply trying to document their day to day lives. As the photos show, this includes everything from bathing to cooking to shopping to playing to spending time with friends and family. However, some photos show a collection of medicines for HIV/AIDS and children at graves mourning the deaths of their parents. With these photos, the women and children are still documenting the darker side of their everyday existence. Disease, poverty, and death have become the norm to these African communities, and unfortunately, remain a part of everyday life. And yet, we also see more positive photos that show the love between a man and a woman and boys playing games in the sand -- all of which are indicative of the joy and contentment experienced in the daily lives of these remarkable photographers.

It is our (the viewers') emotional responses that also prove the powerfulness of these photographs. While the photos may be simply documentaries, we are able to see and understand the continuous struggle to provide enough food for a family, the daily battle against disease, and the constant pain of losing a loved one. It is the fact that these women and children were able visually to capture their daily lives and, in so doing, allow us to understand those daily struggles that makes these photographs so extraordinary.

Participant Photography as social justice - The House is Small but The Welcome is Big

2008-06-14T00:15:00.012-07:00

With Americans attention focused on the effects of inflation, global warming and the presidential debates, how does a human problem, a social problem - that of poverty compounded by AIDS - garner the focus of Americans and our influence on global culture today? One answer is powerful participant photography.

"The House is Small but The Welcome is Big" a photography show co-created by one of Hollywood's more influential producers, Dr. Neal Baer, and a non-profit called Venice Arts, launched this week and weekend in Denver at GALLERY M. Each photograph was taken, not by a paparazzi snap shooter but by orphaned children of Mozambique and women of Cape Town. Their daily struggle with AIDS and poverty is portrayed convincingly.

The P.O.V. of each photograph is that of the children and women behind the lens after "basic" training with amongst other's, Jim Hubbard - a Pulitzer nominated photographer. What do they see that a Western observer does not? The expected sorrow, tragedy and dire conditions which they live - of course. But the playfulness, the hope and the memories which nurture, empower and extend their lives beyond the "ghettos and shantys" of Africa.

According to Baer and Venice Art's director, Lynn Warshovsky, "...try to imagine living without electricity, running water, with the stigma of AIDS and then find a possible way out through a camera..." The impact is great. The question though is how to continue the influence of being able to communicate visually when basic needs like having electricity to power a digital camera remain the exception.

The expectation is that at $400 an image framed, sales to concerned and avid collectors will yield a lasting resource and allow Americans to contribute to efforts elsewhere. Initially the Maputo, Mozambique community will directly benefit from the show. The hope, according to Baer, is to extend the same project to other world communities needing their story told.

Pictured on the Wednesday evening gala are Law and Order's Baer, GALLERY M owners Mason Hayutin and Myrna Hayutin, Venice Arts Warshovsky and Denver Mayor Hickenlooper.

Charles Dwyer Jr Show Featured in The Art Quarterly

2008-05-21T06:53:00.003-07:00

The lastest full Art Quarterly is now online. Features include the "Call To Vera" show by Charles Dwyer, The summer Aids benefit show in Cherry Creek North, Howard Schatz's keynote speech at the The Art Directors Club of Denver and the National Park series by Schlossberg-Cohen.

HIV-AIDS Benefit summer show announced

2008-05-13T08:53:00.005-07:00

Cherry Creek North's GALLERY M has been selected as the first international gallery to host "The House is Small But the Welcome is Big" photography benefit show in Denver, CO. The exhibit features 41 images taken by 15 children and 15 women of Africa as they document their lives while living positive with HIV/AIDS. Co-Founder Dr. Neal Baer (Exec Producer of Law & Order: SVU and ER fame) to be present at the June 11th private opening and the 12th public benefit evening.

Artist Rauschenberg Passed Away today

2008-05-13T08:48:00.003-07:00

Artist and abstract leader Robert Rauschenberg passed away this morning. Details are reported in main media and online.

2 months of shows leave options for collectors in New York and beyond

2008-04-13T19:33:00.008-07:00

When Denver's GALLERY M launched it's Charles Dwyer "A Call To Vera" show on March 7, nationwide gallery and collector shows were preparing for the "economic realities" in the US due to another economic bubble taking it's toll.

Would galleries and their painters find it difficult to sell with cuts in household perceived and actual wealth? Would sculpture be preferred because at least you could melt it down if American and international economic systems fail to work and the high commodity prices encourage owners to resort to barter systems? Since silver plays and played a role in photography would these moments in time remain a sought after medium? Do electronic art installations comply with the green/environmental movement filtering throughout the world? The answer is found in the details of each. Ultimately good fine art is remaining a strong option in today's economy for those capable of owning good fine art and able to relate to it.

Anyone collecting art for investment only, regardless of medium, should only be doing so as a diversification option. Eggs do not belong in one basket and cavet emptor definitely applies - avoid television invitations to buy art or rogue auction venues emphasizing a great deal sits before you but you must act now (Cruise ships and Dali come to mind).

Instead, the attendees at select shows throughout the country have found excellent buying opportunities. These opportunities are supported by experts in the artists, the mediums, and the work being considered - dealers and galleries.

Today's close of AIPAD at the New York's Armory really highlighted a week of anticipation for the fine art photography market in general. For starters many important 20th century photographers, some featured at GALLERY M, proved their merits in the aftermarket - at auction. This season's auctions were scheduled too close to the main dealer show in New York, except that the attendance at AIPAD appeared to be very strong.

While venues (and the people behind the "curtain") make the difference for what price a work is estimated at and then ultimately sells for, the New York Auction houses filled a void for those worried about the investment value of their collection: essentially that photography remains a viable alternative to other mediums and even asset classes for the preservation of wealth.

As mentioned at the beginning of the week, Andreas Feininger's "The Photojournalist, 1951" exceeded it's estimate and closed at the true market price found at galleries (the 11" x 14" modern, limited edition print, signed). While a secondary work may not be in pristine condition as found from a primary gallery who works with the artist directly, this specific work underscores the importance of understanding each artist for his/her own merits. If the artist is not widely known, widely collected, or at least influential to the medium's legacy for art's sake, the value will not traditionally be more than an average annual rate of return for fine art (5% to 7%).

I cautiously mention art's implied return on investment merely to put to rest the current phenomenon found at contemporary art shows - Art Basel, Scope, Pulse and the like. At these shows, emerging to established artists are pushing prices higher partly because the attendance and interest in the venues has become a cultural phenomena. More exposure is leading to more collectors ultimately finding artists through galleries that otherwise would not be found. And yes pricing does change when works sell. Some of the pricing actually is not justified: because a work is an original work by an artist with one gallery does not entitle the gallery or the artist to blue chip pricing of a work. You will know when price is desperately out of whack - your gut will say "this is the ugliest, most absurd thing that my eyes have ever seen." And if you check your blackberry for a competing price - remember that your digital information is only as good as the source.

Talent leads price in fine art mediums. Those who can influence multiple guts, usually can benefit from multiples at the bank. The Winter/Spring art show season of '08 will wind up being strong in the United States. Partly because of the quality available to collectors in the United States and partly because international collectors are now traveling to the states for exceptional art. As for the mining of art for it's material content - you probably wont have to melt your bronzes anytime soon.