Blasphemy, right? Not so fast. Why are other museums sustaining their revenue under current conditions? Perhaps this is just a simple case of "survival of the fittest". Sorry, MOCA- but I gotta put you on blast here.Dear MOCA,
You're slippin'. Did you really think that "Measuring Your Own Grave" and a show on California Conceptualism was going to sell tickets and inspire people to become/remain members in 2008? Uh, uh.
Louise Bourgeouise should have plenty to offer- but someone needs to send you a memo: PAINING IS STILL KING.
Yes, I am biased- and for good reason.
But, it seems like The Hammer and LACMA understand the reasoning. Painting, new or old still has the ability to provoke, inspire and instill wonder like no other medium. There- I said it. Of course, many art-school kids are going to shake their heads... but then they are probably the same people who are walking around an empty MOCA right now. Allen Kaprow and Lawrence Weiner: endless photographs/documentation of their performances/concepts? Y-A-W-N.
I think MOCA has been trying too hard to be "smart" and is suffering from it's own unwillingness to reach out to people who are hungry for a richer experience. It is OK for art to "entertain". Fun? Why not!
Quite simply, other institutions are currently doing a better job of remaining fresh, while still offering up varieties of historic and contemporary work (paintings) that reward the visitor for their time and money. At the very least, there are more options to choose from.
All is not lost. MOCA has had some great, vibrant shows in the past- certainly money-makers.
In 2007: Murakami, Rauchenberg, Tuttle, and "Skin and Bones". This year- not so much. I suggest MOCA re-think it's programming quickly if it wants to reach out to visitors and donors and stay afloat.
If not...you'll find me (and my membership) over at LACMA.
2 comments:
I realize that the current MOCA crisis isn't the result of one or even two years worth of decisions. However- I do think that shortsightedness and a misunderstanding of the potential public opinion and art can hold has been a big reason for MOCAs situation.
YO! I feel you. Remember that "Extacy" show where al's they had were a bunch of glow in the dark shit? Those of us who'd already BEEN in a raver's dorm room were bored and everyone else didn't get it. Either way the only people who came away with something new to think about were the three weirdos who got really high beforehand, and you know they didn't remember a dang thing in the morning.
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