The Fortunes of Art
Earlier tonight I watched the debut of a documentary on HBO called "The Art of Failure: Chuck Connelly Not For Sale". Until I read an article about the film a few days ago, I had not heard of Connelly, but perhaps I should have. It seems he was part of the 1980's art star crowd, a neo-expressionist who sold over a million dollars worth of paintings in that decade (including a piece to the Metropolitan Museum of Art), and the model for the Nick Nolte character in the film New York Stories. But the guy had big issues- huge ego, alcoholism, generally obnoxious behavior. His last major show (at the time of the filming) was in 1990. Over the course of the film we see him alienate his only patron and drive his wife to divorce. An artist whose work once brought in 5 figures now sees his work selling in an online auction for several hundred- and he's not happy about it. No major gallery will talk to him. At one point he resurrects an alter ego from his school days and hires an actor to portray the fictional artist, in an effort to sell his paintings. It's only mildly successful. I decided to watch the film to get an idea of what life will be like when I'm a formerly famous washed up artist.
Just kidding- printmakers never get to be famous art stars in the first place.
Most of the film shows Connelly drunk and belligerent- he admits it's not that uncommon a state for him, though the editing of the film may emphasize those moments. We also get to see dozens of his paintings. I can't say I like all of them, but it's clear that he's a very good painter, back in his 80's heyday and now. (plenty of examples can be found on the web if you look around) Other than the self destructive behavior, one thing shown is the dependence that a professional artist has on others to make a living. And those others- galleries, patrons, collectors- often have agendas of their own. But it isn't all bad. Thanks to the documentary, there is some renewed interest in Connolly's work, resulting in some current shows of his work. One hopes that the artist takes advantage of the opportunity to get his life and career in order, but I have my doubts.
Just kidding- printmakers never get to be famous art stars in the first place.
Most of the film shows Connelly drunk and belligerent- he admits it's not that uncommon a state for him, though the editing of the film may emphasize those moments. We also get to see dozens of his paintings. I can't say I like all of them, but it's clear that he's a very good painter, back in his 80's heyday and now. (plenty of examples can be found on the web if you look around) Other than the self destructive behavior, one thing shown is the dependence that a professional artist has on others to make a living. And those others- galleries, patrons, collectors- often have agendas of their own. But it isn't all bad. Thanks to the documentary, there is some renewed interest in Connolly's work, resulting in some current shows of his work. One hopes that the artist takes advantage of the opportunity to get his life and career in order, but I have my doubts.
posted by arrabbiata at 8:17 PM
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