Work of Art: The Next Great Artist

Have you heard about the new reality show, “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist”?  Yes, my friends, the world of reality TV has decided to pay attention to the visual arts.  This is a reality show which aims to unearth the talent of a new artist.  I just found out about this show on Edward Winkleman’s recent blog post, and I don’t quite know what to think.  On one hand, I think it might give exposure and generate more interest in non-traditional forms of art.  By and large, and I would say that the general public defines art as traditional mediums like painting and sculpture.  Perhaps something like this show would help people to appreciate relatively newer types of art, such as performance art, video art, etc.  It looks like the artists dabble in lots of different mediums (as indicated on their bios), but I wonder what types of art they will be allowed/required to create on the show.

I also wonder how this show will dispel or encourage the myth of the “artist as genius.”  Will these people seem like everyday Joe Schmoes, or will the producers want to play up the angle that these artists are unique, creative individuals that are different from ordinary people?  Will viewers accept it if “the next great artist” is just the girl next door?  It will be interesting to see.

Do you think this show could have an effect on the art world?

If you’re interested, you can see a sneak preview here:

         

  • e says:

    Oh my goodness, I can't believe I never told you this before!

    My friend was on a reality TV show for up and coming artists called "Artstar"! You can read about it here. I wonder why I never said anything to you about it before because it really is so fascinating and plain weird!

    If you ever want to watch any episodes online, let me know. I've watched a little and I'm sure I can get the links from my artist friend.

    Crazy!

  • heidenkind says:

    What channel is this on?

  • M says:

    I've never heard about "Artstar!", e. That's cool that your friend was on the show! I'll have to check it out.

    As for the channel, heidenkind, I think the channel number depends on the area. It says here that if you subscribe to a TV provider, then the odds are pretty good that you get Bravo TV. (It looks like it's a subdivision of NBC.) The show premiers on Wednesday, June 9th. The only lame thing is that the show airs a little late at night (at 11/10c). Thank goodness for DVRs.

  • Emperor of EUtopia says:

    This is really rather intriguing! I'm not sure what to think of it. I think it will kind of depend on how the producers decide to present it. Hmmmm….definitely on my watch list.

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This blog focuses on making Western art history accessible and interesting to all types of audiences: art historians, students, and anyone else who is curious about art. Alberti’s Window is maintained by Monica Bowen, an art historian and professor.