Monday 9 February 2009

A bone to pick

In the Observer's This Much I Know feature, the first thing that artist Sam Taylor-Wood says is that she has 'a chicken bone that Damien Hirst once stuck in the end of his foreskin. It's like a holy relic. I'll never put it on eBay'.

It may be a genuine and lovely observation - if you know her - but it felt so contrived.

I didn't read any more of the article, I was vexed at such nonsense.

That much I know.

7 comments:

Cusp said...

Almost everything that comes out of Damien Hirst is contrived --- doesn't seem to matter where it comes from or where it ends up !

nmj said...

Hey Cusp, I think I was more annoyed at STW thinking this was an interesting fact about her that she treasured such an 'artefact'. Maybe if you were sixteen this might impress you. It just annoyed me, and put me off the rest off her words. She's clearly intelligent and talented and brave as hell, but really.

Cusp said...

Yes but they're both in the same 'club' when it comes to the Arts and that's where such fatuous nonsense comes from.

That sort of 'speak' is typical of people who went to art school in the 80s [I should know...I was one of them ;0)] and if you couldn't learn that lingo and that way of interpretation, presentation then your degree was a gonner.

Almost everyone knew it and so they 'walked the walk and talked the talk.' In private many of us would take the mick but some people took it all too seriously and some people obviously still do --- either because they believe in it (as STW probably does as she seems sincere)or because it's the right way to present oneself in the Arts World/Market and bring in the dosh --as is probably the case with Mr Hirst (said Cusp cynically.)

Having said that STW IS intelligent and brave but there are other artists making work about similar issues which is just as strong and doesn't rely, somewhat, on celebrity connections.

nmj said...

Ah, Cusp, You have an insider's view, this makes more sense of her silly remark. I just thought it sounded like bollocks. Do they still believe this crap in their 40s?!

Cusp said...

It is bollocks.....maybe Mr H has another artwork placed about his person ;0)

Some people never grow up...or at least maybe they do in private but not in public where the £ and $ signs rule(d). Just look who hangs out with DH..Keith Allen etc ....

LottieP said...

That remark's a definite candidate for Pseud's Corner...

nmj said...

Hey Lottie, I had to look up Pseud's corner, but yes this bollocks would fit very well.