Kusama and Kaws
Two weeks ago I was visiting galleries in Chelsea when I turned onto 11th Ave. and ran into a group of 2,000 people waiting in line for something. Follow me- this is Chelsea…galleries, quiet, older folks…NEVER throngs of fans. Then it hit me- Kusama had an exhibition opening that night and these folks were there to experience her Infinity Room and engage with her exhibitions which were held at David Zwirner Gallery.
I have often wondered why there are no artist / “stars”. What is it about us that can put the Kardashians, musicians, actors and others onto the pedestal of superstardom, but never transfer this sense of pop adulation to visual artists? There may be many reasons for this, but I would rather not dig there now. What I do want to celebrate right now is the fact that artists can be both important within pop culture and respected within the serious narrative of art history and that is what Kusama has achieved.
Another artist who I admire and who fits this description is Kaws. Brian Donnelly grew up in Jersey City enamored with street art. He has developed into one of the most important artists in the world, as measured by museum curators and pure art lovers who identify with his playful artwork which includes an array of figures, delivered via painting and sculpture in a wildly fun fashion.
Kusama and Kaws have embodied the thing I am striving for at One River- to have fun making artwork and to realize that the final image doesn’t have to look serious to be taken seriously.
Hmm, anyone remember Warhol?
