RP: I think the artist if is to assume relevance they are required to question and challenge the dialectics at play. They need to push, prod, inspire, question and expose institution, authority,and how we arrived at any moment. The idea of becoming part of the milieu has served to debase the significance of what does come out.
SCV: Where then do we stand today?
RP: It’s a difficult question to answer, but I think this project serves to illuminate the many perversity’s in play, between artists, the institutions they seek to court,and that is evident in sexuality, political assessments. It’s become diabolical and instead of feeding into it the art world should attempt to question it.
SCV: Are you an art celebrity then?
RP: (laughs)- I hope my body of art speaks for itself.
SCV: Any last thought thoughts?
RP: One should come to this exhibit with their catalogues at home. This project isn’t about institutionalizing what we see in front of us but rather as a kindred approach to consider who we are, how we arrived here and what we are all collectively possible of doing.
SCV: Thank you sir.
At that moment, my attention turned to the quiet gaggle that erupted as Julian Schnabel and Clemente stopped to pause for the gaggle of photographers that had finally cornered them. Whether the art world can defy its new found celebrity status is yet to be seen, (Damien Hirst I mean you…) although this author is quite game to see more work that challenges the world at large even if it means walking around incognito, a potential liability for the current star focused artist.
A truly inspiring collection. Thank you Richard Phillips and David Salle.
