Comments on: “One Question” with Margin Art Collective

By: bill Dolan

bill Dolan — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:05:38 +0000

I have a problem with complacency. I’ve known artists that have joined co-ops and felt that they made it and are part of an art scene and on the same level as if they were at Mary Boone. There are artists that get into commercial galleries and are happy with a show every year and a half. I think it’s good for an artist to push him or herself not only in their work but in their careers as well.

By: Nima Taradji

Nima Taradji — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Look-I don’t know whether you are over thinking this stuff or not and certainly you should make decisions that you perceive to be best for you. Your decisions are not at issue here–at least for me. The object of my comment, and the root of it stems from an apprehension to pander to anyone… and especially to the Mainstream. The Mainstream generally caters to the lowest common denominator and so I do not see any reason to participate in that process.

I do understand that it is easier and a better bet to take the road of least resistance (and it is only human to do so)–And I would of course respect that, so long as that approach is not reflected in the end product.

By: Norbert Marszalek

Norbert Marszalek — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:45:23 +0000

“With all due respect, respectable galleries can kiss my ass.”

Hello Nima…it’s great that you feel this way. I wish I did too. Like I said, I don’t think the rest of the artworld is keen on co-ops, art collectives, etc…I’m I wrong about this? (The “apartment galleries” in Chicago are getting some fanfare but these are not really co-ops.)

Maybe I am over thinking all this stuff concerning galleries, where to show, etc., but my decisions are based on what I see…or at least to what I “think” I see in the artworld

I wish ALL artists luck in their pursuit of showing and exhibiting and for building a career – -

By: Nima Taradji

Nima Taradji — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:06:30 +0000

I do not know what you mean by “pay to play.” If it means paying a minimal amount ($20/month) in order to gain the freedom to show your work free of any and all restrictions imposed by anyone but you, then this is a “pay to play” situation. I submit to you that “respectable” galleries is a matter of opinion. You seem to be falling in the trap of herd mentality where you assume that necessarily attention from the mainstream is a good thing. It may be and in the other hand it may not be. You cannot make that assumption and History has shown that consistently that which initially is rejected by the Mainstream finds its way leading it… only then to lose its lead to the next initially rejected idea. With all due respect, respectable galleries can kiss my ass.

By: Mike Helbing

Mike Helbing — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:28:06 +0000

I like Nima’s statements. I think Margin Gallery is another way to show art and I enjoy being in an inclusive group. We all choose different ways to show. I also show in other galleries and put work in public venues. It is all good. People should be surrounded by art at all times.

By: Norbert Marszalek

Norbert Marszalek — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:54:57 +0000

I understand all the reasons for starting an art collective, co-op gallery, etc but I still think the whole idea has a “pay to play” feel to it. Also, I don’t think the rest of the art world is very keen on co-ops as far as reviews, museum collections, collectors, etc.

I would put my energy toward other venues: respectable galleries that get reveiwed and visited by real collectors, university galleries, musuems – -