Before I entered the exhibit titled “Fine Art” at PS1, I was stopped by Celeste who warned me that it was a let down. I walked in with Minerva and Ella anyhow without reading the artist statement and was immediately in concurrence with Celeste. From first glimps the tall thin “sculptures” and simple paintings looked like garbage. As we continued to look through the show, the titles of the pieces increased the displeasure of the work and at times even appeared offensive. As the three of us became more and more displeased with the whole affair, we over heard a couple talking about the show and explaining that it was meant to be a joke, that the artist wanted you to laugh at it, and while some of the pieces were still unimpressive we began to laugh while witnessing “four dogs and a cat on a bike” and “a beautifull horse”. By the time we reached “man holding a human animal” we were nearly in tears. It the dawned on me that this piece was a parody intended to call attention to flaws and romanticization of historical art, the portraits of native Americans and slaves being shot of boats weren’t there to be offensive, but to call attention to the offenses of “fine art”. Its easy to get wrapped up in the I do and don’t like such and such while viewing art, but it is essential to take a moment and truly consider the purpose of art, and the artists intent. This artist used humor to lure the viewers in and ever 4th or 5th piece hit us with the real message, forcing us to become aware of real issues. I think that PS1 had the most confrontational art that we have seen so far and I really appreciate that. I hope this institution continues to make that statement.
-Kam