This discussion that I found via Thinking About Art brings up a lot of points that I can agree with. It might not shed light on my specific opinion, but it does raise some of the same questions I ask myself. And then, its like woah.
I can’t believe Austin let Cinque Hicks slip away. He’s asking alot of questions and spitting out good answers. But, I understand why he decided Austin didn’t fit him. Affordable housing. You hear that Austin? He said affordable housing keeps the young’ns around.
Pfff! Like this guy needs more coverage.
Then there’s this discussion over at Bad At Sports (listen to the audio). I pulled out the idea that artists need to take back their profession and are doing so across the country.
Very recently, I asked an artist to compare Austin with San Antonio’s art scene. The comparison was dead on to what I had figured out from where I sees things. But what struck me as odd, was the use of “hipster” to describe Austin. Has the city’s art scene gotten too popular too fast or to put it another way, has the scene gained recognition that can be described as a fad? Things that make me go, “Hmmm.”
I’ll tell you ’bout what I sees.
AP rules. I read all I can about him, and listen closely when he speaks.
See, shit like this can make everything seem worth it… Thanks, ’boutman. By the way, I agree: AP does rule.
Actually, wait, here’s what I meant to say: true Austin’s housing is getting way out of control. Much easier to find something affordable here in Atlanta at the moment. I was amazed by what I found for relatively little money. On all other counts, however, I constantly refer to Austin as a city that’s got it right in terms of keeping its grassroots culture humming.
Odd how different cities formulate different identities for themselves, and how entrenched they can be. Still haven’t figured out that mechanism. For example, Atlanta’s had its own Cantanker-like publication for much longer than Austin, yet… it doesn’t resonate here the same way. Almost as though, you know everyone else is going to ignore it, so everyone ignores it because they’re sure everyone else is going to ignore it, too. Something like that.
I actually think it’s a pretty easy situation to change, but takes time…
I admire AP, just didn’t want to sound like I was brown-nosing. But I guess when Gallery Lombardi, Jeanne Claire from the Statesman, and RDA give him props, I can too.
The grassroots culture does look like its moving along. I just wonder if the scene isn’t becoming segregated. I mean, it was the collection of artisans and designers that made EAST possible. That energy, plus Gallery Lombardi’s group shows and Fresh Up Club, Camp Fig and Bolm Studio’s DIY attitude opened up the opportunity for Art Palace.
Art Palace was the turning point and is the bridge between Volitant, Okay Mountain, Donkey Show and testsite. With this focus of energy on the east side, it goes along with the gentrification. I sees the art as academic, so that leaves me wondering where the artisans are at. Are they being pushed out as Austin promotes a market-friendly, hipster type of art scene? Or conversely, can Austin maintain its camraderie and mimic San Antonio’s longevity in self-nurtured activity?
Oh and Cinque, I’m salvo cheque on your boards.
Artisans tend to work harder than hipsters. They’ll make it.
See non-hipster John Warner’s local rock poster history for proof.
I dont understand this word “hipster”. I would say good work rises to the top, and people pay attention.
Its all about the work, I could care less about how “cool” or “hip” someone is.
Show me the goods!
Regardless of the true definition of hipster, I was thinking of a scene that emulates New York (blemishes and all). And wondering if that is what this community really wants. The idea of an art market that is identical to a corporate economy market is scary.
And as I’ve been reading some hints at the death of the “youth culture infatuation” and see the reacquaintance of established/ mid-career artists, I wonder what will happen locally.
I like the “brotherhood” of San Antonio, but without collectors here in Austin I don’t know if that can happen. A robust scene is what we need, just trying to figure out what that looks like.
“… the idea that artists need to take back their profession and are doing so across the country”
That is indeed an important notion, and was instigated and is being carried out by the folks behind Wesley Kimler over at Sharkforum. Please check in and contribute — and take back YOUR own Texas artworld. http://www.sharkforum.org