Comments That I Think Are Ridiculous.

*I feel as though I should preface this post by making sure my readers know that my blog is entirely subjective at times...and this is another one of those times.

The reception for the UCD BFA show was last night. It was amazing! I believe a record 530 people attended! Now, of course, when you get that many people coming to an art show reception, some of them are bound to say stupid shit. And lo and behold, I received two comments that literally made me want to shove art history down the person's throats in the form of a wordy and pretentious lecture.

Now, for those of you who don't know: John Lopez is my significant other. Also, the artist of Elementary. (See previous posted review about this show.) And weirdly enough--or, I suppose it's not that weird considering his piece is rather controversial...anyway, both of the comments I received regarded his work. So, okay, I admit, I have a little personal interest invested in the piece and will defend the artist at all costs. Which, perhaps, is what fueled the fire for my reactions to these comments. Here were the comments:

1. Made by a twenty-something who walked straight into the gallery and over to John's piece and started playing with the controller. All fine and dandy until he goes searching under John's files on the PlayStation looking for a game. I come over and politely inform him that I can fix that and take it back to the WORK OF ART THAT IS ON DISPLAY. No, no, he doesn't give me the controller, but instead looks at me and says, "So, when can I come in and play my Grand Theft Auto." Obviously thinking he was kidding, I laughed and tried again to get the controller from him. No...I didn't get it as he says, "Can't I come in and play my game?" At which point I realise to my horror: THIS GUY DOESN'T GET THAT THIS IS A WORK OF ART. At which point my tone went flat and I said, "No. You cannot come in a play your game. Please give me the controller so that I may fix the image."...or something to that affect. His girlfriend standing next to him was highly embarrassed and I can't say I blame her...

My point: comments that I think are ridiculous are ones that express the viewers entire lack of appreciation for a] the art and b] the artist's hard work.

2. Second remark was made by on older white woman who came up to me holding John's postcard and said point-blank, "So, this guy advocates the killing of children." Not as a question, she said it like it was truth. "No! No, not at all!" I quickly retort ready to explain his work before I am cut off with, "It doesn't? That's what it looks like. He wants children to kill other children. That's what he took a picture of." Shortly, I realise that there is nothing I can say to help her understand his social critique because she's set in stone that John advocates children with guns. And just when I am thinking, "What can I say...?" she says, "Well. That's what it looks like." And as I open my mouth she turns and walks away.

My point: comments that I think are ridiculous are closed-minded remarks that are seemingly ignorant and leave no room for outside knowledge or critical analysis.

Perhaps I should start making "Comments that I think are ridiculous" a regular segment...