All posts by behindtheartcurtain
New beginnings
SO many changes have taken place, it is incredible. I am looking forward to working more independently with artists, other art related ventures, as well as being properly immersed with the diamond and jewelry industry in Bangkok.
Here’s to rocky beginnings and deep opportunities!
Facebook to Buy WhatsApp for $16+ Billion
Wow. That’s a GIGANTIC database of users. Money, power, and people’s contacts. I wonder what they can do with that information…
Lorde’s Suppressed Grammy Award acceptance speech (Full Transcript) 26 January 2014
Perhaps Lorde also felt the irony. Her song Royals winning a huge award which opposes such ‘vulgarities’
Lorde’s Suppressed Grammy Award acceptance speech (Full Transcript) 26 January 2014.
“All this technology is making people anti-social”
Saw this and really had to share it! Our need to absorb information, see what’s going on around seems like it has been going on through generation after generation. Nowadays, everyone is always on their devices – clicking, liking, sharing, commenting, viewing, etc. Maybe it’s ingrained in us, and the evolution of technology only accelerates and fuels this need for knowing, communicating, inspecting, comparing, expressing.
We are so involved in our own little world, one where we view others by what is written, what is sent, what is portrayed – that we forget to sometimes lift up our heads and see who is sitting next to us. I’ve learnt its good to look up and speak to the person who is physically present at that moment in time with you. I know everyone knows this, but lets put our thoughts into action, shall we?
What do people think an art gallery REALLY is for?
I have been getting quite strange requests and questions since the past year. People have asked to rent out the gallery space for random occasions, sometimes for fashion events which is totally cool, beauty expo, hang-out sesh, etc. The strangest have been the two below:
RandomWomanWhoWantsAFancyDinner: “Hello… referred me to you for a possible art gallery where I can host a dinner. I want to cook the dinner at the place and serve about 15 of our friends.”
The gallery I’m at does not have a kitchen, only a pantry. Which I thought applied to all galleries, but now I am doubting myself. Is it not enough that most visitors only come in during the openings to hog on free food and beer? Screw it. I’m going to turn this gallery into a restaurant. Might as well drop all pretenses!
SmartNewBusinessIdeaforArtsyWedding!: “I was just wondering if the gallery is open for rentals. I’d like to do the wedding reception dinner with just a handful of friends and your space is quite perfect for what I have in mind. It’s going to be just a dinner party, nothing crazy. Would you kindly let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.”
A reception in an art gallery!? Whoa. That is passionate. Please come in, hopefully you would like to buy some works to remind you how beautiful your wedding reception was, and will always be. I would great appreciate it.
Bangkok protests – an update from the streets of Sukhumvit
Okay, so I am quite horrible at keeping a blog active. But in my defense… well, there’s so much going on and no time. Once I start writing, it’s hard to stop. But today I will get to the point.
In Bangkok with the protests, there are many things going on. Monday was an off day for most, as the main districts and junctions were overflowing with people and the whistlers. However, there was no violence and since I’m not involved in the political scene here, life is just a bit boring. Due to the protests, I could not go to work and had to stay indoors. Today as well, I am to be at work for only 2 hours because there is no point. At an art gallery, it’s important to have visitors come in and with the protests, that’s not really happening. Which gives me time to focus on my independent projects. More on that front later.
Although the protests have also impacted on the currency (USD is now 32.8 THB! From 30!), many Thais believe that this short-term ‘inconvenience’ will benefit the long-term growth for Thailand. Which I agree with. A country such as Thailand needs to become more stable as it is becoming more cosmopolitan and a hub for Southeast Asia year after year. Corruption is a concerning issue, and it is good to see that the public is aware and ready to take action. However, there is a line between violent and non-violent means. Hopefully the government is willing to change for the good of the public so that the country can move forward peacefully.
Since today is my day off – well, it will be in 30-45 minutes, it would be good to spend some personal time with myself and the boyfriend. Time for some cooking, some movie, some home-time. Time to relax!
Paths
On November 12, 2013:
I bumped into a school friend (more acquaintance) at the mall and we greeted each other cordially. She’s in her early 20s (21-22 years old) . These brief, accidental meetings generally don’t mean much – but till today I still think of our conversation.
She’s about to finish her undergrad studies in a few months so I asked her what’s next? To which she replied – oh of course, work. Then marriage. What else is there for an Indian girl?
She is to be engaged in two months with her Indian boyfriend.
I am still in shock that her life is so considerably comfortable that she truly believes this is the only path. Eat, live, poop, drink, have kids, make money, die.
Maybe I’m too judgmental. After all, being comfortable and financially secure, finding a job, finding a man for marriage is hard enough on its own.
But to think there is NOTHING else a young Indian woman can do – is that not awfully CRAZY. It’s like being stuck in a narrow, comfortable feather box and never wanting to leave. I guess many would choose to stay. I wish I replied to her right there and then with something such as “Uh, there is A LOT MORE for an Indian girl, or anyone to move forward in life. Travel. Start a project / business. Go on a residency. Teach. Draw. Write. Go to Africa. Start modelling. Become a chef. Become a racer. Anything! Just don’t think you can’t”
I hope I get out soon – and find new paths. Although that can be hard too.
KJ ink.
Getting a gallery show – perspective from an arts manager
There are a lot of posts by artists on the internet about getting into galleries – and I have many friends who are artists that ask me the same question – “How do you select artists for a solo or group exhibition in your/ a gallery?”
Truth be told there really is no straight-forward “formula”. I usually tell artists to approach people they know in galleries if they’re friends with them, or to just approach galleries directly even without an agent or curator in the middle – ESPECIALLY without an agent in the middle. In Bangkok at least, agents are not as common or a norm (yet). In fact, many seem aggressive or pushy with their artists. That’s not the Thai way, or Asian way in fact. And there’s usually more ‘excitement’ involved than need be.
Anyway, gallery owners or managers are not going to bite your head off if you walk-in unannounced asking for a gallery show. In fact, it’s quite common. The main problem is not only approaching galleries for a show with your work (although I understand that can be quite intimidating for new artists), the main challenge is in being noticed. There’s no formula in standing out as well. Artists can stand out by saying “ground-breaking” or shocking things – yes we will remember you for your radical ideas, but that does not necessarily get you a show. That just makes a good story to share.
Be prepared and keep trying! It will be worth the trouble.Show works that you believe in and that represent who you are. Show you care. Show you understand this is also a business and you are willing to cooperate. Show that you have chosen this gallery specifically because you believe your style of works and profile will suit our gallery’s mission. Show that you have researched. If rejected, don’t become explosive or abusive – it’s a part of life. Develop yourself and your works and come back. Some might reject you for trying too hard, others will respect your efforts. That way, you will also know who you click with and want to work with. And most importantly, keep in mind nothing is straight-forward. Gallery representation does not only rest on being talented or creative, there are various facets involved in this business for a variety of reasons.
Painting a beautiful divorce – Anne of Cleves, 1539
I recently discovered something interesting about King Henry VIII’s fourth wife and had to write it down.
Other than the fact that King Henry obviously had no regard for his wives, all 6 of them – it felt great reading how art had a hand in manipulating him to marry someone he divorced in a heartbeat.
Quick background his wives: One died, one survived,two divorced and two were beheaded.
- Catherine of Aragon (marriage annulled; died while detained under guard at Kimbolton Castle);
- Anne Boleyn (executed);
- Jane Seymour (died days after giving birth, widely believed to be following birth complications);
- Anne of Cleves (marriage annulled);
- Catherine Howard (executed);
- Catherine Parr (widowed).
In 1539, King Henry VIII went looking for wife number 4. His chancellor Thomas Cromwell assured Henry he knew of a German princess who would be a perfect match. The King’s painter-in-residence, Hans Holbein the Younger, returned with a painted portrait of the princess and Henry immediately fell in love. When she arrived to England however, he was more than a little appalled.
- “As Michael Farquhar reports in his book, “Royal Scandals”, the king’s first words upon their initial meeting were, “I like her not.” In a letter to Thomas Cromwell, Henry complained that she stank and her breasts sagged. They were married on January 6, 1540, but Henry was so repelled by her that he could not bring himself to consummate the marriage. In another letter to Cromwell, written after his wedding night, he said, “I liked her before not well, but now I like her much worse . . . [I] could never in her company be provoked and steered to know her carnally.” Anne agreed to a quick divorce, and received a handsome settlement that enabled her live out the rest of her life in comfort. Thomas Cromwell was not so lucky; he was accused of treason and beheaded a few days after the divorce became final. Curiously, Holbein retained his post as King’s Painter, and does not seem to have incurred Henry’s wrath.”
Quite ironic nothing happened to the painter in residence, and how a portrait was enough for the King to decide to marry Anne Cleves. Imagine if that was the only basis for men to select women to marry or become attached. Oh wait, I think that still exists. Pfft
Behind the Art Curtain 