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Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
Yes, this wonderful piece is setting standards again. Amazing how important a simple work can be. The caption states "it was sold to a lucky buyer". Can someone break down why this image is so valuable from the stand point of composition?
http://boingboing.net/2015/05/15/exquisite-rothko-masterpiece-s.html
http://glenn-mccarthy.artistwebsites.com/
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Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
Here's the link in clickable glory: http://boingboing.net/2015/05/15/exquisite-rothko-masterpiece-s.html
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
I didn't ask for a keyword though. That is already understood Parker.
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
This one sold for a whopping $82 Million Dollars.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-rothko-painting-christies-auction-20150514-story.html
8 Years Ago
I don't see that much value in it but it reminds me of this one. Must be something magical about 3 rectangles that draws the big bucks.
http://nypost.com/2013/05/15/43-8-million-for-this/
8 Years Ago
could have to do with supply and demand, I bet there are not many Rothko pieces floating around for sale, all you need is two rich people fighting over one piece
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
The price also has to do with the history of Rothko and his art.
But I am wondering more about the "compositional importance" of the work.
Looking for perspective from this art community and how the execution of this image affects you visually and artistically. What visual justification is there for these kinds of prices?
8 Years Ago
Perhaps its true, as it only takes three chords to make great songs, so it is true here.
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
Yes Ginette. Congratulatory notes can be sent to Green River Cemetery/Westchester Hills Cemetery.
8 Years Ago
Seeing as you asked:
Compositionally, I think it's appalling.
Visually and 'artistically' (using the term loosely), it makes me feel nauseous.
Visual justification of the price - zero. Indeed, if it wasn't for the fact that I could sell it to some other rich fool a few years from now for an even more exorbitant sum, you'd have to pay me to take it from you.
But isn't that the wonderful thing about art? You could place a turd on a plate and providing the right people backed and hailed you as the next Picasso, you could sell it for millions.
8 Years Ago
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Deal-Contemporary-Global-Financial/dp/069115788X
Art of the Deal: Contemporary Art in a Global Financial Market Paperback by Noah Horowitz
8 Years Ago
Yes Glenn.
Isn't that always how it goes.
I just though of that yesterday. BB King dies and the news media is all over it. Sad faces, "We lost a Great one"!' "We'll Miss Him"
While he was alive especially as an older artist he could't get a minute of airtime. "You just gotta die to get some love."
I think there is a country song lyric in there somewhere!
8 Years Ago
Dave B. is reading my mind. Artistically, it's childish, the pallet choice is atrocious, and what it represents is anyone's guess. I see 0.00 value in it. I'd be downright embarrassed to have it in my store to be honest.
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
Yes Ginette. You are right in your analogy about B B King. Then when an artist does make it big... Like Peter Lik (Ha, Ha) the outrage over his popularity and success knows no bounds.
I was thinking Bobby Ross with a couple of swipes might emulate this composition.
8 Years Ago
I am so glad to hear these thoughts about this piece and know that I'm not the only one who thinks it's horrendous. But I think Warhol was a joke and I get a lot of criticism from others in the art community for that opinion.
8 Years Ago
My take on this type of sale in the Art World...
The Emperor's New Clothes
Hans Christian Andersen
Many years ago there lived an emperor who cared only about his clothes and about showing them off. One day he heard from two swindlers that they could make the finest suit of clothes from the most beautiful cloth. This cloth, they said, also had the special capability that it was invisible to anyone who was either stupid or not fit for his position.
Being a bit nervous about whether he himself would be able to see the cloth, the emperor first sent two of his trusted men to see it. Of course, neither would admit that they could not see the cloth and so praised it. All the townspeople had also heard of the cloth and were interested to learn how stupid their neighbors were.
The emperor then allowed himself to be dressed in the clothes for a procession through town, never admitting that he was too unfit and stupid to see what he was wearing. For he was afraid that the other people would think that he was stupid.
Of course, all the townspeople wildly praised the magnificent clothes of the emperor, afraid to admit that they could not see them, until a small child said:
"But he has nothing on"!
This was whispered from person to person until everyone in the crowd was shouting that the emperor had nothing on. The emperor heard it and felt that they were correct, but held his head high and finished the procession.
8 Years Ago
I would love to see this in person. Maybe there is very tiny print or something like a subliminal message that can't be seen unless you are THERE!
8 Years Ago
For Sydne -
Artist's poop can be worth millions:
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/manzoni-artists-shit-t07667
...
I was up close to a Rothko last weekend. The paintings have amazing texture and brushstrokes up close.
8 Years Ago
"What visual justification is there for these kinds of prices?"
Composition - not very exciting. Yellow canvas split by a wide blue band parallel to the bottom line.
If it were diagonal it might lead my eye somewhere.
I find this one much more pleasing
http://www.markrothko.org/images/paintings/black-in-deep-red.jpg
Back to the first one
Colourwise - not very exciting.
No visual justification - just inve$tment, the fact that he's dead and these pieces are now a limited commodity.
Follow the art market - follow the commodities market - same thing - scarcity dictates price - plus a little manipulation of supply by dealers.
Damien Hearst did it successfully as a live artist (?marketeer ?). I see less value in his work than in Rothko's.
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8 Years Ago
So, nobody said if they sell a duvet cover version or, even better, a galaxy case version (but for considerable less than a million).
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
What we value ...
Wonder if the grass is in a jar somewhere.
8 Years Ago
Quote:
"The fact that people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I can communicate those basic human emotions.. the people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when painting them. And if you say you are moved only by their color relationships then you miss the point."
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
Yes, when they were being viewed strictly from their inspirational value I understand that statement. Especially from the perspective of the artist.
I've mentioned many times the people who broke down in tears while in my gallery and standing in front of the much maligned Thomas Kinkade. That verified to me many times over the value that people put in his work. Not everybody had the money to purchase it. So he made it available in many different forms and prices. Then he was attacked for being nothing but a marketeer. There is no winning. So the best thing to do is put one foot in front of the other and keep your eyes straight ahead.
If someone places a 46.5 million value on a Rothko, then they have invested where their heart is. If someone places a $1600.00 price tag on a Kinkade... a Bev Doolittle... a Terry Redlin... or a Peter Lik... it must have a little piece of their heart.
8 Years Ago
What I find interesting is how some consider the reputation more important than the work. It saddens me that such a shallow and limited view is conidered an 'educated' one, but I suppose it speaks volumes of the art world today. Art, for me at least, is about an emotional connection brought on by the work itself. A name means nothing if the work is vapid.. The same applies for a body of work, which could be a tour de force - but to buy a poor piece just because of the repuation garnered from other work misses the entire point of what art should be about. It also hints at a sheep-like mentality.
8 Years Ago
"If someone places a 46.5 million value on a Rothko, then they have invested where their heart is. If someone places a $1600.00 price tag on a Kinkade... a Bev Doolittle... a Terry Redlin... or a Peter Lik... it must have a little piece of their heart. "
Must it, or is it more about seeing it as a potential earner in a few years time? Or is it about the artist's reputation, Or is it for bragging rights? When I see some of this work and the price it sells for I can only think that the art itself is the last thing that captures the heart. On the other hand, perhaps there's a subliminal cult thing going on that I'm missing :)
Then again I don't buy much art, certainly not at this price range, so what do I know? I do remember being incredibly underwhelmed by the Mona Lisa when I stood before it though. Tough heart to capture.
8 Years Ago
Dave Bowman, I don't understand your perspective. You have excellent work and obviously understand composition, lighting, emotion, harmony, color, contrast, impact...I would say you "get" art. But Glenn has certainly hit one of your hot buttons (or blind spots?) with Rothko. I can see where his work wouldn't be your cup of tea, but to run down an obviously influential artist, his art, his buyers, the investment value, recent sales and his reputation seems out of step with your work. What am I missing?
Dan Turner
Dan Turner's Seven Keys to Selling Art Online
8 Years Ago
Dave, I had a similar feeling when I first saw the Mona Lisa.
Not to get into witchcraft or twilight zone, but I believe such items hold vibes that people feel.
For me, the feeling I received from the Mona Lisa was almost overwhelming.
Had similar feelings when I first saw Ronald Reagan in person. Charisma. Like an electric shock.
Over the years there have been a few like that.
8 Years Ago
Going out on a limb, but I'm wondering if this Rothko piece is a victim of it's own ground breaking success in the same way that Ernest Hemingway was in the literary world. Some of Hemingway's works have a worn familiarity to them and it's hard for me to comprehend how anyone could be impressed by it, but might be because we've been exposed to so many authors who have borrowed his unembellished writing style. Maybe this piece is another example of how we've seen too many people exploring the same kind of minimalism to be moved by this particular one?
Ok, I don't get it either and am thinking Nina's description of two guy battling it out in auction is more accurate.
8 Years Ago
Hiya guys,
Here's another example proving what PT Barnum said years ago was true - "There's a sucker born every minute." This young man wanted to know what it feels like to be a celebrity so he hired two bodyguards and a cameraman to follow him on the streets of NYC. And LOL to everyone's amazement, he had people following him to get a selfie and an autograph. Some people will believe anything you say to them about anything.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2192748/Almost-famous-Student-hires-bodyguards-paparazzi-entourage-pranks-New-York-believing-world-famous-celebrity.html
8 Years Ago
That was a great article, Harold. Thanks for posting. So maybe the fervor could be summed up in Local Color's art fair scene? Would the cult of personality mean we always, at some level, have to have a tribal chief? I hope not. Monarchy doesn't always have the best of records with art and artists.
8 Years Ago
Hiya Vanessa,
I believe in the power of persuasion and if the person doing the persuading has some credentials behind their name the people listening to the persuader believe it. If you have any doubts about that just think about our government convincing voters that the one sure way of this country getting out of debt is to spend more money. Really??!! There are some art critics and buyers in this country who place a value on certain pieces of art because "they" believe it to be great art. Really??!! Where was the hard work, the knowledge of color and composition, the inspiration behind the created image? Is it to be just the whimms and opinions of a few to tell us what's great or not or better yet, our eyes and gut feelings to tell us what is great. I am a conservative traditionalist who believes in the powers of lots of hard work mixed with talent that creates great and lasting art.
8 Years Ago
I cannot say bad things about Rothko because I like it. I am a fan of minimalism particularly with squares, rectangles, geometric shapes.
Maybe I am trying to say something as a woman. You know, Mondrian said Curves are emotional. Emotions can be signs of weakness. Maybe I am trying to compress something here? Is that why I like rectangles and Squares? I don't know, but I like it. One thing though the connection with Rockafella and Rothko painting tells me something.
Rockefeller and his whole business are an another story. Rockefeller purchased the standard oil company back in 20' in NJ. Now it became Exxon. The story behind Exxon is quite interesting. Standard oil company connection with Vanderbilt railroad. Well ! you are talking about major political issues.
As you know petroleum industry doesn't go hand and hand with environmental issues.
Oh the photo up there,
You kidding me, that's worth the money, It might worth a lifetime for some fools like my friend back in Korea. LOL
Its Ringo, he walked on it. that photo is my friend, crying like a baby. LOL.
8 Years Ago
Hi Harold,
Maybe some of that persuasion is made easier with a population that isn't well grounded in world history, at least regarding the spending analogy. Persuasion might be made easier too since most are trying to balance what little free time afforded to them, so it's less that people are persuaded and more likely they are too distracted to voice disagreement. But yes, amen on the hard work in art.
8 Years Ago
@Ronald - I agree Duchamp had a big contribution in questioning what is art. I also think he poked fun at it as part of that, and yes, did some silly things. Art has to be fun as well as being all serious-seeing-god-rothkto-type.
@Hyoye - nice honest reaction
As for "worn familiarity" that Vanessa mentioned - sometimes we have to take a step back to see something of the time or in a certain context.
Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
"Beatle Boots" Drew. Could purchase them at Hardy's Shoes at the Topanga Plaza.
Yes, that photo has stuck in my mind all these years. A photo journalists dream. I was 8... maybe 9 years old when I first saw it. I wonder if the girl in it obtained a Limited Edition Copy...
8 Years Ago
That doesn't look like grass. only few strings? it looks like she pulled Ringo's hair. LOL
These groupies are wild. but then I think he has black hair like one of those bowl cut hair do
8 Years Ago
I don't think you're missing anything Dan. I just look at work like this Rothko and I don't 'get it' either. As I say I'm not swayed one bit by reputation so I take it on face value. I guess that's where the disconnect is. I look at the price, I look at the work and I see something amiss. I studied art history so I'm not completely naive, but the questions this raises for me about the art world as a whole aren't particularly pleasant, so perhaps I'm best ignoring it and writing it off for what I personally consider it to be.
8 Years Ago
Here's a valuable tip concerning the Rothko's - "Auction specialists say collectors historically pay more for works that are red and gold, as opposed to gray."
Rothko's Orange, Red, Yellow sold for $86,882,500 on May 8, 2012 in public auction.
8 Years Ago
I have studied art history and am not ignorant of Rothko's story and connections (reputation). It is said that he is the first one to do what he did, but what he did, not only does not resonate with me, but actually turns me off. I also feel the same about Warhol's work. I feel as if the art world (gallery owners, curators, critics, artists and moneyed collectors) manipulate the media to create a buzz around the work of someone they choose to support and create an "Emperor Has No Clothes" phenomenon. I personally believe that history will eventually bear this out and relegate some of these manufactured art giants to a footnote.
8 Years Ago
Spending 46.5 million dollars on a dual paint sample Is a statement by the arrogant wealthy that they can control high society's perception of genius. Money is the tool of the game and the painting is irrelevant. It is what was spent by whom that is relevant.
8 Years Ago
before I saw the check which was of $7921 , I didn't believe that...my... friends brother was like they say actualie bringing in money part-time from there labtop. . there neighbor haz done this for only about fifteen months and resently cleared the loans on there villa and bought a gorgeous Alfa Romeo . try this site .........................
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Glenn McCarthy Art and Photography
8 Years Ago
Random is my cue to go ahead and close this discussion thread.
Thanks to everyone who participated.