Alias Arts

Art News Blog is FIVE years old. That must make me some kind of blogger or arts writer or something. I'm most comfortable with the "something" label though. Someone called me an art critic recently and I didn't know how to react. He said it in a way that was supposed to be flattering but I was actually very offended.

If I was forced to label myself it would be Wanderer or Watcher of things. If I had to put something serious on my business card (which I don't have.. even though ALL artists should have one) it would be Painter.

I'm really not a fan of labels and boxes though. We get too comfortable wearing them and before long we can't live without them. It doesn't matter if the label is one of power and influence or it's one of lack and degradation, we cling to them like our life depends on them. A lot of opportunities are missed and interesting paths not taken because of labels and our fear of peeling them off.

Ok, I'm starting to rant and getting off topic. Happy Birthday Art News Blog!!

Thanks for reminding me Woo ;-)

Have a look at this more than impressive artist line up for 'One Foot In the Grove' where Mutate Britain moves to a West London location - coming soon so keep an eye on the behindtheshutters blog.

watch the One Foot In the Grove artist trailer here:

Artofthestate is currently 'out of the office' - well, he would be if there was an office . Back soon.

masts: aots flickr

I've shown the likes of these previously. The going has been slow as I have had to sort through a lot of possibilities and pick up some skills.  One thing remains unchanged as I am still stacking balanced elements on a common axis. The summer a year ago I had stepped ...

The New York Times recently ran a fascinating article about Isaiah Zagar, an artist whos has created elaborate mosaics that cover many buildings in South Philadelphia.

Isaiah is now the subject of, In A Dream, an award winning documentary by his son Jeremiah.

You can read the NY Times article here. The DVD of the film will be released in the States on September 29th, 2009.