Bingo is not just a game of luck.
The other day I attended a lecture by Molly Nesbit about Bingo, Gordon Matta-Clark's project at Artpark in 1974. I'm a big fan of Gordon Matta-Clark, and I learned some things about his work that I didn't know before, but that's not what I want to write about...At the lecture I was sitting next to Matthew Barney and Rirkrit Tiravanija. It's not unusual to see well-known artists (or critics, curators, etc.) at an event held at an art institution in New York City. Just last month I saw Lawrence Weiner at his own exhibition. In both situations, I kept to myself, thinking it would be intrusive to approach them. But recently, I've been thinking that perhaps I am missing some opportunities by not talking to these people when situations like these arise. I feel a bit uncomfortable approaching people I don't know at these sort of events, but if I just work hard in my studio and don't make an effort to connect with people (famous or not), well, that just seems like a bad strategy.
I do think that an opening or a lecture reception is an appropriate place to initiate conversation. If people didn't want to talk, they wouldn't stick around, right? But how to start a conversation? It always seems like the artist or speaker is already talking to someone. If you do get a chance, I guess the smart move is to open with a thought or question about the exhibition or lecture, rather than blabbering about your own work. But is this how people "network?" The whole thing feels unnatural to me, but I know that I need to get over that.
If anyone is reading this blog, I'd appreciate feedback on the subject.
image: Gordon Matta-Clark's Bingo pieces installed at Artpark, 1974
Labels: gordon matta-clark, lawrence weiner, matthew barney, molly nesbit, networking, rirkrit tiravanija
posted by Mike at
6:41 PM
2 Comments:
I read your blog.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how to schmooze or network. It always seems like I want something from someone, and that's uncomfortable. Especially when I can't really offer anyting in return.
Apparently, showing your face is important. But, I haven't experienced how.
Would you be interested in mounting our own exhibition?
I definitely think its a good strategy to make things happen with people you already know. And that's why I am down with putting up our own show.
I still need time to finish making some new work first. Which can be a difficult challenge on its own, considering I'm snowed out of my studio today, out of town next weekend, and at my office during the week.
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