Question for artists who seek commissions

I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…

Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP (call
for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want some
feedback. Thanks, Rachel

Comments

, MTAA

totally open! :-)


On Jan 21, 2004, at 2:00 PM, [email protected] wrote:

> I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
>
> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP
> (call
> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want
> some
> feedback. Thanks, Rachel

, Pall Thayer

Definitely completely open. Themes tend to feel like someone's trying to
tell you what your work should be about. I usually think, wow, a 3000
dollar commission would be really nice but their theme really has nothing
to do with what I've been working on for the past 10 years. If I turn
around now and do something entirely different just for the money, I'll
feel like a traitor.

Pall



On Wed, 21 Jan 2004, t.whid wrote:

> totally open! :-)
>
>
> On Jan 21, 2004, at 2:00 PM, [email protected] wrote:
>
> > I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
> >
> > Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP
> > (call
> > for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want
> > some
> > feedback. Thanks, Rachel
>
> +
> -> post: [email protected]
> -> questions: [email protected]
> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
> +
> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>


Pall Thayer
artist/teacher
http://www.this.is/pallit
http://130.208.220.190/
http://130.208.220.190/nuharm
http://130.208.220.190/panse

, Jim Andrews

> I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
>
> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP (call
> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want some
> feedback. Thanks, Rachel

if there is coincidence of interest and concern, that bodes well for
meaningful communication between artist and 'client'.

yet is 'artist-client' the relationship? yes and no. no, in the sense that
the 'client' does not specify anywhere near as definitively what they want
as a 'regular client' does. But, then, commissions are only, typically,
$2000-$5000. Even monetarily the specifiable is thereby narrowed: the less
the pay, the less you can specify.

it has been interesting to see rhizome specify constraints that place the
work within the rhizome interface as important parts of the interface.
interfaces into the artbase, for instance, was one of the foci, was it not?

chris fahey's piece was a delightful project that contributed to the
searchability and experience of the artbase.

i would say you got a deal if you got that for $5000.

there was coincidence of interest and concern between rhizome and chris
fahey.

building web applications like that can be very expensive in the
marketplace.

also, there is the question of whether getting web development on the cheap
by giving it exposure and platform in an art context is a worthwhile
prospect 'politically'.

some would say that if you really want art, don't make it serve the rhizome
interface.

fahey's project is a kind of counter-example which shows the potential value
of such a focus.

foci of functionality in the rhizome interface does encourage a kind of funk
that i like: it is a type of art that bears relation to google's projects.

in mathematics, number theory has been called 'the queen of mathematics'
presumably because it is beautiful and useless. of course it is useless no
more: big primes are in the realm of encryption and number theory.

so too art needn't be useless.

it needn't have a 'use' other than zephyr. and you bar the zephyr with spec.
or zephyrs incongruent in interest and concern.

so i think one must admit that foci of functionality in the rhizome
interface has yielded some memorable art as well as a more enjoyable
interface into the artbase, which the artists appreciate, but it is not a
type of project that i would want to embark on myself, my zephyrs
incongruent.

so perhaps my note is more a comment on the phenomenon of defining specs for
art comptetions that focus on functionality in the org web site.

are you thinking of specifying such constraints again or what? apologies if
i missed the announcement.

ja
http://vispo.com

, nicholas economos

open please, themes make for some strange strategies to try to fit personal interests into a proposal.
nicholas


Rachel Greene wrote:

> I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
>
> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP
> (call
> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want
> some
> feedback. Thanks, Rachel

, Lee Wells

A Theme please.
Something to rally around.
Something to create towards.
Something to have fun with.
Something to inspire others to do something slightly different.

An open call for proposals is so 1999.
An open call for proposals does not foster any sense of community.

Themes drive individuals together by working towards a unified goals that
have nothing to do with one another.

Collaborations are where its at.

Would it be possible to get everyone truly collaborating together in the
Rhizome community?

Just an opinion.

Cheers,
Lee


on 1/21/04 14:00, [email protected] at [email protected] wrote:

> I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
>
> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP (call
> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want some
> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
> +
> -> post: [email protected]
> -> questions: [email protected]
> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
> +
> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>

, Lee Wells

Make something new.
Maybe you would learn something new.


on 1/21/04 17:25, Pall Thayer at [email protected] wrote:

>
> Definitely completely open. Themes tend to feel like someone's trying to
> tell you what your work should be about. I usually think, wow, a 3000
> dollar commission would be really nice but their theme really has nothing
> to do with what I've been working on for the past 10 years. If I turn
> around now and do something entirely different just for the money, I'll
> feel like a traitor.
>
> Pall
>
>
>
> On Wed, 21 Jan 2004, t.whid wrote:
>
>> totally open! :-)
>>
>>
>> On Jan 21, 2004, at 2:00 PM, [email protected] wrote:
>>
>>> I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
>>>
>>> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP
>>> (call
>>> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want
>>> some
>>> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
>>
>> +
>> -> post: [email protected]
>> -> questions: [email protected]
>> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
>> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
>> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
>> +
>> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
>> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>>

, Lee Wells

Yah….
Put the chains on all of us.
I am just into this thing for a number 1
Please make the check out to ______________________.


on 1/22/04 3:17, Jim Andrews at [email protected] wrote:

>
>> I am interested in finding out from artists who seek commissions…
>>
>> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the commissions or if the CFP (call
>> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume the latter but want some
>> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
>
> if there is coincidence of interest and concern, that bodes well for
> meaningful communication between artist and 'client'.
>
> yet is 'artist-client' the relationship? yes and no. no, in the sense that
> the 'client' does not specify anywhere near as definitively what they want
> as a 'regular client' does. But, then, commissions are only, typically,
> $2000-$5000. Even monetarily the specifiable is thereby narrowed: the less
> the pay, the less you can specify.
>
> it has been interesting to see rhizome specify constraints that place the
> work within the rhizome interface as important parts of the interface.
> interfaces into the artbase, for instance, was one of the foci, was it not?
>
> chris fahey's piece was a delightful project that contributed to the
> searchability and experience of the artbase.
>
> i would say you got a deal if you got that for $5000.
>
> there was coincidence of interest and concern between rhizome and chris
> fahey.
>
> building web applications like that can be very expensive in the
> marketplace.
>
> also, there is the question of whether getting web development on the cheap
> by giving it exposure and platform in an art context is a worthwhile
> prospect 'politically'.
>
> some would say that if you really want art, don't make it serve the rhizome
> interface.
>
> fahey's project is a kind of counter-example which shows the potential value
> of such a focus.
>
> foci of functionality in the rhizome interface does encourage a kind of funk
> that i like: it is a type of art that bears relation to google's projects.
>
> in mathematics, number theory has been called 'the queen of mathematics'
> presumably because it is beautiful and useless. of course it is useless no
> more: big primes are in the realm of encryption and number theory.
>
> so too art needn't be useless.
>
> it needn't have a 'use' other than zephyr. and you bar the zephyr with spec.
> or zephyrs incongruent in interest and concern.
>
> so i think one must admit that foci of functionality in the rhizome
> interface has yielded some memorable art as well as a more enjoyable
> interface into the artbase, which the artists appreciate, but it is not a
> type of project that i would want to embark on myself, my zephyrs
> incongruent.
>
> so perhaps my note is more a comment on the phenomenon of defining specs for
> art comptetions that focus on functionality in the org web site.
>
> are you thinking of specifying such constraints again or what? apologies if
> i missed the announcement.
>
> ja
> http://vispo.com
>
>
> +
> -> post: [email protected]
> -> questions: [email protected]
> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
> +
> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>

, Michael Szpakowski

I've been a bit out of it & not really following
things properly but I did want to add my
threepenn'orth
to this- if I'm out of touch with the ebb & flow of
the thread forgive me.
A completely personal & subjective reaction but I
*love* restrictions - I find they really stimulate my
imagination. Having said that it tends to be
*technical* restrictions that really get me going -
I personally love things like 5k.org and ten second
films.com , where you're fighting the intractibility
of the technical brief but the subject matter is your
own.
FInally I agree 100% about collaborations -I love
them, I do as many as I reasonably can & it would be
nice to encourage more both because I think they're
aesthetically of interest but also because they break
down a lot of the unecessary and harmful barriers
between artists that our competitive world constantly
fosters and renews
as I say, just my feelings,
best
michael
— Lee Wells <[email protected]> wrote:
> Yah….
> Put the chains on all of us.
> I am just into this thing for a number 1
> Please make the check out to ______________________.
>
>
> on 1/22/04 3:17, Jim Andrews at [email protected] wrote:
>
> >
> >> I am interested in finding out from artists who
> seek commissions…
> >>
> >> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the
> commissions or if the CFP (call
> >> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume
> the latter but want some
> >> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
> >
> > if there is coincidence of interest and concern,
> that bodes well for
> > meaningful communication between artist and
> 'client'.
> >
> > yet is 'artist-client' the relationship? yes and
> no. no, in the sense that
> > the 'client' does not specify anywhere near as
> definitively what they want
> > as a 'regular client' does. But, then, commissions
> are only, typically,
> > $2000-$5000. Even monetarily the specifiable is
> thereby narrowed: the less
> > the pay, the less you can specify.
> >
> > it has been interesting to see rhizome specify
> constraints that place the
> > work within the rhizome interface as important
> parts of the interface.
> > interfaces into the artbase, for instance, was one
> of the foci, was it not?
> >
> > chris fahey's piece was a delightful project that
> contributed to the
> > searchability and experience of the artbase.
> >
> > i would say you got a deal if you got that for
> $5000.
> >
> > there was coincidence of interest and concern
> between rhizome and chris
> > fahey.
> >
> > building web applications like that can be very
> expensive in the
> > marketplace.
> >
> > also, there is the question of whether getting web
> development on the cheap
> > by giving it exposure and platform in an art
> context is a worthwhile
> > prospect 'politically'.
> >
> > some would say that if you really want art, don't
> make it serve the rhizome
> > interface.
> >
> > fahey's project is a kind of counter-example which
> shows the potential value
> > of such a focus.
> >
> > foci of functionality in the rhizome interface
> does encourage a kind of funk
> > that i like: it is a type of art that bears
> relation to google's projects.
> >
> > in mathematics, number theory has been called 'the
> queen of mathematics'
> > presumably because it is beautiful and useless. of
> course it is useless no
> > more: big primes are in the realm of encryption
> and number theory.
> >
> > so too art needn't be useless.
> >
> > it needn't have a 'use' other than zephyr. and you
> bar the zephyr with spec.
> > or zephyrs incongruent in interest and concern.
> >
> > so i think one must admit that foci of
> functionality in the rhizome
> > interface has yielded some memorable art as well
> as a more enjoyable
> > interface into the artbase, which the artists
> appreciate, but it is not a
> > type of project that i would want to embark on
> myself, my zephyrs
> > incongruent.
> >
> > so perhaps my note is more a comment on the
> phenomenon of defining specs for
> > art comptetions that focus on functionality in the
> org web site.
> >
> > are you thinking of specifying such constraints
> again or what? apologies if
> > i missed the announcement.
> >
> > ja
> > http://vispo.com
> >
> >
> > +
> > -> post: [email protected]
> > -> questions: [email protected]
> > -> subscribe/unsubscribe:
> http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> > -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> > -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is
> open to non-members
> > +
> > Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms
> set out in the
> > Membership Agreement available online at
> http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
> >
>
> +
> -> post: [email protected]
> -> questions: [email protected]
> -> subscribe/unsubscribe:
> http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is
> open to non-members
> +
> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set
> out in the
> Membership Agreement available online at
http://rhizome.org/info/29.php


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it!
http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/

, Pall Thayer

That's funny, I just finished writing a post that says the same thing. I
would prefer technical themes over conceptual. I even stated as examples a
7k applet or 15 second movie. So I've decided not to send that message
since it's all been said twice now. But I did want to respond to Lee that
I do and learn something new everyday and I don't need someone elses
themes to do that. For instance, I recently learned how I can use live
seismic data to control audio/visuals. A new project is on my to-do list.
But if a commission pops up with a theme of "visualizing seismic data",
I'm all over it.

Pall


On Fri, 23 Jan 2004, Michael Szpakowski wrote:

> I've been a bit out of it & not really following
> things properly but I did want to add my
> threepenn'orth
> to this- if I'm out of touch with the ebb & flow of
> the thread forgive me.
> A completely personal & subjective reaction but I
> *love* restrictions - I find they really stimulate my
> imagination. Having said that it tends to be
> *technical* restrictions that really get me going -
> I personally love things like 5k.org and ten second
> films.com , where you're fighting the intractibility
> of the technical brief but the subject matter is your
> own.
> FInally I agree 100% about collaborations -I love
> them, I do as many as I reasonably can & it would be
> nice to encourage more both because I think they're
> aesthetically of interest but also because they break
> down a lot of the unecessary and harmful barriers
> between artists that our competitive world constantly
> fosters and renews
> as I say, just my feelings,
> best
> michael
> — Lee Wells <[email protected]> wrote:
> > Yah….
> > Put the chains on all of us.
> > I am just into this thing for a number 1
> > Please make the check out to ______________________.
> >
> >
> > on 1/22/04 3:17, Jim Andrews at [email protected] wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >> I am interested in finding out from artists who
> > seek commissions…
> > >>
> > >> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the
> > commissions or if the CFP (call
> > >> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume
> > the latter but want some
> > >> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
> > >
> > > if there is coincidence of interest and concern,
> > that bodes well for
> > > meaningful communication between artist and
> > 'client'.
> > >
> > > yet is 'artist-client' the relationship? yes and
> > no. no, in the sense that
> > > the 'client' does not specify anywhere near as
> > definitively what they want
> > > as a 'regular client' does. But, then, commissions
> > are only, typically,
> > > $2000-$5000. Even monetarily the specifiable is
> > thereby narrowed: the less
> > > the pay, the less you can specify.
> > >
> > > it has been interesting to see rhizome specify
> > constraints that place the
> > > work within the rhizome interface as important
> > parts of the interface.
> > > interfaces into the artbase, for instance, was one
> > of the foci, was it not?
> > >
> > > chris fahey's piece was a delightful project that
> > contributed to the
> > > searchability and experience of the artbase.
> > >
> > > i would say you got a deal if you got that for
> > $5000.
> > >
> > > there was coincidence of interest and concern
> > between rhizome and chris
> > > fahey.
> > >
> > > building web applications like that can be very
> > expensive in the
> > > marketplace.
> > >
> > > also, there is the question of whether getting web
> > development on the cheap
> > > by giving it exposure and platform in an art
> > context is a worthwhile
> > > prospect 'politically'.
> > >
> > > some would say that if you really want art, don't
> > make it serve the rhizome
> > > interface.
> > >
> > > fahey's project is a kind of counter-example which
> > shows the potential value
> > > of such a focus.
> > >
> > > foci of functionality in the rhizome interface
> > does encourage a kind of funk
> > > that i like: it is a type of art that bears
> > relation to google's projects.
> > >
> > > in mathematics, number theory has been called 'the
> > queen of mathematics'
> > > presumably because it is beautiful and useless. of
> > course it is useless no
> > > more: big primes are in the realm of encryption
> > and number theory.
> > >
> > > so too art needn't be useless.
> > >
> > > it needn't have a 'use' other than zephyr. and you
> > bar the zephyr with spec.
> > > or zephyrs incongruent in interest and concern.
> > >
> > > so i think one must admit that foci of
> > functionality in the rhizome
> > > interface has yielded some memorable art as well
> > as a more enjoyable
> > > interface into the artbase, which the artists
> > appreciate, but it is not a
> > > type of project that i would want to embark on
> > myself, my zephyrs
> > > incongruent.
> > >
> > > so perhaps my note is more a comment on the
> > phenomenon of defining specs for
> > > art comptetions that focus on functionality in the
> > org web site.
> > >
> > > are you thinking of specifying such constraints
> > again or what? apologies if
> > > i missed the announcement.
> > >
> > > ja
> > > http://vispo.com
> > >
> > >
> > > +
> > > -> post: [email protected]
> > > -> questions: [email protected]
> > > -> subscribe/unsubscribe:
> > http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> > > -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> > > -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is
> > open to non-members
> > > +
> > > Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms
> > set out in the
> > > Membership Agreement available online at
> > http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
> > >
> >
> > +
> > -> post: [email protected]
> > -> questions: [email protected]
> > -> subscribe/unsubscribe:
> > http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> > -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> > -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is
> > open to non-members
> > +
> > Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set
> > out in the
> > Membership Agreement available online at
> http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it!
> http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/
> +
> -> post: [email protected]
> -> questions: [email protected]
> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
> +
> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>


Pall Thayer
artist/teacher
http://www.this.is/pallit
http://130.208.220.190/
http://130.208.220.190/nuharm
http://130.208.220.190/panse

, JM Haefner

My sense is that things will fall pretty evenly on both sides.

(0) Some cannot stand the constraints of a theme, or some already work
within a theme that they don't think can fit in.

(1) Others love the challenge of a theme or find it easier to work with
one.

I prefer (0) theme, but can apply myself to one (1).

Now . . . , the idea of technical restrictions really does sound
interesting!

Jean

Jean Haefner BFA, MFA
Artist | Designer | Educator

, MTAA

On Jan 23, 2004, at 10:02 AM, J. Haefner wrote:

> My sense is that things will fall pretty evenly on both sides.
>
> (0) Some cannot stand the constraints of a theme, or some already work
> within a theme that they don't think can fit in.

Yes! This is the main problem. If curators or art orgs (even one's as
nice as Rhiz) decide to apply themes to art not-yet created we have the
problem that art is being made that is at least a year or more behind
what artists are thinking. The artists are leading the thinking, the
orgs follow behind. It's fine to curate work that is already created
and pull out themes from the evidence of the work, but to attempt to
steer artists thinking is always going to miss the mark of what is
really going on.

For example, this theme of games, artists who are making cool stuff
along these lines have been working on it for years already.
Progressive artists are already onto something else, but we don't know
what it is as it hasn't surfaced yet.

Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any interest
at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for $$
and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you attempt
to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.

My question is: Why do institutions feel the need to slap
thematic/content restrictions on work they commission?


>
> (1) Others love the challenge of a theme or find it easier to work
> with one.
>
> I prefer (0) theme, but can apply myself to one (1).
>


===
<twhid>
http://www.mteww.com
</twhid>

, JM Haefner

I agree, I think that the games theme is sending me off the path
somewhat.

I've been working with interfaces, video/film, and now a little with
databases but, with different intentions.

Perhaps I need to redefine what I think is a game. For example, when
MYST came out, it redefined what we thought of as a "game," and so, I
think, did SimCity (and other sims).

I think the institutions are stuck in the "theme" because it makes for
a nice, tidy show. They didn't do well with such things as Fluxus art,
because it was messy and couldn't be put into a room (apply virtual
space here), and look like a matched set of furniture.

Jean

Jean Haefner BFA, MFA
Artist | Designer | Educator
www.ephemerati.com


On Friday, January 23, 2004, at 10:58 AM, t.whid wrote:

> Yes! This is the main problem. If curators or art orgs (even one's as
> nice as Rhiz) decide to apply themes to art not-yet created we have
> the problem that art is being made that is at least a year or more
> behind what artists are thinking. The artists are leading the
> thinking, the orgs follow behind. It's fine to curate work that is
> already created and pull out themes from the evidence of the work, but
> to attempt to steer artists thinking is always going to miss the mark
> of what is really going on.
>
> For example, this theme of games, artists who are making cool stuff
> along these lines have been working on it for years already.
> Progressive artists are already onto something else, but we don't know
> what it is as it hasn't surfaced yet.
>
> Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
> un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any interest
> at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for $$
> and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you
> attempt to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.
>
> My question is: Why do institutions feel the need to slap
> thematic/content restrictions on work they commission?
>

, Ivan Pope

>
> Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
> un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any interest
> at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for $$
> and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you attempt
> to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.
>

Personally, I'm not above just submitting whatever I've got on the go at the
time and seeing whether the curators have any idea of their own theme.
Generaly not. Or they are fishing for whatever comes through the door.

Consider the current Rhizome call (not to attack it or anything, for
illustration):

Artists seeking a Rhizome.org 2004 commission should propose projects that
… reflect in some way on the … interpretations of "game" found at
Dictionary.com, [which includes]:

Informal.
1.. Evasive, trifling, or manipulative behavior: wanted a straight answer,
not more of their tiresome games.
2.. A calculated strategy or approach; a scheme: I saw through their game
from the very beginning.
Seeing as artists tend to avoid (or should avoid) literality, I would
suggest it is up to the viewer to decide what the 'theme' of work is.

Submit it and see.

Cheers,
Ivan

, Jess Loseby

I generally prefer open commissions themes, as usually I have to
slightly sledge-hammer my ideas to fit themes. Arguably this is down to
the gap I perceive in what curators look for (in terms of a curatorial
thematics) for shows and what is actually the wide reaching thematics
net (and digital) artists. I find it slightly depressing that curators feel that
only certain themes 'sell' a show and others don't - it shows a lack of
trust/faith in the artists. I must admit to stifling a yawn when I read the
theme for the rhizome commission (for example) was games. It not that
there isn't fantastic work being done in this area, but it (as a thematic) is
so unrepresentative of the diverse ideas currently explored by net
artists. I worry that high profile commissions sticking to these 'safe'
areas simply re-enforce the (misguided) notion that net (digital) art is
simply PS2's slightly eccentric sister. o
/^ rssgallery.com
][

, patrick lichty

> My sense is that things will fall pretty evenly on both sides.
>
> (0) Some cannot stand the constraints of a theme, or some already work

> within a theme that they don't think can fit in.

This is the main problem. If curators or art orgs (even one's as
nice as Rhiz) decide to apply themes to art not-yet created we have the
problem that art is being made that is at least a year or more behind
what artists are thinking. The artists are leading the thinking, the
orgs follow behind. It's fine to curate work that is already created
and pull out themes from the evidence of the work, but to attempt to
steer artists thinking is always going to miss the mark of what is
really going on.

*************************************
This appears that what I read is that there should be shows where
artists should be asked to participate in an exhibition solely on their
name recognition/historical body of work, etc. with less emphasis on a
narrative arc from the curatorial staff.

Being that I've been working with curators, artists, writers, and now
film makers, my sense of perspective of the ways cultural production
reaches the masses has been greatly illuminated.

First of all, I have come to the realization that methods of cultural
production such as curation, film production, etc., are subject to a set
of constraints which lessen their hold the further you get from the
institution. However, there is an inverse correlation to legitimacy as
well, which is a problem.

If I am reading this properly in that what is proposed is an
artist-driven cutting-edge show with little through-line of a narrative
arc for people to grasp, and that the engagement factor will be driven
solely by the amazing work of the artists, I can only say that this is a
weak premise. From an artistic perspective, it abandons the crucial
element of concept. From an audience perspective, it elides any mnemonic
for the patron to grasp. From an institutional perspective, it's well
nigh impossible to get a board to approve such a thing as it's so
amorphous. From a funding angle, foundations need to have some sort of
indication of the work that is being produced from the institutions they
are funding. And, from a curatorial perspective, it's unbelievably
difficult from the perspective as to how one would have a bunch of
artists, probably going in separate directions, doing their own thing,
probably in discord with one another.

I try to curate shows that have a higher standard than many independents
from a scholarly and conceptual perspective, but from my experience with
curatorial practice/interfacing with large institutions, metanarrative
is essential as a form of mnemonic so that they and the audience can
better engage with what's being shown.
************************************************

My question is: Why do institutions feel the need to slap
thematic/content restrictions on work they commission?

My first reaction was: "You're not serious, are you?" Mainly due to
institutional constraints that call for accountability for the use of
the funds, as well as the fundraising process, bureaucracy of arranging
shows, publicity, creating support material and so on, you really have
to have a narrative of some sort to get people to sign on, or just to
understand and want to see the show itself. Art is a fairly niche
culture, and net art is still a very, very small subset of that niche.
To propose that the artist should be placed in control of the
institutional agenda is a really interesting, if almost completely
untenable idea.

From a practical perspective, I would see just throwing money out to
artists and having them participate in shows/commission processes
without some sort of theme would be relatively unsuccessful.

I understand that the institution has its problems, but I now understand
much better why they have these problems. Much like the hierarchical
nature of humanity, I'm beginning to come to accept that many of the
agendas that we are railing against as artists aren't going away anytime
soon. The institution has its reasons for doing what it does (good or
otherwise, but for what it does, they're valid from a pragmatic sense).

The issue here is while it is quite exciting to do an independent
curatorial program, it loses legitimacy the further you get from the
institution unless it is backed up by solid scholarship, or if it is
done with such professionalism that it refutes the institution itself.

I think that independent curation is one of the most exciting areas that
the Internet is offering the art community, but like blogs, these shows
are proving hit or miss, but are excellent in their willingness to
experiment.

++++++++++++
In short, I've found that you need a theme to get people to back your
project and to get people to understand the works better.

, MTAA

On Jan 23, 2004, at 12:12 PM, patrick lichty wrote:

>
>> My sense is that things will fall pretty evenly on both sides.
>>
>> (0) Some cannot stand the constraints of a theme, or some already work
>
>> within a theme that they don't think can fit in.
>
> This is the main problem. If curators or art orgs (even one's as
> nice as Rhiz) decide to apply themes to art not-yet created we have the
> problem that art is being made that is at least a year or more behind
> what artists are thinking. The artists are leading the thinking, the
> orgs follow behind. It's fine to curate work that is already created
> and pull out themes from the evidence of the work, but to attempt to
> steer artists thinking is always going to miss the mark of what is
> really going on.
>
> *************************************
> This appears that what I read is that there should be shows where
> artists should be asked to participate in an exhibition solely on their
> name recognition/historical body of work, etc. with less emphasis on a
> narrative arc from the curatorial staff.

Well, I'm talking about commissions, not shows. Apologies if that
wasn't clear. It's obvious to me that when a curator puts together a
*group show* it's in everyone's best interest to apply some sort of
theme to it or it becomes –and this is m.river's label– the Shotgun
Show (as in, it's scattered). A theme adds to the work and the viewer's
understanding of it.

But when you have an open call for commissions, that is, *new work* one
needs to ask themselves what is more important:

some sort of thematic continuity to these artworks? (And if this is
important, why is it important?)

~or~

good artwork.
(singular artworks which are driven by the thoughts and concerns of the
artists instead of the org holding the cash)

My point is that artists are always the one's driving the important
things happening in the artworld. And we would get better commissions
if the art orgs realized this.

There are plenty of granting bodies who solicit proposals with no
thematic or content requirements. To name some: Creative Capital,
Turbulence, NYFFA, etc.

The main problem seems to be the idea that you'll kill two birds with
one stone. You'll commission new artwork, while at the same time put
together a thematic exhibition and IMO the two are exclusive.


>
> Being that I've been working with curators, artists, writers, and now
> film makers, my sense of perspective of the ways cultural production
> reaches the masses has been greatly illuminated.
>
> First of all, I have come to the realization that methods of cultural
> production such as curation, film production, etc., are subject to a
> set
> of constraints which lessen their hold the further you get from the
> institution. However, there is an inverse correlation to legitimacy as
> well, which is a problem.
>
> If I am reading this properly in that what is proposed is an
> artist-driven cutting-edge show with little through-line of a narrative
> arc for people to grasp, and that the engagement factor will be driven
> solely by the amazing work of the artists, I can only say that this is
> a
> weak premise. From an artistic perspective, it abandons the crucial
> element of concept. From an audience perspective, it elides any
> mnemonic
> for the patron to grasp. From an institutional perspective, it's well
> nigh impossible to get a board to approve such a thing as it's so
> amorphous. From a funding angle, foundations need to have some sort of
> indication of the work that is being produced from the institutions
> they
> are funding. And, from a curatorial perspective, it's unbelievably
> difficult from the perspective as to how one would have a bunch of
> artists, probably going in separate directions, doing their own thing,
> probably in discord with one another.
>
> I try to curate shows that have a higher standard than many
> independents
> from a scholarly and conceptual perspective, but from my experience
> with
> curatorial practice/interfacing with large institutions, metanarrative
> is essential as a form of mnemonic so that they and the audience can
> better engage with what's being shown.
> ************************************************
>
> My question is: Why do institutions feel the need to slap
> thematic/content restrictions on work they commission?
>
> My first reaction was: "You're not serious, are you?" Mainly due to
> institutional constraints that call for accountability for the use of
> the funds, as well as the fundraising process, bureaucracy of arranging
> shows, publicity, creating support material and so on, you really have
> to have a narrative of some sort to get people to sign on, or just to
> understand and want to see the show itself. Art is a fairly niche
> culture, and net art is still a very, very small subset of that niche.
> To propose that the artist should be placed in control of the
> institutional agenda is a really interesting, if almost completely
> untenable idea.
>
>> From a practical perspective, I would see just throwing money out to
> artists and having them participate in shows/commission processes
> without some sort of theme would be relatively unsuccessful.
>
> I understand that the institution has its problems, but I now
> understand
> much better why they have these problems. Much like the hierarchical
> nature of humanity, I'm beginning to come to accept that many of the
> agendas that we are railing against as artists aren't going away
> anytime
> soon. The institution has its reasons for doing what it does (good or
> otherwise, but for what it does, they're valid from a pragmatic sense).
>
> The issue here is while it is quite exciting to do an independent
> curatorial program, it loses legitimacy the further you get from the
> institution unless it is backed up by solid scholarship, or if it is
> done with such professionalism that it refutes the institution itself.
>
> I think that independent curation is one of the most exciting areas
> that
> the Internet is offering the art community, but like blogs, these shows
> are proving hit or miss, but are excellent in their willingness to
> experiment.
>
> ++++++++++++
> In short, I've found that you need a theme to get people to back your
> project and to get people to understand the works better.


===
<twhid>
http://www.mteww.com
</twhid>

, Lee Wells

Hey Pall,

Please know I was not trying to offend with my statement last night.
Your work is great and I am sure whatever it is that you would propose would
have a forward influence within progressive media.

In defense of the the theme.
You totally get to make something new.

Cheers,
Lee

on 1/23/04 6:34, Pall Thayer at [email protected] wrote:

> That's funny, I just finished writing a post that says the same thing. I
> would prefer technical themes over conceptual. I even stated as examples a
> 7k applet or 15 second movie. So I've decided not to send that message
> since it's all been said twice now. But I did want to respond to Lee that
> I do and learn something new everyday and I don't need someone elses
> themes to do that. For instance, I recently learned how I can use live
> seismic data to control audio/visuals. A new project is on my to-do list.
> But if a commission pops up with a theme of "visualizing seismic data",
> I'm all over it.
>
> Pall
>
>
> On Fri, 23 Jan 2004, Michael Szpakowski wrote:
>
>> I've been a bit out of it & not really following
>> things properly but I did want to add my
>> threepenn'orth
>> to this- if I'm out of touch with the ebb & flow of
>> the thread forgive me.
>> A completely personal & subjective reaction but I
>> *love* restrictions - I find they really stimulate my
>> imagination. Having said that it tends to be
>> *technical* restrictions that really get me going -
>> I personally love things like 5k.org and ten second
>> films.com , where you're fighting the intractibility
>> of the technical brief but the subject matter is your
>> own.
>> FInally I agree 100% about collaborations -I love
>> them, I do as many as I reasonably can & it would be
>> nice to encourage more both because I think they're
>> aesthetically of interest but also because they break
>> down a lot of the unecessary and harmful barriers
>> between artists that our competitive world constantly
>> fosters and renews
>> as I say, just my feelings,
>> best
>> michael
>> — Lee Wells <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Yah….
>>> Put the chains on all of us.
>>> I am just into this thing for a number 1
>>> Please make the check out to ______________________.
>>>
>>>
>>> on 1/22/04 3:17, Jim Andrews at [email protected] wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I am interested in finding out from artists who
>>> seek commissions…
>>>>>
>>>>> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the
>>> commissions or if the CFP (call
>>>>> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume
>>> the latter but want some
>>>>> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
>>>>
>>>> if there is coincidence of interest and concern,
>>> that bodes well for
>>>> meaningful communication between artist and
>>> 'client'.
>>>>
>>>> yet is 'artist-client' the relationship? yes and
>>> no. no, in the sense that
>>>> the 'client' does not specify anywhere near as
>>> definitively what they want
>>>> as a 'regular client' does. But, then, commissions
>>> are only, typically,
>>>> $2000-$5000. Even monetarily the specifiable is
>>> thereby narrowed: the less
>>>> the pay, the less you can specify.
>>>>
>>>> it has been interesting to see rhizome specify
>>> constraints that place the
>>>> work within the rhizome interface as important
>>> parts of the interface.
>>>> interfaces into the artbase, for instance, was one
>>> of the foci, was it not?
>>>>
>>>> chris fahey's piece was a delightful project that
>>> contributed to the
>>>> searchability and experience of the artbase.
>>>>
>>>> i would say you got a deal if you got that for
>>> $5000.
>>>>
>>>> there was coincidence of interest and concern
>>> between rhizome and chris
>>>> fahey.
>>>>
>>>> building web applications like that can be very
>>> expensive in the
>>>> marketplace.
>>>>
>>>> also, there is the question of whether getting web
>>> development on the cheap
>>>> by giving it exposure and platform in an art
>>> context is a worthwhile
>>>> prospect 'politically'.
>>>>
>>>> some would say that if you really want art, don't
>>> make it serve the rhizome
>>>> interface.
>>>>
>>>> fahey's project is a kind of counter-example which
>>> shows the potential value
>>>> of such a focus.
>>>>
>>>> foci of functionality in the rhizome interface
>>> does encourage a kind of funk
>>>> that i like: it is a type of art that bears
>>> relation to google's projects.
>>>>
>>>> in mathematics, number theory has been called 'the
>>> queen of mathematics'
>>>> presumably because it is beautiful and useless. of
>>> course it is useless no
>>>> more: big primes are in the realm of encryption
>>> and number theory.
>>>>
>>>> so too art needn't be useless.
>>>>
>>>> it needn't have a 'use' other than zephyr. and you
>>> bar the zephyr with spec.
>>>> or zephyrs incongruent in interest and concern.
>>>>
>>>> so i think one must admit that foci of
>>> functionality in the rhizome
>>>> interface has yielded some memorable art as well
>>> as a more enjoyable
>>>> interface into the artbase, which the artists
>>> appreciate, but it is not a
>>>> type of project that i would want to embark on
>>> myself, my zephyrs
>>>> incongruent.
>>>>
>>>> so perhaps my note is more a comment on the
>>> phenomenon of defining specs for
>>>> art comptetions that focus on functionality in the
>>> org web site.
>>>>
>>>> are you thinking of specifying such constraints
>>> again or what? apologies if
>>>> i missed the announcement.
>>>>
>>>> ja
>>>> http://vispo.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> +
>>>> -> post: [email protected]
>>>> -> questions: [email protected]
>>>> -> subscribe/unsubscribe:
>>> http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
>>>> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
>>>> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is
>>> open to non-members
>>>> +
>>>> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms
>>> set out in the
>>>> Membership Agreement available online at
>>> http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>>>>
>>>
>>> +
>>> -> post: [email protected]
>>> -> questions: [email protected]
>>> -> subscribe/unsubscribe:
>>> http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
>>> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
>>> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is
>>> open to non-members
>>> +
>>> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set
>>> out in the
>>> Membership Agreement available online at
>> http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>>
>>
>> __________________________________
>> Do you Yahoo!?
>> Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it!
>> http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/
>> +
>> -> post: [email protected]
>> -> questions: [email protected]
>> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
>> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
>> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
>> +
>> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
>> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>>

, nicholas economos

hello,
themes don't necessarily encourage collaboration anymore than the lack of one hinders working together on a project. if you need a theme to motivate you and there is an open CFP for commissions, you can make up your own. I agree with t.whid, themes run the risk of excluding un-stylish yet relevant work.
nicholas economos


Ivan Pope wrote:

> >
> > Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
> > un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any
> interest
> > at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for
> $$
> > and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you
> attempt
> > to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.
> >
>
> Personally, I'm not above just submitting whatever I've got on the go
> at the
> time and seeing whether the curators have any idea of their own
> theme.
> Generaly not. Or they are fishing for whatever comes through the door.
>
> Consider the current Rhizome call (not to attack it or anything, for
> illustration):
>
> Artists seeking a Rhizome.org 2004 commission should propose projects
> that
> … reflect in some way on the … interpretations of "game" found
> at
> Dictionary.com, [which includes]:
>
> Informal.
> 1.. Evasive, trifling, or manipulative behavior: wanted a straight
> answer,
> not more of their tiresome games.
> 2.. A calculated strategy or approach; a scheme: I saw through their
> game
> from the very beginning.
> Seeing as artists tend to avoid (or should avoid) literality, I would
> suggest it is up to the viewer to decide what the 'theme' of work is.
>
> Submit it and see.
>
> Cheers,
> Ivan
>
>

, Lee Wells

Like I was saying games is not a theme.

on 1/23/04 11:36, J. Haefner at [email protected] wrote:

> I agree, I think that the games theme is sending me off the path
> somewhat.
>
> I've been working with interfaces, video/film, and now a little with
> databases but, with different intentions.
>
> Perhaps I need to redefine what I think is a game. For example, when
> MYST came out, it redefined what we thought of as a "game," and so, I
> think, did SimCity (and other sims).
>
> I think the institutions are stuck in the "theme" because it makes for
> a nice, tidy show. They didn't do well with such things as Fluxus art,
> because it was messy and couldn't be put into a room (apply virtual
> space here), and look like a matched set of furniture.
>
> Jean
>
> Jean Haefner BFA, MFA
> Artist | Designer | Educator
> www.ephemerati.com
>
>
> On Friday, January 23, 2004, at 10:58 AM, t.whid wrote:
>
>> Yes! This is the main problem. If curators or art orgs (even one's as
>> nice as Rhiz) decide to apply themes to art not-yet created we have
>> the problem that art is being made that is at least a year or more
>> behind what artists are thinking. The artists are leading the
>> thinking, the orgs follow behind. It's fine to curate work that is
>> already created and pull out themes from the evidence of the work, but
>> to attempt to steer artists thinking is always going to miss the mark
>> of what is really going on.
>>
>> For example, this theme of games, artists who are making cool stuff
>> along these lines have been working on it for years already.
>> Progressive artists are already onto something else, but we don't know
>> what it is as it hasn't surfaced yet.
>>
>> Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
>> un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any interest
>> at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for $$
>> and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you
>> attempt to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.
>>
>> My question is: Why do institutions feel the need to slap
>> thematic/content restrictions on work they commission?
>>
>

, Lee Wells

Are you all in it for the money?
Are you in it for the Love?
Are you all in it for the attention?
Are you all in it for the competition?



on 1/23/04 11:54, Ivan Pope at [email protected] wrote:

>>
>> Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
>> un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any interest
>> at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for $$
>> and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you attempt
>> to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.
>>
>
> Personally, I'm not above just submitting whatever I've got on the go at the
> time and seeing whether the curators have any idea of their own theme.
> Generaly not. Or they are fishing for whatever comes through the door.
>
> Consider the current Rhizome call (not to attack it or anything, for
> illustration):
>
> Artists seeking a Rhizome.org 2004 commission should propose projects that
> … reflect in some way on the … interpretations of "game" found at
> Dictionary.com, [which includes]:
>
> Informal.
> 1.. Evasive, trifling, or manipulative behavior: wanted a straight answer,
> not more of their tiresome games.
> 2.. A calculated strategy or approach; a scheme: I saw through their game
> from the very beginning.
> Seeing as artists tend to avoid (or should avoid) literality, I would
> suggest it is up to the viewer to decide what the 'theme' of work is.
>
> Submit it and see.
>
> Cheers,
> Ivan
>
>
> +
> -> post: [email protected]
> -> questions: [email protected]
> -> subscribe/unsubscribe: http://rhizome.org/preferences/subscribe.rhiz
> -> give: http://rhizome.org/support
> -> visit: on Fridays the Rhizome.org web site is open to non-members
> +
> Subscribers to Rhizome are subject to the terms set out in the
> Membership Agreement available online at http://rhizome.org/info/29.php
>

, patrick lichty

Ok, got it.
The problem in the case of funded commissions is that the upstream
funder usually requires a framework to put those resources under so they
can earmark, justify, etc.

Patrick Lichty
Editor-In-Chief
Intelligent Agent Magazine
http://www.intelligentagent.com
355 Seyburn Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808


—–Original Message—–
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf
Of t.whid
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 12:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: RHIZOME_RAW: Question for artists who seek commissions


On Jan 23, 2004, at 12:12 PM, patrick lichty wrote:

>
>> My sense is that things will fall pretty evenly on both sides.
>>
>> (0) Some cannot stand the constraints of a theme, or some already
work
>
>> within a theme that they don't think can fit in.
>
> This is the main problem. If curators or art orgs (even one's as
> nice as Rhiz) decide to apply themes to art not-yet created we have
the
> problem that art is being made that is at least a year or more behind
> what artists are thinking. The artists are leading the thinking, the
> orgs follow behind. It's fine to curate work that is already created
> and pull out themes from the evidence of the work, but to attempt to
> steer artists thinking is always going to miss the mark of what is
> really going on.
>
> *************************************
> This appears that what I read is that there should be shows where
> artists should be asked to participate in an exhibition solely on
their
> name recognition/historical body of work, etc. with less emphasis on a
> narrative arc from the curatorial staff.

Well, I'm talking about commissions, not shows. Apologies if that
wasn't clear. It's obvious to me that when a curator puts together a
*group show* it's in everyone's best interest to apply some sort of
theme to it or it becomes –and this is m.river's label– the Shotgun
Show (as in, it's scattered). A theme adds to the work and the viewer's
understanding of it.

But when you have an open call for commissions, that is, *new work* one
needs to ask themselves what is more important:

some sort of thematic continuity to these artworks? (And if this is
important, why is it important?)

~or~

good artwork.
(singular artworks which are driven by the thoughts and concerns of the
artists instead of the org holding the cash)

My point is that artists are always the one's driving the important
things happening in the artworld. And we would get better commissions
if the art orgs realized this.

There are plenty of granting bodies who solicit proposals with no
thematic or content requirements. To name some: Creative Capital,
Turbulence, NYFFA, etc.

The main problem seems to be the idea that you'll kill two birds with
one stone. You'll commission new artwork, while at the same time put
together a thematic exhibition and IMO the two are exclusive.


>
> Being that I've been working with curators, artists, writers, and now
> film makers, my sense of perspective of the ways cultural production
> reaches the masses has been greatly illuminated.
>
> First of all, I have come to the realization that methods of cultural
> production such as curation, film production, etc., are subject to a
> set
> of constraints which lessen their hold the further you get from the
> institution. However, there is an inverse correlation to legitimacy
as
> well, which is a problem.
>
> If I am reading this properly in that what is proposed is an
> artist-driven cutting-edge show with little through-line of a
narrative
> arc for people to grasp, and that the engagement factor will be driven
> solely by the amazing work of the artists, I can only say that this is

> a
> weak premise. From an artistic perspective, it abandons the crucial
> element of concept. From an audience perspective, it elides any
> mnemonic
> for the patron to grasp. From an institutional perspective, it's well
> nigh impossible to get a board to approve such a thing as it's so
> amorphous. From a funding angle, foundations need to have some sort of
> indication of the work that is being produced from the institutions
> they
> are funding. And, from a curatorial perspective, it's unbelievably
> difficult from the perspective as to how one would have a bunch of
> artists, probably going in separate directions, doing their own thing,
> probably in discord with one another.
>
> I try to curate shows that have a higher standard than many
> independents
> from a scholarly and conceptual perspective, but from my experience
> with
> curatorial practice/interfacing with large institutions, metanarrative
> is essential as a form of mnemonic so that they and the audience can
> better engage with what's being shown.
> ************************************************
>
> My question is: Why do institutions feel the need to slap
> thematic/content restrictions on work they commission?
>
> My first reaction was: "You're not serious, are you?" Mainly due to
> institutional constraints that call for accountability for the use of
> the funds, as well as the fundraising process, bureaucracy of
arranging
> shows, publicity, creating support material and so on, you really have
> to have a narrative of some sort to get people to sign on, or just to
> understand and want to see the show itself. Art is a fairly niche
> culture, and net art is still a very, very small subset of that niche.
> To propose that the artist should be placed in control of the
> institutional agenda is a really interesting, if almost completely
> untenable idea.
>
>> From a practical perspective, I would see just throwing money out to
> artists and having them participate in shows/commission processes
> without some sort of theme would be relatively unsuccessful.
>
> I understand that the institution has its problems, but I now
> understand
> much better why they have these problems. Much like the hierarchical
> nature of humanity, I'm beginning to come to accept that many of the
> agendas that we are railing against as artists aren't going away
> anytime
> soon. The institution has its reasons for doing what it does (good or
> otherwise, but for what it does, they're valid from a pragmatic
sense).
>
> The issue here is while it is quite exciting to do an independent
> curatorial program, it loses legitimacy the further you get from the
> institution unless it is backed up by solid scholarship, or if it is
> done with such professionalism that it refutes the institution itself.
>
> I think that independent curation is one of the most exciting areas
> that
> the Internet is offering the art community, but like blogs, these
shows
> are proving hit or miss, but are excellent in their willingness to
> experiment.
>
> ++++++++++++
> In short, I've found that you need a theme to get people to back your
> project and to get people to understand the works better.


===
<twhid>
http://www.mteww.com
</twhid>

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, Lee Wells

I agree as well.
Now that Rhizome is hooked up with the New Museum maybe a little curatorial
assistance is called for.

Remember the movie War Games with Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman and
Alley Sheedy. 1983.

The computer asked "Want to play a game?"
and he chose Global Thermal Nuclear War.

The game now should be "Save the World from slow death."

I guess what I am saying is; how can conceptually theme based commissions,
grants and exhibitions support progressive issues and ideas. In turn raising
an awareness not only in our own community of Rhizome but to the larger
society at large. Be it through word of mouth or CNBC and CNN.

Cheers,
Lee
on 1/23/04 12:06, Jess Loseby at [email protected] wrote:

> I generally prefer open commissions themes, as usually I have to
> slightly sledge-hammer my ideas to fit themes. Arguably this is down to
> the gap I perceive in what curators look for (in terms of a curatorial
> thematics) for shows and what is actually the wide reaching thematics
> net (and digital) artists. I find it slightly depressing that curators feel
> that
> only certain themes 'sell' a show and others don't - it shows a lack of
> trust/faith in the artists. I must admit to stifling a yawn when I read the
> theme for the rhizome commission (for example) was games. It not that
> there isn't fantastic work being done in this area, but it (as a thematic) is
> so unrepresentative of the diverse ideas currently explored by net
> artists. I worry that high profile commissions sticking to these 'safe'
> areas simply re-enforce the (misguided) notion that net (digital) art is
> simply PS2's slightly eccentric sister. o
> /^ rssgallery.com
> ][
>
>
>
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, patrick lichty

Are you all in it for the money?

I would like to live at what I'm supposed to do.

Are you in it for the Love?

Absolutely.

Are you all in it for the attention?

Not in the narcissistic sense. Probably as a secondary means to the
ends.

Are you all in it for the competition?

Absolutely not. I hate competition. However, as a good colleague once
said, competition and hierarchy not going anywhere. We have to try to
make what changes we can and try to make it better for us all.

, void void

totally open themes

And I'm not being a smarty pants!

themes help curators put together a "SHOW" instead of a mess.
but narrow themes should not be put to open call but invitation.

my humble opinion!

AE04.

, Humberto Ramirez

The "theme" is always a facilitating focusing devise as a well as an import=
ant way of creating communities around specific issues.

, curt cloninger

My proplem isn't with themes per se, but with the type of themes that most "new media" grants and shows are about:
1. gaming
2. telepresence
3. identity
4. globalization
5. code
6. surveilance
7. data visualization

They're all so geekily techno. Like using computers to make art means that the art you make will always be about computers. Like using a network to make art means your art will always be about the network. As if sculpting is about clay and photography is about lenses. Chalk the problem up to a nascent/emergent medium ever staring self-consciously at itself in the mirror like a pre-pubescent girl waiting to see what develops; compounded by a kind of Wired-esque, extropian techno-utopianism; compounded by the post-structuralist obligation to have all one's art in hyper-aware dialogue with its own context; compounded by some implicit politically correct morality that says a work of art has to engage in some heavy-handed, issues-oriented dialectic for it to be worth commissioning as imporant.

On the other hand, themes like "intimacy" or "ephemrality" or "whimsy" or "culture shock" or "wilderness," etc. don't force any specific genre or approach. They are topical, not procedural or process-specific. And refreshingly, they don't really have anything to do with technology per se, or even current events.

The problem is, most contemporary new media artists aren't encouraged to pursue their work along such "personal/human" lines. Being personal and human is not the next new thing, and it may even be part of a bourgeois plot to keep us subversive artists from contaminating the political arena with our wack-wack-wacky tactical stunts.

I find myself agreeing with T. Whid. Better to drill down and pursue whatever [off-]topic themes you are personally into and stay true to those things. Then if a themed commission arises that lines up with your interests, lucky you. If not, you've still got your day job. You didn't quit it, did you?

, Pall Thayer

Hi Lee,

I realize my post may have sounded a little harsh but that was not the
intention. I took no offense in your statement, just wanted to make sure
that people wouldn't conclude that "make something new, learn something new"
didn't necessarily mean that you can't do that if you don't accept others
themes.

However, I don't believe that making something entirely new necessarily =
progress.

ps. Thanks for saying my work is great. Love you forever for that.

Pall

—– Original Message —–
From: "Lee Wells" <[email protected]>
To: "Pall Thayer" <[email protected]>; "Michael Szpakowski"
<[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 6:07 PM
Subject: Re: RHIZOME_RAW: Question for artists who seek commissions


> Hey Pall,
>
> Please know I was not trying to offend with my statement last night.
> Your work is great and I am sure whatever it is that you would propose
would
> have a forward influence within progressive media.
>
> In defense of the the theme.
> You totally get to make something new.
>
> Cheers,
> Lee
>
> on 1/23/04 6:34, Pall Thayer at [email protected] wrote:
>
> > That's funny, I just finished writing a post that says the same thing. I
> > would prefer technical themes over conceptual. I even stated as examples
a
> > 7k applet or 15 second movie. So I've decided not to send that message
> > since it's all been said twice now. But I did want to respond to Lee
that
> > I do and learn something new everyday and I don't need someone elses
> > themes to do that. For instance, I recently learned how I can use live
> > seismic data to control audio/visuals. A new project is on my to-do
list.
> > But if a commission pops up with a theme of "visualizing seismic data",
> > I'm all over it.
> >
> > Pall
> >
> >
> > On Fri, 23 Jan 2004, Michael Szpakowski wrote:
> >
> >> I've been a bit out of it & not really following
> >> things properly but I did want to add my
> >> threepenn'orth
> >> to this- if I'm out of touch with the ebb & flow of
> >> the thread forgive me.
> >> A completely personal & subjective reaction but I
> >> *love* restrictions - I find they really stimulate my
> >> imagination. Having said that it tends to be
> >> *technical* restrictions that really get me going -
> >> I personally love things like 5k.org and ten second
> >> films.com , where you're fighting the intractibility
> >> of the technical brief but the subject matter is your
> >> own.
> >> FInally I agree 100% about collaborations -I love
> >> them, I do as many as I reasonably can & it would be
> >> nice to encourage more both because I think they're
> >> aesthetically of interest but also because they break
> >> down a lot of the unecessary and harmful barriers
> >> between artists that our competitive world constantly
> >> fosters and renews
> >> as I say, just my feelings,
> >> best
> >> michael
> >> — Lee Wells <[email protected]> wrote:
> >>> Yah….
> >>> Put the chains on all of us.
> >>> I am just into this thing for a number 1
> >>> Please make the check out to ______________________.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> on 1/22/04 3:17, Jim Andrews at [email protected] wrote:
> >>>
> >>>>
> >>>>> I am interested in finding out from artists who
> >>> seek commissions…
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Do you prefer when there is a theme to the
> >>> commissions or if the CFP (call
> >>>>> for proposals) is completely open? I would assume
> >>> the latter but want some
> >>>>> feedback. Thanks, Rachel
> >>>>
> >>>> if there is coincidence of interest and concern,
> >>> that bodes well for
> >>>> meaningful communication between artist and
> >>> 'client'.
> >>>>
> >>>> yet is 'artist-client' the relationship? yes and
> >>> no. no, in the sense that
> >>>> the 'client' does not specify anywhere near as
> >>> definitively what they want
> >>>> as a 'regular client' does. But, then, commissions
> >>> are only, typically,
> >>>> $2000-$5000. Even monetarily the specifiable is
> >>> thereby narrowed: the less
> >>>> the pay, the less you can specify.
> >>>>
> >>>> it has been interesting to see rhizome specify
> >>> constraints that place the
> >>>> work within the rhizome interface as important
> >>> parts of the interface.
> >>>> interfaces into the artbase, for instance, was one
> >>> of the foci, was it not?
> >>>>
> >>>> chris fahey's piece was a delightful project that
> >>> contributed to the
> >>>> searchability and experience of the artbase.
> >>>>
> >>>> i would say you got a deal if you got that for
> >>> $5000.
> >>>>
> >>>> there was coincidence of interest and concern
> >>> between rhizome and chris
> >>>> fahey.
> >>>>
> >>>> building web applications like that can be very
> >>> expensive in the
> >>>> marketplace.
> >>>>
> >>>> also, there is the question of whether getting web
> >>> development on the cheap
> >>>> by giving it exposure and platform in an art
> >>> context is a worthwhile
> >>>> prospect 'politically'.
> >>>>
> >>>> some would say that if you really want art, don't
> >>> make it serve the rhizome
> >>>> interface.
> >>>>
> >>>> fahey's project is a kind of counter-example which
> >>> shows the potential value
> >>>> of such a focus.
> >>>>
> >>>> foci of functionality in the rhizome interface
> >>> does encourage a kind of funk
> >>>> that i like: it is a type of art that bears
> >>> relation to google's projects.
> >>>>
> >>>> in mathematics, number theory has been called 'the
> >>> queen of mathematics'
> >>>> presumably because it is beautiful and useless. of
> >>> course it is useless no
> >>>> more: big primes are in the realm of encryption
> >>> and number theory.
> >>>>
> >>>> so too art needn't be useless.
> >>>>
> >>>> it needn't have a 'use' other than zephyr. and you
> >>> bar the zephyr with spec.
> >>>> or zephyrs incongruent in interest and concern.
> >>>>
> >>>> so i think one must admit that foci of
> >>> functionality in the rhizome
> >>>> interface has yielded some memorable art as well
> >>> as a more enjoyable
> >>>> interface into the artbase, which the artists
> >>> appreciate, but it is not a
> >>>> type of project that i would want to embark on
> >>> myself, my zephyrs
> >>>> incongruent.
> >>>>
> >>>> so perhaps my note is more a comment on the
> >>> phenomenon of defining specs for
> >>>> art comptetions that focus on functionality in the
> >>> org web site.
> >>>>
> >>>> are you thinking of specifying such constraints
> >>> again or what? apologies if
> >>>> i missed the announcement.
> >>>>
> >>>> ja
> >>>> http://vispo.com
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> +
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, Lee Wells

I agree
the Rhizome community need more community

Just my slightly jaded opinion.

on 1/23/04 15:04, Humberto Ramirez at [email protected] wrote:

The "theme" is always a facilitating focusing devise as a well as an
important way of creating communities around specific issues.

, Eduardo Navas

—– Original Message —–
From: "curt cloninger" <[email protected]>
Chalk the problem up to a nascent/emergent medium ever staring
self-consciously at itself in the mirror like a pre-pubescent girl waiting
to see what develops; compounded by a kind of Wired-esque, extropian
techno-utopianism; compounded by the post-structuralist obligation to have
all one's art in hyper-aware dialogue with its own context; compounded by
some implicit politically correct morality that says a work of art has to
engage in some heavy-handed, issues-oriented dialectic for it to be worth
commissioning as imporant.
>
——————-

My response:
Interesting point. I would say we are moving away from this positioning,
however. To critique the poststrutural platform is to be looking at the
past. We should check out what is actually being considered right now.
Check out After Theory by Terry Eagleton:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0465017738/qid75064547/sr=2-1/ref=
sr_2_1/104-4305972-3505503

Although I have reservations on some of his views, I do think Eagleton does
propose a push to move on. Check it out. Also, the term "poststructuralism"
at this point functions much like the term "postmodernism" – completely
part of an epistemology that is no longer helpful for our times, but rather
can be used to better understand the development of ideas.

> I find myself agreeing with T. Whid. Better to drill down and pursue
whatever [off-]topic themes you are personally into and stay true to those
things. Then if a themed commission arises that lines up with your
interests, lucky you. If not, you've still got your day job. You didn't
quit it, did you?
—————-

my response:

I agree with this. I think artists should do what they are going to do
because they want to, first and foremost. If shows come up that happen to
fit their current development, so much the better. These exhibits or
proposals could at times be more technical or more concept oriented. The
challenge is for the work to hold its integrity regardless of what point of
view is taken as the entry point. With time other layers of meaning should
start to surface…

Best,

Eduardo
:)

, Ivan Pope

Just for the record, I didn't write the first bit:
>
> Ivan Pope wrote:
>
> > >
> > > Plus, as an artist who is working on ideas that are many times
> > > un-stylish or not seemingly current, I usually don't have any
> > interest
> > > at all in the themes. I don't wish to pander to an institution for
> > $$
> > > and it's dangerous to one's work as it can sidetrack you as you
> > attempt
> > > to develop a body of work with themes of your own devising.
> > >

But I did write the following.

> > Personally, I'm not above just submitting whatever I've got on the go
> > at the
> > time and seeing whether the curators have any idea of their own
> > theme.
> > Generaly not. Or they are fishing for whatever comes through the door.
> >
> > Consider the current Rhizome call (not to attack it or anything, for
> > illustration):
> >
> > Artists seeking a Rhizome.org 2004 commission should propose projects
> > that
> > … reflect in some way on the … interpretations of "game" found
> > at
> > Dictionary.com, [which includes]:
> >
> > Informal.
> > 1.. Evasive, trifling, or manipulative behavior: wanted a straight
> > answer,
> > not more of their tiresome games.
> > 2.. A calculated strategy or approach; a scheme: I saw through their
> > game
> > from the very beginning.
> > Seeing as artists tend to avoid (or should avoid) literality, I would
> > suggest it is up to the viewer to decide what the 'theme' of work is.
> >
> > Submit it and see.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Ivan
> >
> >
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, Rachel Greene

A bow of thanks to everyone who replied to my query about themes and
commissions. Very helpful feedback to have as we start fundraising for
next year's round. Best, Rachel