This quote from that same wikipedia entry stuck me as very relevant: “the relations set up by relational aesthetics are not intrinsically democratic, as Bourriaud suggests, since they rest too comfortably within an ideal of subjectivity as whole and of community as immanent togetherness.”

In this case I’m using pretty traditional art materials to kick off these relational exchanges, but I’m cognizant of a new hierarchy it’s establishing which is awfully far from democratic. The work is extremely subjective and has a sloppy relationship with ‘togetherness.’ I do like the idea that these little paintings were created as a family and will be estranged on opening night.

Another relational idea is that I’m simply trying to make new friends. Conjure them up by painting little icons. Creepy!

I think I am more interested in the very imprecise way people relate to one an other, to me, to their images, than I am in small forms of democracy. Words like authenticity and honesty are always at war in the Art conversation. It takes a lot of luck to be considered authentic and honest.

I’ve got a lot more reading to do on this fellow. Much appreciated!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_art#cit...

Good luck on current projects and the soft openings!
-a

Applause is a kind of payment: discuss amongst yourselves. Etc, etc!

!!