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Buying for the sake of location.

We are continuing our exploration on buying art. A number of artworks be it stitching, water colors or photography is exchanged for “all-accepted” little green works of art due to their hometown apeal. Pardon my description, but dollars are exquisite works of mass produced art. Coming back to the hometown appeal. An artwork could be well framed mediocre shot of a well known local high-rise that symbolises a city of one kind or the other. If the city is admired by many you can find that image successfully sold in a local gift shop. Otherwise it is a purview of locals that would not live their town even in a case of a nuclear strike.

A somewhat sad reality of this artwork is that it is often a mediocre depiction that is valued more for it’s symbolism then for it’s artistic quality. If the artwork is made by a local artist this landmark had become such an eyesore for him that he had possibly lost all fresh perspective. If it is a well known location then all pervasive precooked images have often poisoned any possibility of a fresh look by a visiting artist. 

Shown here is a relatively common look at Cleveland, OH. Showing big city lights, its sea port features. This image is relatively common show of landmarks and skyline. There is an impressive line up of images on the web as well as a line up available for sale that tries to portray Cleveland in this same light. Multiple pictures of same landmarks in different light and with varying backdrops.These images carry a worn out appeal and are purchased in mass primarily for their symbolism and not their aesthetic value.

It is possible to take the city out of it’s usual used up context and put it into a different light that will either retain or enhance city’s character. Since these posts are in part shameless promotion of Safari’s art work, allow me to use one of his Cleveland images as an example.

The following image is a take on a well known statue that in a way became associated with Cleveland. This symbol of the city has been, you may say, heavily abused.But this simple fresh perspective although made just for fun adds to the reality ofthe statue. It enhances the vision of this work of art and at the same time personifies it.

This next work is en example that is ways away from Cleveland…

This symbol of New York city is a very well known and photographed landmark. I am sure you have seen myriads of pictures that portray this symbol our great nation of United States of America. However this is a daring take on this symbol of great power. This portrayal is rather depressing and some might say relatively negative, yet it does not denigrate the symbol itself. There are no horns on writings on the statue, it is simply taken in it’s context on this grey day in March. Its surroundings enhance its meaning in this troublesome times. 

I hope to have made a sufficient amount of one sided claims here to evoke a responce and a counter argument from the audience. See farther posts that describe other reasons why people purchase art.