Art in 2023: Goghgoizm, a quirky blend of the past, present, and a pixelated future
Inside the Studio of Goran Go Edition Nr.13
Art in 2023: Goghgoizm, a quirky blend of the past, present, and a pixelated future, where Surreal is Real and NFTs decided to tone down the party and get real.
Keeping up with the whirlwind of the art world this year was indeed a Herculean task! With so many groundbreaking trends, influential artists, and eye-catching exhibitions and fairs, it's like trying to catch a kaleidoscope of butterflies – each one unique and mesmerizing. It's great that I've been able to visit some events, catch others online, and, of course, delve into those charmingly tangible art magazines (long live print!).
So lets go ....
Major Art Fairs all around , Art Paris 2023 celebrated 25th anniversary focused on modern and contemporary art with 130 galleries participating ( that is a lot of art to be smacked in one round but hey we are uber consumers... ). Scandinavia’s only international art fair, showcasing a global presence in Denmark, Market Art Fair 2023: Focusing on contemporary art from the Nordic region, featuring exclusive selections and curated presentations, EXPO CHICAGO 2023 In its tenth year, featured over 140 exhibitors and introduced Chicago Assembly, which involved local curators for programming
Some of my early Surrealist Journey | Series Manifeste Mystique | 2002
Surrealism's Comeback: Surrealism is making a grand re-entrance, as if we've stepped right into a dream, or better yet, a Dali painting. However, in my view, Surrealism never truly left us. Like an undercurrent in the river of our collective consciousness, it has been ever-present since its inception in 1924.
It has been exactly 100 years of the publication of the "Surrealist Manifesto"
Consider fashion trends, for instance. They're much like Surrealism in their cyclical nature. Take the ripped jeans of the 80s – a style your parents might have rocked, which has now made a stunning comeback. It’s reminiscent of that sexy George Michael look, though today everyone from the local teenager to Kim Kardashian is giving it their own twist. Kardashian, in particular, has taken the ripped jeans trend to new heights, or should I say, new rips?
This isn't a critique, merely an observation; fashion, like art, captures our attention in myriad ways.
The intriguing aspect of history, whether in art or fashion, is its penchant for repeating itself. Each era brings its own flavour, but the spirit remains.
Surrealism, much like the classic ripped jeans, finds ways to reassert its relevance and adaptability. It challenges us to see the world through a lens that is both familiar and bizarrely new.
In essence, Surrealism's return is not just a revival; it's a reminder of the timeless nature of certain artistic expressions. It reminds us that some movements are never truly gone; they simply wait for the right moment to surge back into our collective psyche.
Genre-Breaking Art and Physical Media:
In response to the recent NFT crash, there's a noticeable trend towards embracing physical media in art, highlighting the beauty of imperfection and the acceptance of risk. As a kid that belongs to genX, I still value and purchase physical media. While I recognize the convenience and benefits of streaming platforms, I’m not comfortable with being entirely dependent on them. My preference has always been for tangible media—be it music on CDs or vinyl, real books, or art in its physical form. Honestly, I was never a big fan of NFTs, though I acknowledge their potential, perhaps as a component of a broader system in the distant future.
It’s interesting to note that NFT sales volume reached a staggering $24.9 billion in 2021. Data from Statista projects that the NFT market is expected to grow from US$1.6 billion in 2023 to US$3.2 billion by 2027. As someone from Generation X, I fondly recall a time when the world revolved around VHS tapes, cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs, physical video games, and books. Collecting these items wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was often the only option available.
So, if you ask me, I'd recommend investing in real art or starting a collection of high-end prints from your favorite artists, like myself.... ;)
But let's be real despite the NFT market crash, there are signs of recovery and resilience. Trading volumes are gradually recovering, and we're seeing a shift towards more diverse aspects of the NFT sector, such as metaverse tokens and NFT lending. However, it might take a long time, perhaps another major global event, for the market to return to its former glory of two years ago.
What else... ohhh yes 2023 marks the 170th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh, who was born on 30 March 1853. Simultaneously, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is celebrating its 50th anniversary. 2023 was all about Goghgoizm... maybe it's time to start doing some amazing immersive shows with alive artist. I am just saying that Post-Impressionist Master should take a little break and give a spot to new kinds on the block. Van Gogh exhibitions , they were everywhere like a starry night in a cold cold Canadian winter.
Did you know that LEGO was invented 42 years after he died. In a 2021 Lego came out with VINCENT VAN GOGH’S STARRY NIGHT LEGO SET. Check that lego web page... I am so jealous. I mean how many artist dead people do you know that have a Lego set made in their name. at wopping $219.99 CAD this collective can be all yours. The amazing 2,316-piece set also includes: a Vincent van Gogh minifigure, paint brush, painting palette, easel, and “The Starry Night” mini-painting on a printed tile but i am disappointed there is no a small ear piece...
Certainly he would love that shit... but hey man we always found a great way how to profit from dear dead artist.
And then if you are really creative you will do magic with lego pieces like this guy that call himself Lego_nuts. See bellow that wonder. The sculpting of the whole scene is absolutely amazing, but the craziest aspect is the fascinating textures that are everywhere you look. He said this was a deliberate decision to replicate the signature post-impressionism look, and the result is a true work of art! Now that will be a great purchase if you ask me!!!
Ok enough about Vangogo.
Queen Marina: Abramović showed us performance art is still cool and you're never too old to sit in a chair and stare at strangers. Internationally renowned for her captivating performance art, Marina Abramović elevates the exploration of time, metaphysics, and the human form to new heights. She's now sharing her wisdom with enthusiasts, imparting the art of endurance, concentration, self-control, and willpower.
© Photo: Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2010. Photograph: Andrew H Walker/Getty Images
So, there you have it! Art in 2023: a quirky blend of the past, present, and a pixelated future. 🖼️👾🌌