Lists are very popular. Lists of prominent people apparently sell magazines. There are all kinds of lists. My focus is on the art world and/or those who can or have helped artists especially me – since I am dealing with my own list.
I have been compiling a list of people who are or will receive the limited number of hand signed copies of the Manifesto for Post Conceptual UnGraven Image Art, which is printed and assembled in my studio. This work is being done in my specifically and purposefully in my studio. Although certainly influenced by other art movements, UnGraven Image theory is a natural next step from Conceptual, especially Word Art. Thus the signed manifestos are in their own way, works of art in and of themselves.
Printing them here is somewhat labor intensive. Again, this mimics art, not life or manufacturing, although a great deal of conceptual art uses manufacturing or manufactured parts, and I am using my PC's archival printer. The booklet has been specially designed, with a cover that suggests the color of the scrolls or the Torahs as well as the yellowed illuminated manuscripts, usually religious, created by monks and scribes (including Jewish and Muslim) in the middle ages. Bowing the art manifestos I have seen (usually in museums or online) of the Twentieth Century, the inside pages are white with black ink. Although I considered using Courier font (most common on old typewriters) I went with Times New Roman to minimize space, maximize readability and reference this century. I am only and always a Twenty-first Century artist.
So, receiving a copy of the original editions [there is a newly revised version as of 04/08] is special, especially if it is signed.
At the moment unsigned copies are $35.00 plus $10.00 shipping and handling. This is to discourage sales currently, since anyone can download – for free – copies from a PDF link on the unfravenimage.com web site. Once the downloadable link was up, I raised prices. If I get many paying requests, I will do it again. [as of 05/25/08 there are links to download the manifesto on each page with an article, on the home page and also on the left hand column of the blog. all one has to do is click on the link, and save the chosen PDF to a disk.]
The printed manifestos are being run off my printer, referencing former art manifestos by other artists. It is time consuming. In time they will be available in a mass produced form, either as a stand alone booklet or incoprorated into books.
The other benefit of keeping the production in-house is that it allows me to conyinue to revise the manifesto as my understanding of what I have discovered and am founding as a theory grows. I keep falling up into this Post Conceptual experience.
Any artist who might join with me in creating and painting within Post Conceptyal UnGraven Image theory can simply download the manifesto. Artists are known for being frugal and clever, at least at the beginning of ta career or venture. Besides, if a contemporary artist is not savvy enough to manage a PDF download, how would such an artist reinvent their style of painting to use symbols for every stroke? Collectors and investors are saavy people who either can download a PDF or have assistants who absolutely can manage that.
The signed copies of the limited studio printed manifestos are being sent to people who deserve thanks and recognition from contemporary artists, including me, even though I am just emerging. Other than for a few exceptions for people who either risked to help me, accidentally helped me a whole lot or who changed the history of art (anyone know how to reach Charles Saatchi via snail mail?) gallerists and dealers are not being sent signed copies. When the dust settles and I have representation, that gallery (or galleries depending of territories, including international) will have signed copies for executive staff. In the meantime, any gallery or dealer listed in Art in America 's yearly guide, is welcome to an unsigned copy for free (and no shipping charges) by request.
For overseas galleries, I will obviously present the free and immediate advantage to simply downloading the manifesto. Otherwise I am going to consult the listings in present and recently past art forums, and charge $30.00 (includes shipping) for those galleries listed or known to me via participating in Scope Fairs.
Around 200 people will end up being sent signed copies of the manifesto. The list continues to be revised and updated. The focus is on directors, collectors, press and curators and educators in the NYC Metropolitan area. I have written and continue to revise several cover letters, but basically I revise for each individual --thus, my slow progress with the mailing. This also explains why the list of those who have received the mailing thus far is not posted at this time, there are individuals to whom I must write specific thanks who are heading up major museums or are amazing collectors, actually more patrons and benefactors. From reading past blogs you may know of my very personal, from childhood, relationship to MoMA and the Met.
I am working on a letter to Phillippe de Montebello. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was and probably always will be a safe haven for me. It recently dawned on me that had I been in Manhattan on 9/11 (I was home in Southampton, and I was not painting, nor had I any idea of UnGraven Image), I might have fled to the Met. On that day, no one knew what would happen, how far the attack would go. Again, on an emotional basis, the place that I would feel most safe and at home in the city without a doubt is the Met. It was my safe place growing up. Phillipe de Montebello has captained the Met, my Met , and brought it to this time. How do I write a letter to express my sincere thanks and explain why I am giving him personally (more than happy to give a signed copy to the Met itself), in appreciation, without seeming self serving?
Oh, sure, I recognize that my mailing is somewhat promotional. It would be very promotional if I were signing copies for galleries. I have a handful of galleries that I would easily throw myself at if it would help. Some are ADAA galleries, but a few are not, usually those are NADA. There are other galleries, major galleries that I will not allow to represent me based on what they show or the lack of friendliness of their staff (or the grapevine that tells artists about galleries that lag on payment). However, I still have many major galleries that I am exploring, and even yet to visit or pay a second visit..
The major museum directors in NYC are all one my list. In my letters I state that the signed manifesto is personally for them. Will they believe me? I am happy to send a copy to their museums. That means I do not actually know the end number of how many signed copies that there will finally exist
What I have is a list that has been culled from various other lists and news articles, including the list of Top 200 Collectors from Art News , ArtReview's 100 list, plus news from Art Forum, Art in America, The New York Times and Artnet.com. I have added a few people who are involved with science or religious art. Even so, I think my list may omit people I might otherwise include. I remain open to suggestion.
Selecting recipients and send out a limited edition mailing of manifestos for a new theory of art, based on both cutting edge science and ancient theology, is a daunting task. Suggestions for recipients are welcomed, email me.
October 23, 2007 |
