Sooner or later many people will want to acquire some kind of art work to decorate their walls in their home or condominium. The art work could range from a highly commercialized print of a painting,a photographic reproduction or an original piece costing sometimes in the thousands of dollars. If you are picking up some decorative pieces from Ikea it is usually because you like them and it will fit in with your decor. If you are in the market for an original you probably have visited a few art galleries. Usually you will see an artist biography and sometimes accompanying artists statements or interpretations of their work. Below is an interpretation of the image in this blog. The image was done by a local photographic artist. 

Gallery Interpretation Statement

In one of his most meaningful works to date, Toronto based Artist Watson - better known by a select few under his artist 'nom de photo' Le Watson - continues to push boundaries. At first glance a picture of a bear would seem an obvious, even indulgent choice, barely worthy of note.

Yet closer study reveals an unexpected depth of irony and expression that gives this piece a maturity seldom found amongst 'fine art photographers'. Those familiar with his impressive oeuvre know he has a vast array of technical skills, all of which he must have brought to this 'tableau' to give it this mesmerizing illusion of lack of skill. By intentionally placing the subject matter in traditional composition, he mimicks, even mocks, those who believe photography is a science rather than an art, as is expertly proven here. And more so those who claim photography is about art rather than skill. The duality in this statement is truly electrifying.

This is indeed a very powerful, scathing comment on the current state of popular photography in the western world as a whole. It has been a long time since I have seen a single image that better depicts the anonymous, savage threat that the Instagram generation poses to our fine art community. Perhaps the cleverest pun is left for the knowledgeable among us; By using experimental techniques made popular by modern 'hipster', 'Lomo' and other 'fauxtogrpahers' Le Watson has turned his bitingly sharp picture of a charging black bear in his natural environment into what appears to be a technically completely inept snapshot of a generic bear charging through generic scenery with generic flatness. Turning a weapon of photographic destruction on itself. Truly inspiring and a safe bet for future investment IF you are lucky enough to get hold of one of the very rare signed prints on Fine Art Archival High Fibre Paper.

Fine art, bordering on Alchemy. Highly recommended viewing.

The Actual Interpretation by the Artist

NO, the fuzzy bear image is an astounding piece of crap. The real truth about the image was that it was taken in the Yukon territory. The photographer "Le Watson" was taking pictures of the bear when it became agitated by the chain saws of a hydro crew down the road. The pictures were taken paparazzi style as the photographer beat a hasty retreat as the bear had photographer butt in mind on the lunch menu. The real truth is nothing like the artistic statement prepared by the gallery. The fuzzy bear image is a terrible image with no artistic merit.

The point I am trying to make is; be sure that you like the piece of art for what it is. If a piece of art has to be framed up by words, artist statement or gallery interpretative statement then what you are actually buying. The artist biography or interpretive statement are quite often written and edited by a professional writer. Are you buying a work of art or are you buying an idea that is fabricated into an artistic statement by a professional writer unrelated to the artist. If you are after an idea then there are many other choices to reflect on ideas. Some excellent choices would be the Bible, Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle or the Library of Congress. 

A simple acid test before moving ahead with a purchase of art work.

1. Does the art work stand alone without the help of an interpretive statement or artist biography.
2. Ask the gallery about the technical quality of the finished piece. eg. Was it printed on archival papers that are intended to last a 100 years.
3. When viewing the image does it invoke any emotion, idea, have a distinct look or document something in life that you can relate to.
4. The final test is to sit down and view the image or art piece for an extended period of time. The point to remember is that you must like the art work because you will be keeping it for a long period of time. 
5. Are you considering the piece to be an investment because it was done by a famous photographer? eg. Ansel Adams, Annie Liebovitz, Diane Arbus, etc.

Don't be afraid to say NO, I don't like it, it is a piece of crap, it is not worthy of my wall space, the artists statement is complete BS or I am offended that my tax dollars are going towards displaying this in a public gallery. If you like it then let the artist know or purchase the piece.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.