2010 Artist of the Year

[lowpro]

Admittedly, I was inspired by slamxhype's poll that was thrown up yesterday. I thought it would be interesting to do one here, perhaps with artists that reflect the board a little more. Could be way off with these options. I tried to select artists from diverse backgrounds that either had one - or more - landmark solo exhibition(s). I had considered included street artists like Blu, JR, and Os Gemeos who all had incredible years with incredible street pieces, along with some gallery work in all cases, but wanted to keep the options to 10 aside from the "Other" category. Murakami certainly could've fit on the list due to Versailes, but again wanted to keep the options somewhat limited. And I included the ubiquitous Banksy, purely for how gamechanging and genius his artistic endeavor into film making was with "Exit Through the Gift Shop" and the global tour of amazing street pieces that sprung up in support. If there is an artist you felt had a stronger year and you select "Other", please consider posting their name.

[origo]

Joe Sorren or Wittfooth for me.

[sleepboy]

I would have to go with Banksy despite the backlash he took from "selling out." I think fans in the US don't have as many qualms about that as maybe fans in the US. I mean he made a movie, what was he supposed to do - not promote it?

I think JR would have been close too for winning the TED award.

Will also move this the Poll section.

[lowpro]

Considered Sorren. But refrained due to his only exhibit being primarily a retrospective, even though there were a handful of new pieces and sculptures. In hindsight, though, probably would've included Joe in place of someone else. Ah, that's the beauty of the Other slot..as the more I think about this board, most people's selections might not fit into the one's I suggested. Oh well. It's all in good fun.

[lowpro]

Jan 10, 2011 23:39:55 GMT -8 sleepboy said:

Will also move this the Poll section.

Yeah, thought it might get more attention down there. But guess if there's a section for something, we should use it.

[svenman]

hard to single out one artist for a whole years worth of output. my memory is terrible anyway!

i voted 'other'.
the reasons for my vote are not based on popularity or output, although this artist has produced some absolutely stunning politically charged murals over the last year....

for wearing his heart on his sleeve, not dropping his principals for a dollar, or a place in a street art museum show my vote goes with Blu.
i HOPE he doesn't get sweet talked or threatend to participate in the art in the streets show after the censorship of his mural at MOCA - that would destroy my faith in street art still having a political voice and independant spirit.
i also hope that the MOCA / Blu situation makes other particpating artists stop and think about the reasons why they are participating in this show, and if they really should.

so, for purely emotive reasons, i'm voting for Blu.

[Jesús]

For not selling out and being a true artist I would agree with sven... Blu and even Scott Campbell would fit the bill for artist of the year.

For me, execution, style, concept goes to Palladino. You guys made me pull the trigger on two of his older works; was offered two I really wanted, decided it would be now or never (who knows what my funds will be this year...). I am glad I did.

[greenhorn1]

It seems to me that a lot of the more established artists (at least the ones I enjoy) had somewhat weaker years overall than in the past. Not saying what they put out was bad but just maybe not their best ever. While obviously not the strongest year overall, Chris Ryniak went from starting the year with a show at copro that sold very poorly, shifted directions, and had a sold out show at MPH later in the year and seems to be picking up a lot of new fans. I really don't know whether having his next major show in japan is a good move or not. Obviously selfishly I'd prefer it be in the US just because getting pieces from japan is going to be difficult but if it works and expands his audience over there it could be a great move.

[sleepboy]

Oh yes, Blu is also a good choice.

[rhinomilk]

i have to go with kaws. i think he's the one on the list who kept everyone interested and expanded his audience the most this year

[jediak]

With the release of Exit Through The Gift Shop I think Banksy is the only one on the list that has expanded his audience in a manner akin to Shpard Fairey with the Obama Prints. People who have no interest in art now might have a better idea of who and what these people are doing, he has crossed barriers and extended his presence to a new audience with the film something that the others on this list have not regardless of how much I like their work.

[sketchv]

Well, I don't know why I bother, you guys know I'm just going to say that Robt. Williams had a "Bitchin" 2010, lol.
Guess I'm stuck in the old school.

[mistersmith]

I dunno, not long enough of a list I guess. There are only two people listed in the voting that I even really find all that interesting...and a few I'd never heard of (please tell me taubaauerbach.com is a different Tauba Auerbach!).

But jediak has it right, there's really no argument that Banksy took '11 with a huge movie that makes pretty much the whole world, except Banksy, look like a tremendous chump. And Banksy isn't one of the two "interesting" artists that I mentioned above!

[dimgras]

Kaws for me