Thursday, August 12, 2010

Abdi is the winner!


I watched every episode like an addict. Work of Art: The Next Great Artist season finale aired last night, and my favorite artist won, Abdi. Modest, generous, and funny, he just seemed like he had so much talent that he was not even aware he had. I can't wait to see what his show is like at the Brooklyn Musuem of Art.

From the very first challenge, this portrait that he did of Ryan was stellar in my opinion. Even though he didn't win that challenge.
I also thought it was interesting that he seemed to be one of the only artist who thought out and sketched his ideas first on a consistent basis. At least from what I could tell anyway. But when he included his sketchbook in his final exhibit, one of the judges called it "too art school". Interesting.

I am now inspired to check out the work of the guest art judges. Which most of the contestants seem to know. I had never heard of any of them. I'll try to find some good links later.
Andres Serrano
Will Cotton
Jon Kessler
Ryan McGinness
Jonathan Santlofer
Richard Phillips

As I watched each episode, I couldn't help but think, "what would I have done?" "how would I have tackled each challenge?". I've seriously thought about challenging myself and actually attempt each one. Although-I think I'll give myself a little more time.

Here is the list:
1. Create a "portrait" of a competitor
2. Create a work from trash found in an electronics graveyard
3. Create a book cover of a classic novel
4. Create a piece of shock art
5. Create art inspired by a visit to the Audi showroom (the only commercially driven challenge as far as I can tell)
6. Work in a team to create an outdoor sculpture
7. Create a work that symbolizes your early inspiration to be an artist using only children's art supplies
8. Work with a partner to create work that expresses opposing words -man/woman, order/chaos, heaven/hell
9. Create a work inspired by nature, including something from nature in the piece
10. Create a final collection

Anyone want to join me?

4 comments:

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

I watched this too, and from the very first show Abdi was my favorite! I was so glad that he won - my favorite piece of his is the one you have posted that he created using a bit of the ground up river stone.

B.Kelly said...

I didn't get to watch it yet lol. I'm so glad to know that Abdi won rather than Miles or Jaclyn, he deserved it. He didn't seem to have an ego issue. He was positive and friendly with everyone else, unlike some.

Autumn Leaves said...

Ann, what channel carried this show? Is it Ovation? If so, I just found that channel last night (as I watched a biography of Bauer (Rouald?). I hope they'll do a rerun of this series because I wanted to watch it when you first mentioned it but couldn't find it.

Wish I could join you on this challenge but I know I couldn't work as quickly. When I get overwhelmed, I tend to shut down a bit. Always slows me down!

Ann Gorbett said...

Sorry Brenda, I should have put a "Spoiler Alert" in my blog title. Hope you got a chance to watch the show.
Sherry-it was on Bravo. I'm sure they will repeat it as they always do with their shows. Not sure if the ratings will guarantee a second seaon, but sure was fun while it lasted.

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