Fact: You need money to make visual art. Belief: Art should be free to see/view/hear/engage with.
Now of course, the above views dont match and consequently art is often prohibitively expensive to buy. As such (and not for this reason alone) the white cube of the gallery can be a contradictory and confusing space (see the article 'White Cube; I love you but youre bringing me down' in Febs Trouble mag or here: http://www.introuble.com.au/www2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=264&Itemid=65
This contradiction is seen in the public ('free') vs commercial ($$) gallery situation. Ive seen public galleries that look like market stalls. EG I wear my heart on my tee @ Town hall gallery, Hawthorn, as well as others. (they need to make money, I suppose) and Im a huge fan of a rockin Tshirt so go for it I say. These profit based exhibitions in publc galleries arent a bad thing - whatever works - but im sure many purists would be rolling in their felt-lined coffins.
And what about that big institution that is devoted to displaying great art for free! for everyone! but then charges over 20 bucks for us to have a peek at visiting shows (but i wouldve paid 50 for Ron Mueck - genius!) ...and of course dont forget to exit through the gift shop!
And who hasnt seen a commercial gallery that looks like morgue? This does concern me. When did art get so boring? I can understand that this could be off-putting to the casual observer - not to mention the $1000+ price tags. (maybe im just jealous). I guess its up to everyone to shake things up a bit (that goes for me too). Art needs to get out of the 'non-space' of the white cube and in some faces. Then again, this IS happening slowly which is great but you know what? some stuff can stay in the morgues (and remember, you can get into the morgue for free too...)
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