This spring my friend Carolee Coy had her B.F.A. Show, along with some of the other graduating graphic designers, painters, and others from the art department of BYU Idaho. All the work there was very impressive. I was partial to Carolee’s work, partly because it was the only photography there, but mostly because it was really good photography.
But, I had to wonder at some of the artist statements. A few of them had phrases like: “For my project I hope to show…,” and “I hope my work shows…” And these students aren’t the only ones guilty of including these types of statements. I’ve read many statements from artists all over the internet, ranging from personal web sites, to artists featured at prestigious online and “brick and mortar” galleries such as Photo Eye.
Such phrases (especially the latter) show insecurity from the artist about what they hope their art does or what message it conveys or what questions it is asking. Such phrases act like a sort of a cheat sheet, giving the viewers the answers to whatever questions the artist’s work is (hopefully) asking, or tells the viewer how the artist thinks their work should be approached. Good Art, good Photography, and good artist statements don’t give answers away.
Now, graphic designers perhaps don’t have to worry so much about artist statements, so them including phrases like that is a little understandable (one caveat here: I’m completely unaware of what is au courant among graphic design and illustration, and if any work is shown in galleries). Photographers, painters, sculptors, ceramicists, etc… do. At least if they hope to get gallery representation, enter into exhibitions, or get published.
I’m not saying that artist statements should be nebulous and full of pretentious, flowery language and have statements such as: “Although I am not a painter, I think that the reductive quality of the gesture spatially undermines a participation in the critical dialogue of the 90s.” I am saying they should be direct, concise, and simple, and explain what the artist feels about the work and just say what is being done, not what the artists “hope to” achieve.