Some Things Are A Mystery

c.2009 Mo Wrestles The Spirit

I've been saying for years that Cindy Sherman is an interesting photographer, but it felt like her admission into the history of photography was more about the culture and less about the artist. Maybe true, or not. It felt accidental. She was a mystery, however. I was fortunate to see the film Guest of Cindy Sherman recently, made by Paul HO and I am grateful to him. I laughed. He is a very funny man, and he gave me an insight into what has happened in the arts, in that like stock traders or high flying groups where money is involved, this is a level in art that disturbs. The money flying around is no joke. If you get up there, you are in. It's sad, really. I don't think that Alfred Stieglitz would like what is going on. It's like a secret club, and to me as an artist, kind of disgusting. Not only does the public have little connection, but artists are not part of the scene anymore. Thank you Paul HO. Would love to see more of you. You were my stand-in observer in the obscene high-art world. I don't think it's pretty there, and I don't think our Museums do much to support artists in their areas. I've been saying that for years. All that funding, where does it go? Until museums begin programs for working artists, I think all gov. funding should be stopped.

Ah, wait! There are many great groups that support the artist directly. I'm just asking for museums to reconnect with artists in their region, and offer non-fee exhibitions to artists. That is what part of funding should go to.