I went to a gallery reception today. I normally don’t succumb to publicly spewing out labels but it really was one of those hipster gallery receptions where it’s more of a social event than an appreciation of art. While I had good conversations with co-worker friends, I couldn’t help but feel resentful towards the exhibited photographs. I’m an open-minded guy but this show says otherwise. The exhibited photography was far beyond amateur. The white walls were filled with over-glorified photos where the photographer paid no mind to composition, tone, lighting and the story wasn’t compelling. I’m not one to judge, as I have never been privileged enough to exhibit my own work. But that’s just it. Not privilege, but courage. Could I ever muster up the courage to display my work? Colleagues and friends have generously complimented my work and photos, yet I am too insecure to ever exhibit them publicly other than through the form of a blog or Facebook posts.
Then again, art is thought-provoking and generates good reponses, bad reponses and honorable criticism. I doubt this is what the artist had in mind, leaving me to go home and think “I’ve seen more promising talent at my middle school art show.” There was very little attention to form and there was no story. However, I can’t complain about $5 for bottomless Sapporo beers.
