Friday, March 17, 2006

artparis06

openingcrowdharing cardottyladybluesman
menofletterssculpstandmanstand
lollipoplenin_redwoodcows
You may remember, dear reader, that back in January I talked about moves by the French government to promote contemporary artists on the international scene, and raved about the "Notre Histoire" exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo (if you don't - tsk - click here for a refresher :)) So ever since I stole received my invite to the preview of the artparis06 fair, I've been all of a fluster with expectations of fabulousness. What a let-down! Gone was the freshness and innovation that characterized the Palais de Tokyo exhibition, only to be replaced by the usual gallery fodder we're so familiar with. "But rhino75," I hear you cry, "The whole point is that it's an art fair, and, therefore, by definition a much more commercial enterprise!" So yes, I suppose it's inevitable that the work is a little more mainstream. And it was by no means all bad. We found ourselves transfixed by a DVD of a (hot) man's face that changes almost without you noticing into several other (hot) men's faces. And a Tracey Emin blanket. And some of the sculpture around the edge of the exhibition stand space was interesting. But overall we were disappointed. Plus, most of the people there seemed to be 103 years old. Funnily enough, Mrs. LOG and Miss FVE also went that night and came to the same conclusion. The final indignity was that you had to buy your own champagne - how sucky is that? I don't steal receive invites to glam functions and then expect to pay for my own drinks. Cheap, I call it (them rather than me, in case you weren't sure :-)).
Anyway, it may be psychosomatic, but ever since I've been laid up with the mother of all colds. Honestly, my throat hurts so much I'm trying not to swallow. That's what disappointing art does for you (p.s. am SO sensitive to these things).

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Rhino Darlink, are you sure you don't have strep? Hot Toddy excuse anyway(who's Toddy?). I really hope you feel better. I wish you the very best on this St. Paddy's Day!!

Reluctant Nomad said...

I wonder if your throat is feeling better now that the weekend has been and gone? I had the mother of all colds about 10 days ago - it wasn't pleasant at all!

I'm sure that buying your own champagne didn't help at all.

rhino75 said...

I'm actually still off work today, but I think I'll be back with my nose to the *showbiz* grindstone tomorrow. Can you believe I cried off a party and quiz night this weekend because I felt so ropey?? Unheard of behaviour!

Frog with a Blog said...

I saw Rhino yesterday and in spite of a terrible cold, he managed to look as fabulous as ever! Even his runny nose looked like a river of diamonds.

rhino75 said...

HAHAHA!! That's excellent Micke, "river of diamonds" indeed ;-) Lovely to see you looking fitter and more handsome than ever, I might add.

Reluctant Nomad said...

Your snotty trickle may look like a river of diamonds but none of those diamonds are going to turn this head.

rhino75 said...

that's right Nomad, kick a man when he's down, why dontcha? The award has obviously gone to your head...;-)

Frog with a Blog said...

Nomad is a bit bitter these days, isn't he?

Rob7534 said...

You must show me how you steal... I mean receive invites!

Unknown said...

now, fella's fight fair. One more comment like that and I'm stopping this car and tanning all your hides!!

rhino75 said...

He started it, Babs!!

Unknown said...

Damn, you kids. You'll be the death of me!! But I love you all equally but so far mickelino wins the bum award, cutest touchee in Paris!! Now, if that's not incentive enough, I'll be blunt, pictures boys, pictures. I want to see your handsome faces!!