What the heck is going on in Matthew Barney’s studio?
Published: Thu, 07/16/20
Yes, he explains everything about how to think about his work to the viewer in his catalogues, walks you through the mythologies he is using, and his films decode his visual art (‘Oh wow, this was from that film. Now I understand.’)
But his studio visits remain a mystery.
What the heck is he doing there? Why do curators leave his studio feeling so excited about what they’ve seen?
“The studio visit to end all studio visits… an extraordinary experience.”
Even among all the other major artists alive today, whenever curators are asked about their most memorable studio visits, it is Matthew Barney’s name that always comes up.
Why though?
Of course, his studio is gigantic and he mythologizes himself in a way that is fascinating.
But there is more to it.
I learned this when I interviewed the Chief Curator of the Guggenheim Museum, Nancy Spector, a few years ago.
She took me behind the scenes, and told me the story of her visit to Matthew Barney’s studio, and explained exactly how he leads the curator by the nose through the visit. His process. His presentation.
First, look at my cork board on the wall here - it’s a mess... Then check out these postcards… Now look at this excerpt for the new video I’m working on…
After I heard Nancy talk about what actually happens during those studio visits, I realized something:
This is a piece of theatre.
He is practicing how to talk, how to walk, how to guide them for the best impression.
The success of his studio visits isn’t random. There is a method to his madness.
And I want to teach you his method.
Guess what?
I will tell you all about it in my new webinar:
“Zoom Studio Visits for Artists” (20th July at 1:00pm EST)
After all, doesn’t every artist dream about having a curator say “This was an extraordinary experience” after they visit your studio?
You have an interesting conversation, the curator explains why they love your work, and why it has an important place in this world and the history of art.
“Love your work… Would love to put it in a show… This reflects the culture in a way that is part of history… The museum wants to acquire it, you are an important artist, a major artist… This art is as good as what I see in the museum… “
In this workshop, I’m going to show you how that dream gets made into a reality as told by the Chief curator of the Guggenheim museum.
But spots are limited.
And, in fact, we have slightly more people registered than space available in the live meeting. I suggest registering at the link below, and showing up at least 10 minutes early on Monday to secure your seat.
Here is the link:
Click here to register automatically for this free workshop
I hope to see you there!
Brainard
PS: The workshop will only be recorded for those that register, so click the link above even if you can’t make it to the live session.
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