woensdag 1 februari 2017
Script, part 3
Artist: Oh stop it! Stop it! You’re embarrassing me!
Supporter: That’s what I love about the guy: his modesty! You know, the last time I went to his studio, he’d been working .It was full of new work. But I was at a loss. It was so different, it was so new. So I asked him to give me a little guidance. Well he paused a minute and then he said. “I have to think because I don’t want to give you the propaganda.” This is an artist who never says stupid things! I remember him one night at the Odeon (restaurant in Manhattan) acting like a fly on the wall in swell company. Well now you’re all his good friends and here tonight. And that shows just how far he’s come since those early days. Make no mistake: he was timid. I’ve never seen anyone grow into his shoes so fully. I used to tell him, I used to say, you’re going to learn how to be a big artist- and I don’t just mean making big art! Well he did it. He’s big. He’s very big. He’s just – he ’s big opera. He’s big art and a great big heart, and it’s my great pleasure to introduce this modern master, my great friend.
Artist: Wow, that does sound like a charmed life. At least he didn’t say that I’m a great FART. That’s what I thought you were going to say! Look, if you’re going to laud somebody, this kind of backscrathing won’t do!. You really gotta beatify ‘em ‘Modern master’ my- What do you mean, “I’d been working”?! Just because you read about me in the columns, you think all I do is go to parties? I’m working parties! No, I’m not shy anymore. I learned a very simple social strategy. The trick is to say as little as possible and to keep moving. That way, it looks like I’m circulating when I’m actually walking away. Love ya! …
part 6 …
Artist: Yeah, well you know I really do appreciate the support. It gets harder and harder to be an artist. Attention can be incredibly cruel -from critics, and even from other artists, who think they’re so superior. I mean, if I’m such shit and my work is such shit, then why don’t you just leave me alone? Yeah, the art world likes ‘bad girls’. But if you’re really bad you tell the truth and people don’t want to hear the truth. If you’re honest about how stupid and fucked over life is you end up in the tabloids. I don’t go looking for. It just comes in a big tidal wave.
Removing bra, then shoes and thong: I’m used to it. It’s boring. I just want to say that my real achievement is getting up in the morning, staying alive and not giving up. Sure, I’ve had a few good moments workwise, but nothing I’d consider a masterpiece. Let’s keep thing in perspective. The level here is pretty minor. But at least I haven’t fallen in with the system. I should probably also say that my current project does not rely on public funds.
(The script, part 3 and 6 of 8) Andrea Fraser, Official welcome, performance 2001, MICA foundation, NY, New York