Blackpool Tower

Advice for Artists

Artists. This notice is to inform you of changes that are forecast for the contemporary art scene and to advise you on alterations you should make if you wish to continue selling work.

The current aesthetic, which has been popular for the last 8 years, is about to fall out of fashion (by the time you read this it may already have fallen out of fashion) Those of you who have been making popular work must take note of the following suggestions:-

In future (for the next 5 - 8 years) work should avoid overly scatalogical references, especially those which are both scatalogical and vernacular - cunt, tits and shit-stabber will definitely not sell although the term anal-erotic may retain its current market price.

Work should under no circumstances look sloppy. Indeed you should consider introducing elements of surface polish to reinforce the idea that your work is well made and not sloppy. Distressed materials will continue to be acceptable but only if the distress is the result of a 'natural' process of weathering (oxidisation, calcification, rotting etc) rather than an 'unnatural' process of human or social action (vandalism, male urination etc)

Work should consciously display its compexity. In the next 5 - 8 years the buyer will want to be convinced that work is highly complex and reflects (your) singular uncommnon experience rather than (your) legibally common experience. The titling of your work should reflect this. Use of Latin names is will make a slight comeback (esp in conjection with Roman numerals - eg Septus VII.) as will quotations from French authors (Malraux, Maupassant etc). Most post-1945 French Philosophers should be avioded but especially Barthes, Derrida and Baudrillard. Gilles Delueze will, however, hold his current maket value as will Debord. Both can be used in the titling of work

Jewish, Catholic and Greek Orthodox mysticism will show a slight increase in price - again only in the titling of work. Any direct use of iconography will increase price only when used in conjuction with real gold.

Work should overtly disply a metaphysical concern. Certainly Life and Death but you should also appear to ruminate on the nature and implications of an after-life. Phrases like "..actually I find this work extremely spiritual.." should sit comfortably with your product.

General essentialism will be helpful but not obligatory.

Nick Crowe