Editor's Letter September 2009
I’ve come to the realization that while I am alive, I might never be considered an important Artist by those evasive powers which pull the puppet strings. This isn’t due to the fact that I am not deserving, but for reasons beyond my authority. When I was a teenager growing up in NYC, I viewed a street mural in big black letters on Broome & West Broadway which stated, ‘I AM THE BEST ARTIST.’ The image of those words has stayed with me for years, and when I reflect on its author’s meaning, I feel that he wasn’t seriously proclaiming himself to be the best Artist, but instead mocking the Art World and its self serving ego maniacs. Of which there are many.
In July, Artist Bob Tannen offered me an abandoned warehouse space to create my video installation, spanning 11 years, and it felt good to be a part of the process of creating this site specific installation. After a few weeks of working out every detail, it was time to share my vision with New Orleans. I very rarely attend my openings, but I was so excited -- and the exhibition was only up for one night -- so I had to be there. Thousands of people attended but only a handful of my Contemporaries were present. They were either up the street having a pillow fight or down the street jockeying for position. I’m here, laboriously attempting to help lead this City into the 21st Century, and I’m competing with gimmicks, novelties and beauty pageants. Attempting to make a difference and constantly being faced with ignorance, neglect, jealousy, arrogance and racism, is exhausting and frustrating.
To the critics who are afraid to take a chance on their gut feeling and only write about what's popular, young and hip: your days are numbered. To the gallerist who only cares if he can make a fast buck on an Artist and doesn’t give a damn about the nurturing process: your days are numbered. To the Museums that only break bread with their patrons, throwing crumbs to the Artists that fill their rooms, and to the Artists stealing from their Contemporaries and stumbling around without integrity: your days are numbered. To the Curators who could care less about vision and God-given talent, who reward Artists based on current trends, politics, privilege and status: your days are numbered, too. You can ignore me all you want but I am not going anywhere. You’re simply a catalyst that I will use to transform the art world.
Best Regards,
Terrence Sanders, Editor & Publisher
