I would like to say thank you to all of you who have been following my blog: I have received so many wonderful emails and comments and it is so encouraging to have your support.
Now I’ll get to the challenge. This episode, we were asked to make a shocking piece of art. A lot of people felt that this meant they needed to portray a shocking subject; I decided to manipulate an art medium in a “shocking” way. After all, what’s shocking about Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ isn’t that it’s degrading to Jesus – rather, it is that piss becomes beautiful! As Abdi so innocently states, it looks like amber or beeswax, but not like urine. There are certainly all sorts of religious undertones to the piece, but degrading Jesus is not shocking. So for my project, I decided to conquer an idea I’d been interested in for some time; the way certain female celebrities objectify themselves by posting ridiculous, sexy photos of themselves on internet sites such as twitter, myspace, etc… Often these photos are low-resolution and snapped from cell phones. I decided to portray them as a sort of “self-portraiture” and elevate them to fine art status by re-contextualizing them. I decided to title it “Triple Self-Portrait in Bathroom”. The title references artists like Andy Warhol (Triple Elvis) who are known for working with the idea of celebrity persona.
- Jaclyn Santos, "Triple Self Portrait in Bathoom" 2009
From the very beginning I knew I wanted to incorporate text. On these blogs and internet sites, the photos are “critiqued” in the way fine art is, and I wanted to compare the vulnerability of each. After careful consideration, I decided to allow the viewer to write on the piece, like he would on a blog. I wanted to create a tension between the viewer as a voyeur and the viewer as a participant.
I recently recreated this piece at my open studio and here is the finished version:
- Jaclyn Santos, "Self Portrait in Bathroom" 2010
In many ways these works deal with larger themes of acceptance: I created three images and gave complete control of them to the audience. I created rules:
1. I was not allowed to alter the piece once the exhibit started.
2. The viewer is free to edit in any way he chooses.
The responses were varied and some even “shocked” me! Some people’s remarks directly corresponded to the imagery I presented while other marks were arbitrary. At the gallery, several people asked me if I felt offended by what people wrote or drew, and I replied that the piece really isn’t about me, it is about the viewer. I have given the piece over to the viewer.
Ryan Shultz states: “Jackie hates that the male gaze exists yet she is obsessed with it.” This is actually a brilliant remark! It is this exact apparent contradiction that I and so many other women struggle with: reconciling the desire for empowerment with the desire to be desired. This piece addresses really pertinent issues of voyeurism, narcissism, male gaze and objectification.
With regard to the argument with Erik, it is so completely irrelevant. Artists bounce ideas off each other all the time. If he went to art school he would know this. And his idea of putting a jar of markers out in the public is something that would be a natural response to the images I presented. I would never try to take credit for someone else’s idea, I sincerely had thought of this on my own. On another note, not only did I model for his piece, but I suggested as sternly as possible that he should refrain from writing “sex education” on his poster. I actually liked Erik prior to this, but what I’ve learned about him is he takes everything completely literally. He has difficulty, I believe, comprehending concepts such as subversion or irony.
24 Comments
I think you should have won this challenge. I knew there was more to it and after reading your blog this week I gave a big "told yo so" to bravo. As an artist I really am enjoying this show, for the artwork. Good luck, can't wait till next week.
Jaclyn, I thought the piece was brilliant. Social commentary and satire generate a "shock value," and I think the shocking quality of it lies within its reception. A piece like this is perfect within the different schools of feminism. The other day, I saw a billboard promoting breast cancer awareness. The billboard was just a picture of a woman wearing a tight t-shirt, up close and focusing on her breasts. I googled the ad and was surprised to find a diverse response. Many thought it objectified the woman, others thought it was an interesting spin on using sex appeal to convey a message. Anyways, your piece reminded me of this. While mostly everyone else decided to go for overt imagery within the image itself, the real shock is if people look at your piece and feel the same as the producers who cut tonight's show. The statement alone shocks, and I think that it will bring up quite interesting discussions and debates regarding the themes you've chosen to incorporate. I can't wait to see the next piece.
Thank you so much. :) The producers clearly have an agenda. One thing that disturbed me, too, was that a judge commented that so many of us "defaulted" to sex. While that may be true of some of the others, I have been making this sort of social commentary for so long that it's ridiculous to lump me in that category long with the others. I'm glad you appreciate the irony and the relevance of my commentary, it's very encouraging! This was the first time I'd actually presented photographic piece that I was proud of and it's nice to have it appreciated.
Is “Triple Self-Portrait in Bathroom” shown anywhere in its finished state? (That is to say, after the viewers had added their comments.) I am curious as to what the final collection of scribbles was; especially considering that while a viewer can write anything, context & sequence of writing may skew what is added. If I were there, I'd've added a botticelli shell for you. ;)
You know, it's sad... I was very clear to the producers that the piece was "finished" when the gallery was cleared. Yet they never show the finished version... they never show much of the artwork at all actually... it seems that the drama takes precedence over actually showing the artwork. I like the idea of turning me into a venus... very empowering.
This is a comment not just on this episode but about all the episodes so far----I have made comments on FB both on my wall and Jerry's threads and on some of his NYMag Vulture columns-----but to distill it all down---Based on your portfolios, I thaink that You and Ryan are the standout rea artists on the show---the assignments on the show basically require an alla prima approach and are often Entartete Kunst assssignments. This does not represent your work as a real artist so don't take it so hard--your work outside the show is excellent , both "above the wrist" and below the wrist" and you have accepted challanges outside your genre. Whatever the utcome of the series was--you just need to know that only you and Ryan deserve the title of real artists---and accomplished ones at that. Although I don't achieve it , I aspire to do the quality of work that you do.---hang in there..
"at the gallery, several people asked me if I felt offended by what people wrote or drew, and I replied that the piece really isn’t about me, it is about the viewer. I have given the piece over to the viewer. The irony is that I gave away editing power to the producers. So where do my loyalties lie: to my art or to the producers? I wouldn’t be an artist if I answered the latter." This is so brilliant because it the art is actually how the show, instead of illuminating art for the public actually obscures it. Great job, Jackie. -Lisa Levy
I hate to play devil's advocate but being an artist you have to understand what the producers are doing. They are trying to create their own art with the pieces of footage they have. They too are trying to reach an audience just like you are trying (I should say succeeding) to give an audience, a viewer, an experience. I think that those that want to see the art will still see the art and those that tune in for drama will still do that as well. In my household I am the "artistic" one so I love to see the many different interpretations of these challenges (I loved your book cover and reading that you did not read the book makes your interpretation all that more fantastic) where everyone else just tunes in for drama (my daughter said "that girl loves her t**s" when she saw that you took more pictures of yourself this episode) So we all watch for our own reasons and like you say it's really all up to the viewer and I know at least one that kind'a sort'a gets it. I have to say though that you blew my mind. I generally don't like when things are created to make me behave like I'm genetically wired to have a specific response but I reacted to your pictures exactly like you said I would by gawking. It was a weird moment because I knew where you were going with it and I still went there in my head. I actually felt a little shame for being such a machine. I'm like why can't I NOT objectify her but I did. I love the cerebral-ness (thats not even close to a real word) of your art and I'm working on not being a complete hardwired neanderthal. Oh and I hate stars (that was a joke. I did go there tho'. Still working on it)
As a feminist figurative painter dealing with these very same topics (voyeurism, self-objectivication, sexuality, nude self-portraits, etc.) I was really excited to see that an artist with similar topics and visual strategies was being portrayed on the show. Now I watch every episode and look forward to seeing your response, because a) well, it's juicy gossipy stuff and b) it could very well be me up there making the same art, getting the same critiques. It's interesting to see more full perspectives than just what is shown on air. I think you might enjoy this recent article in the NY Times: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/lady-power/ And the author's response to the comments: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/30/authority-and-arrogance-a-response/ You're completely right about Erik's lack of art education probably accounting for his not understanding that artists bounce ideas off each other all the time... the average viewer probably doesn't get this either, unfortunately. Everything is referential in some way; no art is made in a vacuum. I'm a bit conflicted about the existence of this show in general, i.e. the broader audience gets a neatly packaged, potentially misleading, and frankenbited version of what it means to be an artist today, but it does also t times shed light on the critique process and potentially engage more people in the total experience of art, allowing them to understand the right questions to ask of art, and that it's okay to have an opinion rather than revert to the standard "I don't know anything about art" excuse for not engaging. Looking forward to future posts!
@Megan: I just read the article... awesome. I will definitely write something about it as soon as I get a chance. As far as the rest of your comment, I couldn't have phrased it better myself. And trust me, when I was asked to be a participant on the show I thought long and hard about it, for the exact reason you state. What I've come to learn is that although the show will certainly have some really good moments, it's not ok to exploit people along the way... especially someone like myself who loves art with every fiber of her body. It is a learning experience, and though it's been really difficult to watch, ultimately I am growing as an artist from it. They can violate me in every way imaginable but they can NEVER take that away.
to all, caveat emptor beauty is in the eye of the beholder to be bold is not to be arrogant it follows a quest, activly & aggressively always seeking a path to expression.
I'm glad I took the time to look your works/blog up in a context outside of the show. I suspected a very a different persona than that being shown in the edited down version being broadcast. To some degree, I suppose that is probably true for all the artists and how they are portrayed. Makes me wonder how they would portray myself were I on there. ;P a quiet, shy, passive-aggressive, wheelchair using artist? I have absolutely no clue what I would have done for a 'shocking' piece...much like John, I spend most of my life doing what I can to not stand out *too* much more than I do by default. And in some ways I can relate to your exploration of the 'gaze' of viewers. For me, the gaze would be more about my own (being at a sitting height eternally means lots of crotch/rears in the face.....god help me going to a music concert). ;P I felt the work you did for this episode was probably your strongest so far..certainly more so than the previous one. This one had more of a punch behind it, more interaction. Honestly, the rather quick turnaround on assignment to finished piece is hurting the quality of the works on the show...fastest I personally have made a completed work would be charcoal drawings in college in about 12-15hrs of work. A painting would be nigh impossible for me to do in the time they seem to allot on the show. Something I am curious about...was there much downtime between episodes/assigments? or was it one after the other each day till finished with filming? Keep up the good work and don't let the internet whinos get to ya. :) ~joe
I thought that the message was self apparent, at least for anyone who has more than ten brain cells. I wouldn't be too concerned.
Reality shows like Work of Art are so heavily edited, manipulated, and therefore contrived. I admire the courage that you and the other artists show in your willingness to be at the mercy of the producers the way you are. What I find odd about the show is that it's essentially a game show where the contestants are being challenged on their adaptability, versatility, resourcefulness, and speed, all of which are interesting, but are not at all about artistic process in my opinion. I'm hoping that soon they set the challenge: Do what you do best. (oh, and have a little extra time to do it!)
Hello Jaclyn, I love the paintings that are on your site! I've also been enjoying the show and must say I'm pleased to see you challenging yourself and taking risks. As a artist I can see you are growing from the challenges and I'm delighted to watch it happen. If they would only spend more time showing the actual finished work, it feels like Ive only had a glimpse of your piece in this episode. This show has given me a fresh view of the perception of art from the viewer and has me contemplating over reaching out in new directions with my work. If a second season will be produced I will most definitely be submitting a application! Keep growing and creating!
That's what I'm talking about. Complete irony between how you deal with your own image and what the show is inturn doing with it. Loved it.
Jaclyn, I look forward to viewing tonights episode of Work of Art with fingers crossed. Hoping that the editors of this Bravo reality TV show will decide to go for a different slant than to portray you as the good looking spoiled brat (think Lindsay Lohan) who has alienated herself from the other contesting artists. The only other reality TV show I've watched is CBS' Survivor & I have seen how the editors of that show can change point-of-view from episode to episode. I know because I've seen interviews with participants who complained of the very thing Bravo editors are attempting to do with you. Stay strong & keep smiling & don't let them interfere with your art making. As far as I can see you have a real shot at winning this thing. Larry Walczak
@Larry: thank you!!! Please let me know what you think about tonight's episode... and check back for my thoughts as well.
You're like a modern-day Frida Kahlo, and that's something to be proud of!
Jaclyn, I just finished the "Shock to the System" episode and definitely thought your piece deserved the praise it received and could have easily won the challenge overall. From watching the series, it honestly seems like they show you and Nicole the least of anyone and when you are portrayed, it's typically briefly and doesn't show much of your process, although it was cool to see you taking the photos for this episode in the bathroom and the shock you put on anyone who was walking in to use it! Really like your pieces so far and Erik should have definitely been cut this week, I think he got REAL lucky getting to stick around again and acted like a baby when you didn't give him a shout out at the crit lol. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing the pieces you pull together from here on out, can't believe you're only three years older than me because your work is so solid but it's awesome to be able to see your youth in a piece like this one as well. -Clint-
Jacyln, I have to admit. As I watched the episode, during the scene when you first went into the bathroom and started taking nude photos, I thought to myself "is she taking nude photos of herself *again*?" But in the end, you pulled it off! You made an excellent piece... maybe not as 'shocking' as the others in my opinion but it was a captivating piece with the triptic and all. And to be fair - none of the pieces were really that shocking to me, even Abdi's. Maybe there were some difficult issues being addressed by the contestants, but shocking? That being said, again, I thought your piece was very well done despite my initial hesitancy to get on board with your idea. Way to go! :D
Nice site and great text.
As a feminist I have been so angered at the misogyny I've seen in discussions of you and your art. I'm very glad I found your blog to get more of your point of view in the creation of this piece. Objectification and desirability are such relevant issues in feminism right now. It's incredibly frustrating to see sexism in the editing of the show and how they have been shaping your image.
I loved this piece--as I have loved most of your pieces. What I loved about this work (and Miles's piece for the electronics sculpture challenge) is its commentary on the situation you are actually in. I can't believe none of the judges made reference to that (or maybe they did?). The most compelling work on this show, thus far, has been about being in the show. I love you the best because you do take a feminist stance. I hope you know how much I have admired and enjoyed your presence on the show.