Yay! I like the new character appearing on the show today, "Feisty Fausto the Art Critic."

: )

-jason

Said by: Jason at August 28, 2006 06:36 AM

Oh man, was this show a downer. Robert Pogatetz never really answered the questions Fausto asked. He mostly just seemed really self-important, which for any artist, musician or writer can be so off-putting. Power to Pogatetz for finding success with his work, but using celebrities for subjects seems like such a gay cliche. What about the really interesting everyday people in this world who are really inspirational, who don't happen to be on "Access Hollywood"? I think as gay people we deify the famous to a fault. Mariah Carey? I wouldn't even want that woman to serve me coffee. She's one of the worst icons of the cult of self. I am over it.

Anyway, I am glad Feast of Fools is bringing a wide range of artists onto the show, even if Neruda and Whitman might be stirring in the earth uncomfortably.

Said by: Cesar at August 28, 2006 12:09 PM

I somewhat agree with Cesar, BUT... I really appreciated the spontaneity of Robert's comments. I think he is very inspirational, yet somewhat restricted to characters we're all too familiar with. Marilyn works for some, but so does the old man sitting on my street corner who yells at my car because it reflects sunlight into his eyes. I hate the fact that most people leave this planet without illustrating their spirits for others to learn from. Robert... therein lies your challenge.

Said by: Glenn at August 28, 2006 01:22 PM

Jason,

I say this with unflinching bias, but I stand firm that art is art, no matter what the inspiration. I'll concur that Mariah Carey leaves much to be desired, but the majority of the 20th century's fasccinating women also happen to be gay icons. From Norma Shearer to Jackie O. to Florence Griffith Joyner and Florence Foster Jenkins.

Their endurance might actually have a direct correlation to our ongoing dialogues. What's so cliched about that? Only preconceived notions of what that discourse might entail.

-Bill

Said by: Billyboy at August 28, 2006 01:51 PM

Apologies. My comment was in response to Cesar's post.

Said by: Billyboy at August 28, 2006 01:52 PM

I thoroughly agree: Art is art. Whether it's the design of a toothbrush, a piece in a gallery or a doodle, if it comes fm the imagination of a person, we've got art. In today's show, I question the motivations behind the choice of subject, and I was hoping Robert would shed light on it during the interview. He did, to a certain extent, but I wanted deeper insight. Do we assign these "immortal" attributes to celebrities to deal with our own mortality and our fear of mortality? What does our celebrity worship also say about current values and aesthetic? I like it when people, gays and lesbians in particular, can really dissect their need for finding inspiration in the cult of celebrity. Looking up to the famous is normal, but looking up to the hardworking activists, teachers, community leaders, relatives and friends in our lives is a motivational and creative act. After all, worshipping the famous is hardly new. But insight is what doesn't come as often.

Said by: Cesar at August 28, 2006 02:17 PM

Living in downstate Illinois I have very little contact with the Chicago gay art scene. I enjoyed listening to the podcast because it gave me a small glimpse inside of it.

If you are a big fan of Judy Garland you should check out the "Entertainment Beat With Frances Gumm" podcast - it's like Judy never left us... Here is a link to it: http://francesgummcast.blogspot.com/

Said by: Miss Bunny at August 28, 2006 02:36 PM

Art can BE anything and be ABOUT anything. Art is really an idea most of all.

The quality and standards that come from it are decided by the audience that consumes or views the work or content.

Because we currently live in a society that can be hostile to experimentation, countercultural ideas and to artists in general, we tend to overcompensate when it comes to is. I think we're all a little afraid to say- "that wasn't very good."

But when it comes to music, comedy, -things we consume every day its easier. We think we feel safe saying that a film was bad.

When it comes to paintings or work that is more abstract or formal, people can be a little afraid to say what they think. Nobody wants to appear ignorant or stupid.

If you like any form of art, podcast, painting, poem- then support it. By talking about it, encouraging it, and paying for it whenever you can.

However if you don't like something about a work of art, and the creators (like us) ask for constructive feedback, it's not always easy to give or to receive.

Heavens know I'm a huge crybaby when it comes to getting negative comments. Even Kathy Griffin said "I can't handle what I dish out, but that's ok."

Am I too superficial for obsesing on my personal diva, Kathy Griffin?

Said by: Fausto at August 28, 2006 02:46 PM

I have a knee-jerk skeptical reflex, I have to admit, when it comes to people making paintings from photographs of celebrities. I mean, a whole 30-pound coffee table book filled with paintings of the same person? Wow. There's so much more out there to get inspired by...

That said, we have a friend who has made more than 600 images of Lesley Gore, and she is one of the best artists I know. (You may have seen her work around Chicago.) She is constantly experimenting with materials -- my favorite has to be the one made of Macaroni & Cheese orange cheese powder. She has made SUCH a big deal about obsessing on Lesley, that the obsession, and the treatment of celebrity images as a commodity, becomes an interesting part of the work.

I love that the Feast of Fools puts the spotlight on independent artists, in addition to giving us celeb gossip (feed that sugar craving!). Just last week, we heard from Brian Lobel AND LotSix...

Because of that podcast, my girlfriend and I went to see LotSix's one-woman self-karaoke rock show that night, and it was so smart and wicked. She was amazing! So thanks to FOF for fighting the good fight against homogenized popular culture, and getting the word out about original, underappreciated artists. You've been the cause of a few new obsessions, I'm sure. (Leslie Hall! Leslie Hall!)

Said by: Maia at August 28, 2006 04:02 PM

Lesley Gore seems like a great person to idolize to me. I had NO idea what a huge lesbian she was!

Said by: Fausto at August 29, 2006 12:27 AM

In all her glory ...

http://homepage.mac.com/lorell/Menu7.html

(link to Lesley Gore art)

Said by: Maia at August 29, 2006 12:46 PM

OMG who is this guest? What a tool. He had the chance to give an eloquent commentary on Madonna's successes to an ever-cynical Fausto. But instead the inarticulate guest gave a shit-response riddled with bitchiness and hardly-thought-out clichés in a breathy, opiate-induced, affected voice. Barf.

(But Fauso, you were good. You're always a star.)

Said by: matt at September 4, 2006 12:14 PM