The final of Saatchi art school – so after just two commissions, the artists are to put on a group show at the Saatchi Gallery. We are not told how long they had to do it, or what the budget was, although it seems like about 3 weeks from come clues given.
I can’t help thinking this is designed to set them up to fail a bit. Work would have to be fairly bombastic to stand much chance of registering in those spaces.. also much stress upon inviting the ‘right’ people, although it seems that they have Saatchi’s mailing list, so perhaps he’s just saving on admin wages.
Suki’s work was a bit subtle for last week’s task and this happened again here, although I can’t helping thinking this is not her best work and she might be a better artist under different conditions?
Eugenie – she’s only a first year student and 19, so their comments that she is confused and not experienced enough seem expected. But with one epic fail and one lovely fence she pulls it off as she seems to presume she will.
Saad – apparently has struggled for inspiration in both tasks, but wait… didn’t he just have a good think before plunging in? Then he wiggles around in a sheet – as good a way to generate ideas as any.The editing doesn’t help the way you see the works either as they are given the slant of the judges: you can’t help but be underwhelmed by this work.
Sam’s electrical thingmajigs are interesting but don’t hold my attention for long. I don’t like work that is led by technology instead of ideas and he seemed to be falling into that trap. The first piece with magnets inspired by Brunel was elegant, not so here.
The fact that Eugenie won is probably the best indicator that it was Saatchi’s art school and not ‘the best artist art school’, see also lots of very well spoken people at the opening. Can’t help feeling like she won, but without getting to be taken seriously. I was so very glad that Matt got to be in the London leg of the show, also that Eugenie gave him her studio for the first year. He wanted it and seemed to deserve it more (I realise hard work does not necessarily make a good artist, but he is good too). I felt all of his emotions as they came out of the TV and filled my lounge, they was so palpable. I recognised myself in him at that final judging moment.
But then again, I would never have made that call to the council to get the fence removed, far too low in confidence and expectation.
Anyway, if you fancy having a go at a mini art school, without the TV and with a bit more space to breathe – Apply for A Curriculum at A Foundation in Liverpool next spring. Online applications on Saatchi’s website here:
