Red Dot Art Fair 2010 Episode

Red Dot’s affair with putting up the red dot has sold their reputation for a commercial enterprise.  Despite the often-criticized rap of making money, galleries are ironically intended for this purpose.  In what is commonly labeled “the most commercial venue of Art Basel,” carries unexpectedly beautiful and intuitively crafted work that would make anyone envious to hang. Red Dot prides themselves in providing unique art that is affordable to a greater diversity of audience, ranging from $150 to $150,000. Their director, George Billis, clearly implied that Red Dot draws from those excluded by the high end of Basel.

Within the first few steps of entering the size-able fair, prints of Steve McCurry, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and a slew of favorite artists greet you. Amidst the lovelier examples of the fair, the steel gleam and the far-off surrendered pattern of imaginary stars caught worthy attention.

"Timepeice" on aluminum panel by Francie Hester

Francie Hester’s work is a clean creation of her personal tribute to the 15th Century Astrolabe.  The Ottoman Empire used this intricate bronze tool to guide themselves along the stars.  Hester explains on her webpage: “The night sky seems so random; but the ancient astrolabe was a means to interpret and order the vast celestial sky as a way to understand and mark time. It drew order out of seeming chaos and random events. It serves as a symbol of the understanding and meaning of time.”

The photography of Thomas Barbey was a fascinating world of subtly and sharp distortion.  He lines his images up with an old-fashioned hit-n-miss process of editing separate images together.

"Oh Sheet" by Thomas Barbey

Barbey has the finest skilled work known in this field without using photo-shop technology. His work is purely developed and articulated in the dark room, making Thomas Barbey a true master of a faintly surviving trade.  Additional images and information can be found at Emmanuel Fremin Gallery.

The work of Shelia Giolitti, built upon Rothko and expanded with emotions layered in epoxy is breathtaking.

"Firtst Light II" by Shelia Giolitti

See more of her work here or contact Myers Contemporary.

The social commentary and humorous light of combining classical masterpieces with current celebrity hiatus, pop icons, and common tourist elements was a smash hit in the integrated work of Lluis Barba.  The famous Spanish painter, Barba was represented by the Besharat Gallery.

"La muestra de Gersaint Watteau" by Lluis Barba

The “natural fiber” newspaper weave by Gugger Petter has an unusual enchantment, which can be seen more extensively at Andrea Schwartz Gallery.

"Madonna" of newspaper and mixed media by Gugger Petter

Red Dot sold $ and impacted their dollars to our experience of affordable art.