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waiting game

From:     Eva
Category: Art
Date:     19 October 2008
Time:     08:18 AM

Review:

Nice show. Thing is, this ‘free’ is still typical of the image of ‘free’ that capitalism uses to
define itself against. Like public transport, housing or health, you pay by waiting (in the cold). 
But is it a fairer fair?

Being concurrent with the other art fairs, the FAF could either be seen as being in competition to
or in opposition to them (not ruling out simultaneously complementing them). Dealers will enjoy the
FAF and then, rather than endure the wait, procure one of the artists’ works from one of the other
fairs. I’m not sure if that’s enough of a criticism of FAF though, if it is, it’s because FAF could
then be seen to still be operating within and supporting the art markets’ value system.  Which would
only be a problem if it sets itself up as being against that value system.  I see FAF rather sitting
on the fence on this issue. Maybe it has to and maybe the best critique does come from within…

The other thing is that exchange is of course still happening at FAF, it’s just not monetary (but it
can result in monetary value further down the line). The kind of exchange happening at FAF is
complicated. For a lot of artists being in art fairs can involve some kudos and publicity – which
FAF still supplies together with some feel-good vibes. 

I liked experiencing the artworks at the fair. Would I want to take one home, to be its owner? I’ve
got too much stuff in my life, but, yes. Problem is, I have too much work on this weekend. Then,
even the idea of spending 72 hours camping outside an art gallery in October sends a shiver down my
spine.  I’m clearly not dedicated or worthy enough, I’d rather spend the time making my own art
(days in the studio are very precious, due to the necessity of money work). If I was rich I’d just
pay someone to wait for me. If I was going to camp outside a building in London for a few days, I’d
like to think I do so outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, there’s so much to protest about
these days but so little time. 


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