Yesterday there was a pre opening with 1500 especially invited guests. I'm here representing Platform, Vasa, Finland. An organization with an artist in residence program. There are exhibitors from more than 35 countries here.
The goal of SUPERMARKET, the international artist-run art fair is to provide a showcase for artists' initiatives from all over the world and to create opportunities for new network in the Swedish as well as the international art scene.
But it has so far been a stereotypical spectacle you can imagine goes on in art circles. Many visitors, designers/artists are so aware of the importance of making an appearance. They dress well, reflect and analyze the work of art like they know what they are talking about, while drinking free champagne from plastic cups.
This is supposed to be the elite, but it's not really glamorous. Not different from looking at illustrations in the metro with a needle of heroin pumped in its veins. The location of this event is ironically standing side by side with the lowest respective highest terms of class. There are people here who can't afford to live in a home, and people who could afford to buy a home for every person living on the streets. Only a thin line in between.
It's not the same with the audience who honestly just want to have a look at the art. It's not the same with exhibitors who represent a concept, gallery or organization either. It's just that most of these booths represent themselves as artists and want to show their collected diamonds in a public space.
Art is a joke in many occasions.
