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All That's Wrong With Art Photography I've never had a strong visceral reaction to anyone's work like I have to - a young man with an eye, and friends up a tree -- Ryan McGinley's. It's not a pleasant one. It's more of an "I just threw-up in the back of my mouth" kind-of reaction. To me, it's technically deficient, totally narcissistic and devoid of meaning and value. It's the exact opposite of work that moves me. And apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way. "ryan mcginley is the ansel adams of youth photography. both of their photos are nice to look at, but they aren't interesting." "All the substance and staying power of a slightly more risque Abercrombie & Fitch catalog." "It's unbelivable the amount of money goes into these sub-standard photographs. The fact that photographer has put so much of his own resources into these road trip shots make them seem very mannered. In general they seem to lack spontaneity. It was probably McGinely who instigated this style of photography but outside the subject and their circle of friends I cannot understand how anyone could appreciate, or even be interested, in these strangers. In fact, it seems a little sad that anyone who didn’t know them would really enjoy these photos." "Do you think anyone will really remember Ryan McGinley in 10 years? I really hope not. Its unbelievable what hype will do for an artist's career. "I'm making pictures that have never been seen before". Come on. This guy is a joke. Its embarrassing that major art institutions like PS1 and the Whitney would give this guy a show. The curators who organized those shows should resign." "There are pictures of McGinley's that are nice-- whats not to like about some of them? Thats not the issue. This guy is being positioned as one of the great photographers of his generation/time!! Now if this isn't an outrage I don't know what is. He's a hack. He's made some nice pictures. But so has my younger brother with his point and shoot." -- Which is why I'm completely shocked that The International Center of Photography is honoring him as the "Young Photographer of the Year," at next week's Infinity Awards. This kid's become a superstar by paying his friends and young, hot models to get naked and jump on trampolines in the middle of a field. Comparing his work to Larry Clark's is an insult, and is like comparing reality TV with a documentary film. "I'm doing it for myself," said McGinley. "I'm making the art for me first. I'm making it because these are the pictures I want to see. I'm making pictures that don't yet exist." Kid, if you've got 100-grand to drop on a project, at least do something socially redeeming and less self-indulgent. The world doesn't need to see any more poorly exposed photos of naked hipsters in trees. Thanks. [link and comments via Speak, See, Remember]
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