Art Fairs: A Reflection
Last summer (2023), I decided to join the “Super Fine Art Fair” to participate in a more “professional” fair setting. As I planned my booth, I envisioned a gradient from purple to pink, a visual feast that would captivate viewers and set the stage for my bold, empowering pieces.
But here's the thing, reality had other plans. Despite my initial vision, the gradient remained a mere concept, overshadowed by the magnetic allure of the individual pieces themselves. Impatience is almost always constant companion, and it nudged the gradient to the sidelines as I delved deeper into the creation process, letting the stories of my paintings guide me.
The result? A wall adorned with figures exuding drama, confidence, and unapologetic self-love. From the painting with the words “I am a juicy goddess” written across a voluptuous figure to the defiant words "My body doesn't owe you shit," written across another. Each piece resonated with a powerful message of reclaiming the female body and desires, of embracing every curve and contour as a testament to inherent beauty.
And let's talk diversity. My wall boasted a kaleidoscope of body shapes, sizes, and expressions, a celebration of the multifaceted beauty that exists within each of us. From tummy rolls to back rolls, from lingerie-clad figures to mug holding goddesses. Every figure told a unique story, challenging societal norms and championing self-acceptance.
The art fair experience itself? Despite high expectations, the reality fell short. Super Fine Art Fair, while promising, left much to be desired. Limited foot traffic, lackluster advertising, and a less-than-ideal venue layout dampened the overall experience. The organizers did attempt to fix the less-than-ideal- layout of the venue mid way through the weekend but it felt like far too little, far too late. And while absolutely not the fault of Super Fine Art Fair, my works absolutely did not hit the mark. for the audience that was present. While I did have a few conversations full of curiosity, the overall vibe of the viewers was that my art made them uncomfortable. This is something that I must deal with from time-to-time, but it felt icky.
Within a year, all but three pieces from this series have found new homes, which I am endlessly grateful for. But it has reaffirmed that my art REALLY DOES NOT hit with many, many audiences and finding where my art and I fit is an important part of my career as an artist and leads me to the mantra “try, try, try again”.
So here's to embracing the unexpected, to letting go of rigid expectations, and to allowing who i am to shine, unapologetically. Because sometimes, the most beautiful moments emerge from the unscripted chaos of life.
XOXO,
Tiffany