Bravo's latest reality show based on the art world

Todd Heisler/The New York Times


The New York Times is reporting that hundreds of people (across the US) turned up a to a series of casting calls for a reality TV show based on contemporary artists for BRAVO and to be produced by Sarah Jessica Parker. Of the hopefuls that turned up 13 finalists will be announced and one artist will win "a gallery show, a cash prize and a sponsored national museum tour". It is a little surprising to note that representation by a high level gallery is not part of the prize, although no specifics have been confirmed. This could be similar to the response the technical and skill based reality shows such as Project Runway and So You Think You Can Dance received where industry people were extremely skeptical until a few season in. The prizes therefore often increased once the show had proved itself and become reputable. It will be great to see how the contestants will be tested and surely that in itself will create some interesting TV.

Sotheby's downsizing in more ways than one.

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

The New York Times has reported that Christies and Sotheby's (US branches) are downsizing their catalogues. Collector's shoulders will be thankful but for researchers and historians catalogues are also a great resource for studying an artist's work in the art market. Catalogues often include long (sometimes tedious) histories of the artists and their artworks but they can also be invaluable later on in reselling or studying a painting or object.

Christies are cutting down the size and page number, while Sotheby's are sending collectors usb catalogues which they can also view online, as well as maintaining printed catalogues. The quality and colour of prints can be extremely important when viewing an artwork for sale and the colour differences in screens could cause a problem but the online catalogue has its upsides. Both auction houses have searchable catalogues which are still useful for research, including condition report and background information but do not have the depth of knowledge usually presented in print catalogues. Catalogues are still a money spinner for auction houses, particularly high profile auctions so they will most likely never be completely discountinued, of which art historian are probably quite relieved.