The art world has long been a bastion of exclusivity, where the line between creativity and commodity is often blurred. Enter The White Pube, the subversive duo of Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad, who have made it their mission to challenge the status quo of art criticism. With their debut book, Poor Artists, they deliver a scathing yet hopeful critique of the contemporary art scene through a daring fusion of fiction and criticism.
A Novel Approach to Art Criticism
In Poor Artists, The White Pube employs an unconventional narrative structure, weaving together the fictional journey of aspiring artist Quest Talukdar with real-world observations and critiques. This innovative approach allows them to expose the systemic issues plaguing the art world, from the commodification of creativity to the precarity of the artist’s existence.
We interviewed 22 anonymous artists and art world people for the book, and we use this material as the basis for a series of strange Ali Smith-esque vignettes.
The White Pube
Through Quest’s encounters with a cast of surreal characters – talking babies, zombies, and even the ghost of Gustave Courbet – the authors shed light on the absurdities and inequities that aspiring artists face. From convoluted funding applications to sycophantic gallery dynamics, Poor Artists paints a vivid picture of an art world that often prioritizes profit over passion.
Redefining the Value of Art
At its core, Poor Artists grapples with the age-old question: what is art? Through Quest’s journey, the book presents a kaleidoscope of definitions, each reflecting the diverse and often conflicting perspectives within the art community. Art is variously described as:
- Something that “begins where language ends”
- “Just a thing someone did because they wanted to”
- “An interpersonal skill that you could practise and use to interrogate your relationship with the world”
- The opportunity to “transform something, and have it transform you in return”
By showcasing these competing views, The White Pube challenges readers to reconsider their own understanding of art’s purpose and value. They argue that art should be accessible, transformative, and, above all, a source of joy for both the creator and the audience.
A Call for Change
While Poor Artists is unsparing in its critique of the contemporary art world, it is not without hope. The White Pube’s ultimate goal is to inspire a shift in how we view and support artists. They envision a future where creativity is celebrated for its intrinsic value, not just its market potential, and where artists are given the space and resources to thrive.
The conclusion is simply that it should be easier to be an artist, and that there should be space in the world to make stuff just for the pleasure of making it.
The White Pube
Through Quest’s journey, the authors invite readers to imagine a world where art is truly accessible and valued. They challenge us to question the structures that perpetuate inequality within the art community and to actively work towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for artists.
A Groundbreaking Debut
Poor Artists marks a bold and refreshing debut from The White Pube. By blending fiction, criticism, and sociopolitical commentary, they have created a work that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging. Their unique approach to art writing challenges readers to look beyond the surface and confront the systemic issues that shape the contemporary art world.
While the book’s unconventional structure may not appeal to everyone, it is precisely this willingness to push boundaries that makes Poor Artists such a vital contribution to the art criticism canon. The White Pube’s fearless and incisive commentary serves as a clarion call for change, urging us to reimagine a world where art and artists can flourish.
As we follow Quest Talukdar’s journey through the labyrinthine art world, we are reminded of the transformative power of creativity and the importance of nurturing and supporting artistic talent. Poor Artists is not just a critique of the status quo; it is a celebration of the resilience and passion of artists everywhere, and a powerful reminder that art, in all its forms, is essential to the human experience.
