Work of Art: The Next Great Artist
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Artsy reality competition mixes in some nudity and language.
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What's the Story?
WORK OF ART: THE NEXT GREAT ARTIST is a reality competition that features up-and-coming artists competing for the chance to become the next great contemporary artist. Fourteen artists from various backgrounds, training, and mediums must compete in 10 challenges that will require them to create a piece of art of some kind. As they work, they receive support and constructive criticism from legendary auction house owner Simon De Pury. The finished pieces are put on display in a gallery show to be viewed and critiqued by the public, as well as a panel of judges that includes art critic Jerry Saltz and gallery owner Bill Powers. Rounding out the panel is the show's host, China Chow. The winner of each challenge gets immunity for the next challenge, while the loser of each challenge goes home. The artist that remains at the end of the overall competition wins $100,000, a cover story in Blue Canvas magazine, and their own solo show at the Brooklyn Museum.
Is It Any Good?
The series, which is produced by actress and art enthusiast Sarah Jessica Parker, follows the same familiar format that popular shows like Project Runway and Top Chef are known for. As a result, it highlights the contestants who have unique personalities, and underscores some of the friendships and conflicts that emerge between them while playing up the elimination drama.
The show offers some interesting insight into what makes people's creations art, as well as what goes into critiquing it. But asking people to create good art within a very specific and limited time frame for the sake of a competition seems to undermine the very creative process the show is supposed to be celebrating. It may appeal to reality fans, but die hard art lovers might have a hard time appreciating the picture it is painting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to be an artist. What exactly is art? What is its purpose? Who decides what is art and what isn't? Why do some artists use images that are viewed as strange, uncomfortable, and/or otherwise inappropriate in real life as part of their work? What are some of the challenges of working in a creative field?
Do you think this kind of reality show is an effective way to educate people about the artistic process and the life of an artist? Why or why not? How real is the show and what is emphasized and hidden from viewers?
What are some of the benefits of participating in the arts? Who should fund art education? How has kids' exposure to art changed over the years?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 9, 2010
- Cast: China Chow , Jerry Saltz , Simon De Pury
- Network: Bravo
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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