PR For Artists

I'm deeply suspicious of the phrase "highly acclaimed artist". Look at this detail of Hoots Mon, Och-aye (2008) by "highly acclaimed British artist" Tony Gill and you'll see what I mean. Acclaimed? By whom? Mickey Mouse? This tosh opened on Friday at the Idea Generation Gallery in London and continues until 22 October. Gill's canvases are 8 feet high (title link). Eek! Now here's the telling detail: Idea Generation is a PR firm with an art gallery. So, artists, if you want to be able to put "highly acclaimed" on your CV, get yourself a PR firm.