Ok, so an original painting of Dogs Playing Poker has sold for $590,400 at auction. I know kitsch is considered very popular, and the Dogs are nothing if not kitsch. For that reason alone, I can see why this painting would bring in so much. But consider this: the Dogs are an American icon now, a symbol of bad art just as much as velvet paintings. I suppose the ultimate would be Dogs Playing Poker painted on velvet. The image is ubiquitous, and now it has been given importance by the all-powerful dollar. It has made it to the big time. Does anyone realize where this is heading? In years to come - centuries from now, perhaps - Dogs Playing Poker may well be the image that represents 20th century zeitgeist. A nation of dog-loving, poker-playing, beer-drinking art lovers. That's us, by golly.
Posted by Alexandra at February 16, 2005 08:53 AMBeer drinking is associated with bad art? What hope, then, for connoisseurs of the hard stuff? To say nothing of cats.
Assuming, of course, that they're not the same....
Posted by: Craig at February 20, 2005 05:36 PM