Affordable Art

The Wellington Affordable Art show went off with a bang this weekend. I'm told over $300,000 worth of art was sold on the opening night alone - a figure the organisers claim positions art, and their event in particular, as defiant of the dreaded  'R' word. 

I suppose 'affordable' should be seen as strictly subjective in this, and any sense, but I couldn't help thinking that many works were a little overpriced. Especially given the idea I perceived to be on many-a peruser's mind; that a lucky purchase could prop up their retirement in years to come. The calibre of work seems to be on the uptake every year, and I can only assume that some of the true gems would have been hung, and sold on the opening night. Something I find a little cheeky.

Richard Simmonds' portrait of Arnold Schwarzenegger was definitely a highlight for me. It also made it onto TV3's coverage of the show.