“Artists have always faced the struggle with art versus commerce,” Simon de Pury tells the remaining six contestants on “Work of Art.” At this moment, we all know what the next challenge is. Creating work that will sell.

Tonight’s show will reveal what happens when serious gallery artists vie for popular approval while holding up as legitimate gallery works. I laughed when they were told that performance art won’t qualify. No, you can’t sell your performance art on the sidewalk.

They also have to work in teams, another thing an independent artist would typically dislike. (Designers are always teamed up, so we kind of smile with recognition when we see fine artists squirm at times like this.)

I’ve been kind of liking the show this season. It’s the last of the reality shows on my list. “Drag Race” and “Top Chef” wore out their welcome. The creative process makes good TV, and the “crits” are articulate and thoughtful. Reading Jerry Saltz in New York Magazine is easier now that I have a better sense of his personality.

Simon de Pury mentors Kymia in season 2 of "Work of Art." (Photo from Bravo)

It is with some trepidation that I announce tonight’s premiere of “Work of Art,” Season 2 on Bravo.

Modeled after other reality shows involving fashion design or cooking, “Work of Art” puts working artists in unnatural, contrived situations and commands them to create. It’s intriguing to see what they come up with, but painful to watch when an artist collapses under the constant scrutiny, the bitchery and the gamesmanship.

I don’t see a lot of buzz about the show — in fact, I sense that Bravo could have gone either way when deciding whether or not to renew the program. It’s been more than a year since the first season.

About the show: Its full title is “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist,” and pits 14 artists against each other to win a solo show at the Brooklyn Museum and $100,000 cash.

Much remains the same. China Chow returns as host and judge, as do Bill Powers, a [Read more...]