Hyperallegic Blog Review
“What is the difference between art and porn? … One is funded by the government”. That was the first line to catch my attention upon viewing the well organized and rather entertaining art blog Hyperallergic. Since its founding in 2009 by co-founders Veken Gueyikian and Hrag Vartanian, Hyperallergic has established a reputation of catering to a diverse audience and presenting the latest news in the art world. Accredited by major media outlets, this 20,000+ subscribed too blog presents a rich variety of postings. For example, a report was posted on a new form of art using neon lights and photography in an empty space to create images of objects for a short period of time only to never be seen again except in photos. Its probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. The “pictures” looked as if they came out of a scene from Coraline, dark but colorful. Another posting featured new art movements that are emerging in urban areas or even a playful activity in which the blog recruits renown artists to draw a picture from memory of the United States. Aside from posting rather interesting material, the blog also dedicates sections to promoting numerous art galleries on not only national but international levels. A reader can receive news about discoveries overseas or immerse themselves in the historical perspectives of why skeletons are covered with magnificent jewels.
The information presented on this blog changes on a regular basis and subscribers are given a heads up if a new promotion is available. There is something here to meet the interest of even the most fickle of readers. The blog is simple to maneuver through, with main postings listed on the left hand side of the page under the small menu and search bars, all placed against a white backdrop, making it easy on the eyes. Readers are given short summaries of the main postings that are listed to tease you into clicking on the link that will direct you to the main article. To your right, as any business would have, is a list of advertisements concerning educational opportunities, gallery openings, and events. Readers who use social media, no longer uncommon in this day and age of advancement, are given an option to comment on the site whether it be through Facebook or Twitter. Readers are also encouraged to follow up on the articles and post their own reviews on the website. This blog is anything but small and is constantly growing in number of subscribers and information contact. If anything, you are sure to find something to chuckle over.
Everyone should check out this post on Hyperallergic: http://hyperallergic.com/84114/questions-we-wish-more-curators-answered-during-askacurator-day/
As I was reading, I was reminded of our class’s discussion on what it means to be a curator, how curators, in a sense, define what is and is not art. Some of the questions posed are very interesting, such as the one to queer curators and curators of color.