Bargain Basement

"The following is written after reading "In Poland, Style Comes Used and by the Pound" by NICHOLAS KULISH in The NYTimes."

In Chicago I had a plethora of secondhand stores to cherry pick: The Ark on Lincoln, The Brown Elephant in Wicker Park and The Salvation Army next to the tracks behind Grand, were my favorites. And if I was in the market for vintage or a unique gift, a quick trip to Milwaukee avenue between Damen and Ashland would give me more choice than necessary with Recycle, Lenny & Me and Uma Ma. Back in London the availability of quality, style and bargain price is not as accessible. While I have been lucky to find the odd treasure, a repeat visit to the same locale has proven fruitless. Vintage chic on the other hand is plentiful, however the price tag is not one I'm willing to pay. London's high sense of fashion and heavy pound is seemingly hindering this lady's healthy wardrobe and gifts for the holidays. Books I would pay 25cents for State side, start at $2 and go sharply up dependent on your postcode. The Brit's appear to have mistaken the penny wise shopper for the Kensington tractor and fleecing us all. So my advice to Poland is grab it before someone realizes there's money to be made in what's left behind.

Something To Say

I came across this Polish artist's website, whilst checking out someone else's, which I had also clicked through several other images and url's before my attention was sufficiently grabbed. Anyone who knows my work will understand the gravitational pull behind choosing the first image below. Rubbish! But what I really appreciate about this work, is the use of public space as the gallery. I have more than sincere gratitude for artists who put their work out on the streets. It completely changes the notion of art being only available to a defined group of people. Something that must be seeked out and scheduled by those wishing to experience it. Or those who can afford it. Whether public art makes more people attend more shows and exhibits, I would like to think so. But the least I can hope for, is to sneak into the subconscious and reappear in a daydream or the setting of a dinner table. The work itself is more often than not, accessible to anyone who takes the time to break out of their stride and refocus glazed over eyes. Nemrod's work speaks volumes by asking us to fill in the blanks. Empty equations and expletives are adhered to crumbling walls in forgotten fields and underpasses that lead far away. Is he looking to the masses to complete the questions, so we might find answers that can lead to something better? I would like to things so. In the mean time, I'm happy to have found this Polish artist, whilst in my Chicago living room.