I wish I’d thought of that

White Catastrophe, (1980) by Lois Dodd. (Private Collection)

White Catastrophe, (1980) by Lois Dodd. (Private Collection)

We often hear, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” That is true in the art world, but it’s also true that it’s who you are or—more specifically—who people think you are. A recent story in the Telegraph confirms that idea.

Fifteen years ago, Alexandre Ouairy was just another unknown European living in boomtown Shanghai. He recognized that the Chinese nouveau riche wanted expensive art, but they weren’t inclined to buy it from Europeans.

“But China was famous for doing fake Louis Vuitton bags and fake Gucci bags and so on, so I got the idea of making a fake Chinese artist,” he recalled. So he rebranded himself, taking the name of a fifth century Chinese philosopher, Tao Hongjing.

Smile Awhile, (1983) by Alex Katz. (Colby College Museum of Art)

Smile Awhile, (1983) by Alex Katz. (Colby College Museum of Art)

If you think that kind of thing doesn’t happen here, consider the careers of two contemporary iconic Maine artists, Lois Dodd and Alex Katz. There is no objective difference in the quality of their work. Both have stellar resumes with much overlap of experience. But Katz has achieved more critical acclaim than has Dodd. It’s hard to think of any reason for this other than gender.

If I had to do it over, I’d use an androgynous nom de brush, preferably with vaguely Upper East Side gilding.

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.