The day you buy art off a reality show, you will have to admit that reality TV has pervaded every aspect of our daily lives. It may have begun with musicians and celebrities. But now, everyone from fashion designers to chefs and even artists are competing on TV.
“Work of Art: The Next Great Artist” is one such show. The name is self-explanatory. But what it does not say is that this art-based reality show offers viewers a unique opportunity to purchase art by the up-and-coming artists featured on the show. You might even come across contemporary Art Deco work, if that’s what you are after.
The Show
The format is like any other reality TV contest. Emerging artists compete in weekly challenges, creating artworks for a judging panel. Simon de Pury, the chairman and co-founder of art auction house Phillips de Pury & Company, has the job of mentoring the artists. The ultimate prize on offer is a solo show at the Brooklyn Museum as well as $100,000 in cash. “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist” is being produced by Pretty Matches (a company owned by Sarah Jessica Parker) in collaboration with Magical Elves. The show is currently in its second season.
Artworks For Sale
The artworks secured from the artists are available for sale via the Overstockart website. Interested buyers will have to wait until each week’s show is aired before heading to check out new artworks that become available on the site. Prices are not too high, however. You could buy an artwork for as little as $119. The higher priced works are in the $1,000 price range. These are not limited editions, and buyers can choose from a range of framing options or buy an unframed version.
These artworks could well work out to be big investments, if the artists do eventually hit gold in the future.
