Work of Art Recap

I stopped blogging about Work of Art because it was starting to irritate me, but now that the show is down to the final three, I’m intrigued again. Left are Abdi, Miles, and Peregrine—two hipsters in desperate need of a brush and Abdi, dear Abdi; bright, funny, and genuine, Abdi.

Luckily, he survived a few bad weeks of putting out blah work but hit it out of the park with his piece called, “Baptism.” This photo won't show how lovely it is, but trust me. It’s sublime.

The ADD infused Miles put together a piece of crap that the judges inexplicably swooned over. A friend in Tucson, who has also been watching Work of Art texted me after the show to ask, “Were the judges on crack?” The short answer is yes. Yes, they were, because they pushed Miles into the final three, along with Peregrine, who I want to like, but just don’t. Everything about her seems cultivated, down to her lisp. She seems like a good egg, but I have a problem with art you have to explain. Good art, wondrous art should of strike you speechless because of its beauty, the challenge it offers, its poignancy, its humor.

Alas, one of my favorite artists was sent packing. Nicole, the woodworker’s daughter made a strange piece that fulfilled the rules of the challenge (work with something from nature) but made this strange mass of plaster and grass that just didn’t say anything. She was sent packing along with the exhibitionist, what’s her name. Actually, I felt bad for her. She was sick and spent most of last night’s episode napping, staring at her canvases, and then walking around the studio whining. It was the one piece she created that did not feature her in some state of undress. I actually think the vein she’s mining about the male gaze is very long and deep, but I don’t quite believe her when she frets about it. Puh-leeze! Every pretty woman knows she’s pretty. This culture won’t let you forget it. Don’t get me started.

The exhibitionist and Nicole were sent home, leaving the three, aforementioned contestants. From the previews of the series finale, it looks like all the former contestants will return for more camera-time, cattiness, and haughty critiques. Not looking forward to seeing any of them. Oh, and Sarah Jessica Parker shows up again. Finally! Gawd, we could have used you in a few of those duller episodes. The “Open to the Public,” “Child’s Play,” and “Opposites Attract” episodes were especially abysmal, probably because they encouraged working in teams. That may be the recipe for good reality TV drama (it was flat here), but not for the creation of interesting art. So, who do I want to win? I originally wanted it to come down to Miles and Nicole, but now that Nicole is out, I’m all about Abdi. Anyone but Miles. If his persona is any indication, he will do just fine in the art world with his well articulated, messed up artist act. But Abdi, he is bright and alive, and yes, talented. An artist I could love. But the last time I came out in favor of a winner and loser in a reality series, the opposite came true. So I won’t be surprised if Miles wins.

Remember, you heard it here first.

The finale of Work of Art airs Wednesday at 9pm on Bravo.