A more interesting exhibit would be on Bob Ross himself and the popularity of his show/image. I'd be more interested in learning why he became a cultural phenomenon, and the ideas about popular art classes and aesthetic ideals that are implicit in his show. His vaguely hippy-ish vibe and DYI aesthetic could be connected not only to community art centers and evening classes, and to cultural activities and programs in the 60's, but New Deal programs to create integrated community spaces and social activities throughout the country. There might be a connection to various adult-education movements or something like the Arts and Crafts Movement of William Morris extending to the 19th century. You could even compare him to popular artists such as Thomas Kinkade, other PBS art instructors (Elke Sommer!), or could even compare him to a general understanding of Pop Art artists/celebrities such as Warhol.CardsofSTL wrote: ↑May 5 21, 8:28 amDon't hateheyzeus wrote: ↑May 5 21, 8:07 amImagine walking into a vast exhibit hall with 8,000 paintings of the same goddamned mountains, pond, and pine trees. It would be dazzling.CardsofSTL wrote: ↑May 5 21, 7:28 amI get that they don't want to sell them but they should maybe open a gallery for people to come in and view them. Even a virtual gallery might have some general interest.
But such a show would be in something like The Museum of the Moving Image or a history or cultural museum rather than an art museum, and you'd only need a handful of Ross paintings to do this.
But since Ross' estate is carefully managing his reputation, and making beaucoup bucks right now, that wouldn't happen.