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The Daily Beast Hearts 'Work of Art'
Celebrate the "highly addictive" show with a viewing party tonight!
Work of Art's sophomore season has been unveiled for a few weeks now -- and its mix of hot tempers, high culture, and harsh critiques is getting raves from The Daily Beast's TV critic Jace Lacob, who's just sketched out the many reasons he adores the show.
"The drama has perhaps never seemed quite so real or the participants quite so tortured as the artists on Bravo's highly addictive Work of Art." Oh really? Tell us more, Jace.
He finds the reversal of art as merely flits of fancy particularly fascinating. "Art, as well as inspiration, after all, takes time, so being forced to create functional renditions of street art or pop art using a limited window of time while cameras are filming your every move isn't exactly a true estimation of the creative process. But that's also where the unexpected habit-forming quality of Work of Art emerges, as it's impossible to look away from this show. . .this is perhaps the most revealing reality-television show to come along in some time."
Is it hot in here, or are we blushing?
And it's gratifying that the competition, just like its medium, is visual first: "Unlike on Top Chef, where the dishes can't be tasted. . .the finished product is digested in roughly the same fashion on your television set as it is in the gallery. It empowers the audience."
Of course, he loves the "zaniness" of the contestants, like "vainglorious nerd god" The Sucklord (we do too, Exhibit A), "Mean Girl" Lola, "morbid" Michelle, and "sobbing, gasping mess" Kathryn. He also gives props in equal measure to the judges, paricularly calling out Simon de Pury's "gleefully energetic and winking presence," "encyclopedic knowledge of fine art," "bottomless well of enthusiasm," and catchphrases, "Go for it!," "Mmmm, yes," and "Be bold! Be brave! Be amazing!"
Well, we already know how great Simon at being quotable (and reciting the quotes of others).
Get even more Work of Art tonight and Tweet along with fellow fans in the Talk Bubble. Don't miss the viewing party, starting tonight at 8:30 pm ET.
