The Exhibit is a six-part reality TV show that challenges traditional art competition formats by focusing on the professionalism and talent of its contestants.
The show features seven emerging artists who compete for a $100,000 prize and a solo exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
The series offers a glimpse into the creative processes and intentions of the contestants, showcasing their skills and ability to accept criticism without eliminating any of the artists.
The partnership between MTV and the Smithsonian Channel highlights the multifaceted nature of art, combining its rebellious and profound aspects.
While The Exhibit has its limitations as a reality TV show, it has broken new ground in the art world by providing exposure and opportunities to talented artists and making art more accessible to the general public.
The Exhibit, a groundbreaking six-part reality television series, is a collaborative venture between MTV and the Smithsonian Channel that pushes the boundaries of traditional art competitions.
The series finale features seven emerging artists vying for the grand prize of $100,000 and a solo exhibition at the prestigious Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
Esteemed art-world figures such as multidisciplinary artist Adam Pendleton, Abigail DeVille, who creates sculptural environments from urban debris, and Kenny Schachter, an artist, writer, teacher, and pioneer in the NFT space, have judged the contestants throughout the series.
Breaking Stereotypes and Providing a Platform for Artists
Unlike its predecessor, Bravo’s “Work of Art,” “The Exhibit” has chosen to focus on the professionalism and talent of its contestants.
These artists range from Jennifer Warren, a self-taught painter from Chicago who explores themes around nature, beauty, and the Black body, to Clare Kambhu, a high school art teacher from Queens with an MFA from Yale who portrays the structures of the education system.
The Exhibit challenges the traditional reality TV format by avoiding weekly eliminations.
All contestants are deemed worthy of their place by lead judge and Hirshhorn director, Melissa Chiu.
The series offers an authentic glimpse into the lives and creative processes of these talented artists, showcasing their skills, intentions, and ability to accept criticism.
The Role of MTV and the Smithsonian Channel in Supporting Art
Both MTV and the Smithsonian Channel, along with their parent entity, Paramount Global, have joined the ranks of brands funding artists.
Their partnership highlights the multifaceted nature of art, showcasing its sexy, rebellious (MTV), and highbrow, profound (Smithsonian) aspects.
Nadim Amiry, vice president of original series at MTV Entertainment Studios, discusses the challenge of bringing art to reality TV:
“Like with any skill-based competition series, whether it be designing dresses or baking cakes or creating works of art, the challenge for producers remains the same. It’s in providing the audience with enough information and knowledge to be able to play along and feel that they too can evaluate the work on the show.”
“Like with any skill-based competition series, whether it be designing dresses or baking cakes or creating works of art, the challenge for producers remains the same. It’s in providing the audience with enough information and knowledge to be able to play along and feel that they too can evaluate the work on the show.”
The Impact on the Art World and Future Artists
The Exhibit has managed to create a unique space for artists to develop camaraderie, support one another, and gain exposure to a wider audience.
This format has been praised for offering a more nuanced and positive insight into the art world.
The series is undoubtedly inspiring the next generation of artists. Misha Kahn, a participant in the show, states, “I hope some little kid in a small town who loves to make unusual things sees it and learns there’s a great big world out there for them.”
A Glimpse into the Art World’s Complexities and Challenges
However, it’s worth noting that The Exhibit doesn’t fully capture the desperation and insecurity that pervade the art world.
While winning a contest like this can provide opportunities, it doesn’t guarantee a long career in the arts.
Despite the limitations of the reality TV format, The Exhibit has managed to break new ground in the art world, providing exposure and opportunities to talented artists.
The show has also succeeded in making art more accessible to the general public, offering a peek into the rarely seen spaces of a public museum and demystifying the art-making process.
As a trailblazer in the realm of reality TV and art competitions, The Exhibit is sure to leave a lasting impact on the art world and inspire future generations of artists to chase their dreams.
