When you've got nothing

As you probably already know, for her show at Paula Cooper (a re-do of her pavilion at the 2007 Venice Biennale), Sophie Calle has a gazillion women respond – from the standpoint of their profession - to a breakup letter she received. A magician, singers, translators, a riffle shooter, etc., all react to the text in video or through the written word. The array of sturdy women and the solidarity is indeed empowering (probably why she undertook the project), but, oy, Calle must be so annoying! But, I do enjoy spending a little time with her obsessions every now and then.

Next door, at Gag, it’s true, you should see the Picasso show. That’s what they mean when they say moving the paint around. Also, the vigor of the artist’s creative production – up until his death – is nothing short of overwhelming.

The two shows together are safe territory for the blue chips - and viewers too. No one feels like going out on any kind of wobbly limb these days. If you’re something, I guess that makes sense. But if you’re nothing (and you know what I mean), there’s no reason not too. When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.