Satire asks artful questions

Is it creation or consumption of art that drives some people to spend outrageous amounts of money on paintings?

ART, a play written by Yasmina Reza in 1994, asks that question in a satirical critique of art culture.

Experienced director Stephen Lee will bring the text to life with three local actors — Russell Chandler, Dan Anderson and Rob Stewart — opening at the ArtGeo Gallery on February 6.

Lee travelled to the Tate Modern Gallery in the 1990s and said his experience with modern art had shaped his direction.

“I think there are certain things in ART that in my opinion isn’t art — I think a piece of art needs to have some kind of skill and interesting imagination behind it,” he said.

“The play is hilarious and it goes further to question why people buy these things and how it affects their relationships.”

Former New York Mayor Ed Koch once said: “if I could do it, it’s not art”, but that concept is not accepted in the play by characters Serge, Marc and Yvan.

“I think people who love art will come and laugh at the types that get mixed up in the art world,” Lee said.

Lee said it had been “wonderful” directing a small cast.

“We’ve been putting in the hard work with six-hour rehearsals and lengthy discussions — it’s been a great chance to really dissect and work at a play,” he said.

ART opens on February 6 at the ArtGeo Gallery. Tickets are $25 via Trybooking.