Went to see Ron Mueck at the Brooklyn Museum last Sunday. Many of you already know the artist...former Jim Henson protege and YesBut caption competition subject, his work speaks for itself. But actually seeing these pieces up close...the level of creative talent and technical expertise...you almost think they're going to look you in the eye and say stop staring at me. I've been to realist artists' shows before (Duane Hanson comes to mind) but this guy takes it to a level off the charts (which may explain why he's described as a hyperrealist.

On a related note, there was a plaque at the show that quoted the artist saying something like "I just want to make fun pieces that people will want to put in their homes". And I thought, Jesus, how refreshing is that. Reading his responses to questions on the museum site, you come away thinking he's just doing what he likes, and letting people think what they may. I've always wondered, when art critics give these incredibly detailed, intense explanations of what artists are trying to say with their work, are they really that good at getting inside their heads, or are they seriously full or shit...I'm starting to lean towards the latter.

Photo of Ron Mueck with A Girl by felix. (Couldn't sneak in a camera.)