September 20, 2007
"A tiny artist"
One can accuse Guardian art critic Jonathan Jones of many things. Not saying what he means is not one of them. His one-star review of Gary Hume's new exhibition at White Cube ends this way:
I almost want to apologise for reviewing an artist who is quite obviously falling apart, but I did go in hope of a decent comeback. After all, what is British art now? Some pretentious public sculpture that connives with popular delusions of omniscience. At least Hume never tried to be loved. But, even at his very best, he was never first-rate. Look closely into his shiny surfaces, and you will see a tiny artist trapped in the empty wastes of his own style.
One gets the feeling Jones argued with his editors over the assignation of that single star.