Art Daddy Spilling the Mid March Tea
From Brian Balfour Oatts to Anna Weyant we cover that and what AD is obsessed with right now.
Brian Balfour-Oatts and the Art Daddy
Brian Balfour-Oatts first came into the art daddy's life in the fall of 2023. In that time we struck up a friendship that resulted in some interesting and often chaotic social media posts. Things came to a head during Basel with Brian, then after a snubbed phone call with him in January the art daddy was full steam ahead with other projects and people. Currently, or the last known about him, was that Brian was in Arizona which was weird in and of itself.
Prior to this, Brian had been a top 10 daddy of 2023, and even landed himself in some conversations with Oatly thanks to me and my new Canva skills. In the last few weeks however, what has transpired is a situation that is untenable for AD and a situation in which I felt that I was spoken to in a disrespectful manner. I will own the fact that I have said to Brian, “fuck that”, but be fair, I say this to a to of people. But one I asked Brian specifically why he wouldn't block me, he said, “I need to supervise the crazy.”
The deep BBO V and the picture he once told me he liked. Image not courtesy of Brian.
In thinking about the larger history of hysteria, the way in which mental health and key terms have been imprinted on women, and also weaponized language, I did not appreciate or want to be spoken to in this way and told him as much.
Brian is someone who peaked in the 1990s, had a successful career at Sotheby’s. And has since made his way in the world as an art dealer, collector and gallery owner. Brian advised on the record breaking Emily Landau Fisher estate that came to auction last spring at Sotheby’s, where he was a former auctioneer, and also according to his Wiki, he also advised the Warhol Foundation. He has dedicated himself to the art world, but generational, like many men of his era, they are simplh out of touch.
I am not diminishing the work he has done, or will continue to do, I just do not wish to continue to engage with someone who isn't taking into account where we are socially, culturally and otherwise and what gender and also race mean and play into that particularly within social interactions. Brian, and other men need to do better. Also, I think someone needs to fact checkBrian's Wiki because it's a little grandiose and he also sounds straight out of a Dickens’s novel.
Art Daddy Zagat Rating Officially Launched
Well, I have branded myself as the Zagat guide of art world daddies and thought I would follow through this week on this promise. The first daddy up is Phillips’ Benoit Repellin and he truly is the epitome of an art world auctioneer. From good looks, impeccable taste and manners and a general European flair, Benoit appears to have it all. From everything I have ever googled, he always appears to be in a suit, so I am assuming he also sleeps in one too. He also is the global head of jewelry, so heavy is the head that wears the crown (literally in this instance).
Benoit Repellin in his signature suit.
I am sure you are getting the sense that Benoit is a 5-star daddy, and he is in my book. Don't worry, not everyone else is, and other appropriate daddy ratings will be handed down (here's looking at you, Brian). As always, there will be more daddies to come and want your input.
Anna Weyant, Larry G's Ex, Curates Interesting Film Series
With the recent Larry Gagosian/Anna Weyant split it seems one of her most recent endeavors is curating a movie series at the much loved and very cool Dimes Square Venue, Metrograph Pictures.
Image courtesy of Anna Weyant and Metrograph/Gagosian.
Weyant hasn't been very public about the recent split from the blue chip mogul but I think her movie lineup tells another story. The movies include Parasite, Lost in Translation, and Gone Girl and will play from Friday 3/22-Saturday 3/23. Also, our girl Anna has been out on the town a few times posting selfies signaling to me, and everyone else, she is ready to move on.
Things AD is currently obsessed with:
In a NYT Style section manner, I also want to set forth some taste making elements.
Right now I am reading/rereading: Maggie Nelson’s Bluets, Patti Smith’s A Book of Days
I am drinking: Madre Mezcal
Looking at: C'naan Hamburger at Charles Moffat gallery. These paintings and drawings are gorgeous, site specific, and pack a huge punch. It's hard to tell that this is Hamberger's first solo show and the Hunter MFA grad will be someone to watch in the coming years. The paintings, subject matter and meticulous attention to detail felt like coming home in a way that I have not experienced in quite some time.
Until next time.