Art Auctions - should they go overboard?

[Slow Foxtrot]

Doubtless this subject has been broached before but, for the benefit of comparative newcomers to this site, it would be interesting to read the comments of other cruisers. To whit, are these so-called 'art auctions' really wanted on a holiday cruise? From a personal point of view I regard them as a confounded nuisance. Okay, one doesn't have to go to them but it's often difficult to avoid them at some time or other on most passenger ships. I think I must be allergic to the smooth-talking salesmen, the 'free' champagne and the never-ending supply of so-called 'bargains' that are available by the hundreds, if not thousands! Obviously, the cruise lines all seem to be on what we in the UK call a 'nice little earner'. But do passengers really want it and is it all a monumental con? And if you took your purchase to the local art dealer up the road what would he offer you for it? It would be interesting to know!

[venicecruiser]

IMHO - Get rid of them!

 

Claudia

[pnhmrk]

They're not "Art Auctions" (despite what the programme says). Just an expensive way of selling inferior prints! I've always managed to avoid them - it is just about possible - unless you feel the need for a glass of warm, fizzy, wine (I doubt it's Champagne) mid afternoon I'd suggest anyone else does the same. I assume that someone must buy the "art" - One of the advantages of Cunard is the size of the ship - if you don't want to do something then you don't have to, there'll always be something going on elsewhere that is of more interest.

[ladymacwilly]

I bought a limited edition lithograph on an NCL cruise a few years back and was quite happy with the artpiece. The cost was about a third of what I would have paid in the States. (Of course, I nixed the atrocious frame it was in and bought my own wholesale from some photographers I worked for).

 

On the QM2 we looked at the art, were not that impressed, and declined the auction. Easy enough. That being said, the Irish couple we met onboard and later in Dublin bought Eight prints! (with a shipping fee of something like $75.00 each), :eek: and were delighted. They are going to have a "Cruise Party" with their friends when they are delivered. So, I guess to each their own.

 

The point being, I suppose, if people were not buying them, they would stop having the auctions. :rolleyes:

[kez250]

We bought 2 pieces on our cruise over Xmas - didnt attend the auction but bought them from the 'gallery' - we had already seen a lot of this artists work on land and were considering them and the chance to get them without tax and duty was appealing - obviously the art director tried to sell us all 6 because they're worth 'much more' that way but we decided to buy the 2 that we really wanted and be done with it - the downside is that at least twice a week we get mailings to other auctions and special showings (recycle)

[bobby1119]

GET RID OF THEM... They are tacky and detract from the overall ambience of classy ships like QE2. Overboard with the "art" and to the gangplank with the auctioneers.

 

...IMHO, of course...

[merryecho]

I agree- off they go. I especially dislike the salespeople who try to intimidate cruisers into buying their overpriced prints by implying that they apparently aren't educated enough to realize what a bargain they are offering.

[ladymacwilly]

So much for "To each their own..."

 

If they are happy with the prints they buy....then more power to them. As the saying goes; "Art is in the eye of the beholder." Some people are able to smile back on the print and it reminds them of the cruise itself. Hey, it's their money...who are we to say HOW people should spend their hard earned money?

 

BTW, I wouldn't say all who buy prints are "uneducated". I'm an art history major, myself. Just like buying a good bottle of wine....don't buy what people "think" you should buy, but buy what you like. Personally, If I see another Thomas Kinkaid, I could choke. That doesn't mean if I visit a friends house and they have one hanging up I'd choke them personally.

 

I agree that too many people buy what they "think" is ART because they don't know to follow their own instincts. (This spoken from a women who managed a museum in Santa Fe who's artist's work goes between $20,000 to $30,000 per painting). If you don't love it..then don't buy it! If you do love it...then who's to say...?

[ddr]

I agree with merryecho and bobby1119 -- no auctions.

 

I won't be joining the World Cruise until Los Angeles -- maybe all the "art" will have been bought by then (if not, there will still be 96 more days to peddle it . . . and will they re-stock at every opportunity?)

[travel-to-go]

To wit: Forthwith and with haste! Over the bow she goes!

I suppose someone must love those sad clowns (ugh) for instance. And the big-eyed kids and puppies and the Elvis on velvet along with the poker playing dogs. And I'm with Lady Mac W. I neverr DID like Kinaid. Too cute! Now a McKnight! Thomas McKnight in his Caribbean stage is perfect to me. I have a catalog pic (from a handout) in my picture mouse pad. Bought a couple of prints at Pier 1 They are hanging in my computer room. Much cheaper than the 1800 1200, and 1200 they wanted for the set at a framing place!

Ad I can always go to the Caribbean... at least in my mind.

 

It also makes a part of the ship a complete wasted space, as ou cant get around without tripping over easels or pics leaning against couches.

 

Karie,

who knows what she likes. And shedoesn't like being taken for a ride!)Well, at least not a ride on an "art" easel!)

[berry22192]

Obviously, the cruise lines all seem to be on what we in the UK call a 'nice little earner'.

 

Precisely..and one could add to the earnings pile the casino, shops...

 

I'm in favor of the on-board "little earners" becoming the "big earners."

All those people buying "art" and gambling away their money allow me to continue having luxurious experiences in exchange for reasonably-priced fares.

 

Chris

[Slow Foxtrot]

GET RID OF THEM... They are tacky and detract from the overall ambience of classy ships like QE2. Overboard with the "art" and to the gangplank with the auctioneers..

 

 

Well said sir, nice to hear a chap who doesn't mince his words! Seems to me that these amazing 'Limited Editions' are limited to the amount they can sell. No sooner are they sold than they suddenly reappear on the next cruise. Some 'artist' paints two diamonds and a square on an orange background, calls it 'Woman Peeling Apples' and Hey Presto! - someone's bidding $2000.

It's hilarious - but that's life! So, as Bobby so wisely suggests .."Overboard with the 'art' - and to the gangplank with the auctioneers"

[bonni99]

At leas Cunard don't advertise the art auctions continually over the tannoy system- we had the misfortune (!) to travel on Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas and we were constantly interrupted by voice overs tempting us to the art auctions- obviously they are a good earner but I resent it when it takes over areas and space that could be used for other things= eg the Winter garden as a nice spot for a drink and to read!

[Anteeta]

Some 'artist' paints two diamonds and a square on an orange background, calls it 'Woman Peeling Apples' and Hey Presto! - someone's bidding $2000.

 

SF I think that two diamonds on a square on an orange background so cleverly captured on canvas was actually called Rubiks Orange Cubed. It sold for nearer $5,600 and now hangs in pride of place in a pink LA boudoir.

 

I feel sure the buyer made a sound investment.

[Jim Avery]

Hi All:

IMHO, these "art auctions" are neither art or auction. I have seen better in the local mall. I wish they would turn the space into another bar. Har-har. But, as was mentioned above, we can always keep our hands off our purse strings and vote with our feet and let others add to Carnival's bottom line.

All the best,

Jim.

[bobby1119]

I agree with merryecho and bobby1119 -- no auctions.

 

I won't be joining the World Cruise until Los Angeles -- maybe all the "art" will have been bought by then (if not, there will still be 96 more days to peddle it . . . and will they re-stock at every opportunity?)

Ddr... Glad you and so many others agree with me. As I am booked on the full 2007 World Cruise too, we could pass the time on slow sea days by pitching a few pieces overboard one day at a time... but given the quality of it, I'm sure the sharks would pitch it back on board :rolleyes:

 

See you in LA!

[guernseyguy]

I'm sure the sharks would pitch it back on board!

 

Unless they die of indigestion.......

 

Peter

[garycarla]

I will never understand why someone would buy a large and often expensive item like art on a cruise.

 

The same goes for all the jewelry stores that are on ships and in every port cruise ships sail into, even in Alaska.

 

Speaking for the bulk of folks on these boards, we live in America, home of the largest and best shopping in the world. Why oh why deal with someone you can not go back to if you have problems? I just don't get it.

 

But then again... oh never mind. I just don't get it.

[travel-to-go]

SF I think that two diamonds on a square on an orange background so cleverly captured on canvas was actually called Rubiks Orange Cubed. It sold for nearer $5,600 and now hangs in pride of place in a pink LA boudoir.

 

I feel sure the buyer made a sound investment.

 

 

EEEW!!!

 

And then Bobby stated:

"Ddr... Glad you and so many others agree with me. As I am booked on the full 2007 World Cruise too, we could pass the time on slow sea days by pitching a few pieces overboard one day at a time... but given the quality of it, I'm sure the sharks would pitch it back on board :rolleyes:"

 

There are rules about pitching things overboard, especially as concerns toxic waste.

Tsk, tsk.

Perhaps they could bring back skeet shooting using these as the targets?

 

Karie,

Who apologizes in advance for any art aficianadoes she has offended.... And am so sorry about their lack of taste if they call this art! <snicker>

[bobby1119]

Perhaps they could bring back skeet shooting using these as the targets?

 

Now that is good thinking. I like.

[Slow Foxtrot]

Ddr... Glad you and so many others agree with me. As I am booked on the full 2007 World Cruise too, we could pass the time on slow sea days by pitching a few pieces overboard one day at a time... but given the quality of it, I'm sure the sharks would pitch it back on board :rolleyes:

 

 

May I nominate the above as the funniest comment on this thread? Strikes me that the sharks are not only following the ship - they're on board selling the 'art'

[greybeard]

Yes the so-called "art" is of dubious quality, but whatever happened to live and let live?

 

Nobody is dragooned into the art auctions, any more than they are forced to make cash donations to the casino, or dragged kicking and screaming to the mike for the karaoke.

 

If you don't want to listen to the salesman's annoying patter or drink free bubbly, then find somewhere else to sit for a while, instead of your favourite chair in the Winter Garden.

 

There's plenty of alternative venues to choose from.

[Lightsluvr]

Puh-lease!

 

On Cunard, RCCL, Carnival...makes no difference. They are an annoying rip!

 

:cool:

[ladymacwilly]

Ah, but if they were done away with, what would all the esteemed Art Critics on this thread find to dis' others for? Wouldn't you be killing your own entertainment?

 

Oh that's right, there's always making fun of peoples attire, looking down on Yanks who fall for the silly Ascot Ball, ripping the lame shows, etc. I guess there still would be enough onboard to keep one's smug sense of superiority in full force after all. :rolleyes:

 

BTW, can't pasty-white people at least attempt a suntan before they MAKE us look at them entering the pool/jacuzzi in their ill-fitting, outdated, suits? I say make them walk the plank until the sharks all swim away in disgust! ;)

[merryecho]

BTW, I wouldn't say all who buy prints are "uneducated". I'm an art history major, myself. Just like buying a good bottle of wine....don't buy what people "think" you should buy, but buy what you like. do love it...then who's to say...?

 

Please reread my message- I didn't imply that people who buy prints are uneducated- quite the opposite.