Faile… I mean Greg Gossel

Posted: June 10th, 2009 | Author: RJ | Category: Featured Posts, Random | Tags: faile, greg gossel | 7 Comments »

Okay I really hate these posts, so I avoid them as much as I can, but I just have to write how I feel about Greg Gossel. I’m sure he’s a great guy, but his work is just too much like Faile‘s. Today, Arrested Motion posted an interview with Gossel, and Gossel even addressed this concern of mine, so I must say that’s nice of him.

Here’s what was said:

AM: While I don’t take chat room bickering and pigeon-holing seriously, you have been referred to as “the poor man’s Faile”, what are your thoughts on this comparison and on artistic influences in general?

GG: Yeah, to be honest, that’s something that definitely bothered me when I initially heard things like that, but these days I really try not to pay too much attention to a lot of that stuff. Those guys do great work and have been very successful with a really recognizable style. I understand that there are some obvious stylistic similarities between their work and my own, so I see how the comparison is made. I think it’s human nature to make comparisons, whether it be art, music, or anything else. I’m the same way when listening to an album, or checking out a new artist, so I think it just kind of comes with the territory that if you’re creating work and putting yourself out there, you’re always subject to those types of comparisons and criticisms. There are some people out there who spend a bit of time online checking out my work, and would rather label me as some sort of imitation of Faile, rather than take the time to learn much about my past work or how I got to where I am today. But ultimately, I know that my own work will continue to change and evolve over time as it has over the past 5 years, so I really just try to stay focused on continuing in my own direction, and not worry too much about some of the negativity and criticisms that are floating around out there.

So that’s Gossel’s view of the situation. I’m going to assume most readers are familar with Faile’s work. Otherwise, you can look here. Now, Faile’s influences aren’t that hard to spot either, but just have a look at Gossel’s work:

Greg Gossel

Okay, so that piece is pretty influenced by Faile, but his latest work, which can be seen in that Arrested Motion interview, is the sort of thing that could actually be mistaken for early Faile work. I really don’t like the idea that this guy’s work is looking more and more like Faile. Maybe that’s just me though.

http://unurth.com sebastian

interesting post. Obviously there are clear similarities. But how much is that style really Faile’s invention? To me there’s a clear line between Lichtenstein and Faile… which isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean it’s tough to say Faile ‘owns’ that style, right?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/delete08 spoons

You have a point, but there are differences. I don’t know if that’s because he’s actually not as good an artist as the Faile crew. His use of colour and the style of the collage aren’t as subtle as Faile’s work, for starters.

Sebastian is right that Faile don’t own this style – Faile themselves can be pretty derivative at times. But what stands out is his choice of images, you’ve got to think he’s at least aware of Faile and it’s a bit bizarre (and that’s being generous) that he’s building the exact same type of cartoons into the core of his pieces. I’m a big fan of collage (Kurt Schwitters is a massive inspiration to me) and its possibilities are huge. Given this, there’s no good reason why two artists, working contemporaneously, should produce pieces so similar.
http://www.vandalog.com RJ

Although Faile can be derivative at times, I have to say that if I see a piece by Lichtenstein or (the name escapes me right now) the artist who did that torn posters look decades ago, I can pretty quickly say “that’s not by Faile, but one of their influences.”

On the other hand, so much of Gossel’s work looks like Faile’s but often with less skill.

Sometimes I think it’s okay to have obvious influences and similarities. For example, Holly Thoburn has been painting in a similar style to Parla for years, but the process is very different, and they were in such different circles that neither had heard of the other until recently. Also, their two working styles and inspirations seem massively different. Or Imminent Disaster, who started out making work which could easily be compared to Swoon, but now ID has branched out and really proven herself with her intricate paper cut works.

Personally, I don’t see Gossel fitting into this camp. Over time, his work looks more and more like Faile’s, which as Spoons says, seems odd given so many possibilities with their style of work.
http://unurth.com sebastian

“there’s no good reason why two artists, working contemporaneously, should produce pieces so similar” – very true… given Faile’s success, if it were me, I’d try to find something a little different… (even if I had the same influences as Faile, and even if I’d come to the style completely independently)
http://Website bali-dog

i dont even know the reason for the above article?..its like, who cares? really, what does it matter..all artists are influenced,or have reference points, are derivitave,or appropriate to a lesser or greater extent..thats the nature of the beast – hopefully they take that as a starting point,and move on from there,or extend that influence to another level or direction..i couldnt be bothered raising a sweat about someones integrity, given that both parties are clearly focussed,professional and aware..and i think their styles are recognisably different..i actually prefer gossels anyway, and dont know how anyone can say its a poor mans copy,or clearly an imitation etc..its so different in many subtle ways..if he’s taken Faile as an influence,then he’s extended the idea as far i’m concerned..i knew of Gossels work before Faile!? someone said my work looked like Failes, so i checked them out,but preferred Gossels..i might be called a poor mans Gossel-couldnt care less, because i know where i’m heading re artistic/stylistic direction and who my main influences are,and my future departure points..sometimes you adopt an influence just to absorb it,toy around with it,and work your way thru it..then you ditch it,and move on to the greater vision/plan..
besides, Failes influences are obvious too..and some of my fave artists have always been Rosenquist,Lichenstein,and Mimmo Rotella..so i dont need Faile or Gossel, ive got Rotella! But hang on, he was influenced by actual torn streetposters+billboards-surely thats no good-isnt there reason to complain? you see without that we wouldnt have Faile,and for my money, Gossel…and at the risk of sounding biased, myself!! (:
peace, bret polok.
http://Website john smith

i hate this work
http://Website bali-dog

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love..
the lovers..?