Kenny Schachter

Kenny Schachter is a name in the art world that brings authenticity, raucous, heartfelt emotion, and brains. I was fortunate enough to attend his semi-formal interview with Melissa Ichiuji at her studio gallery in Front Royal. I didn't know what to expect because to be honest, I hadn't heard of him. It has been awhile since I graduated college from Dickinson, and I'm not familiar with the NYC art scene as I was when I was in school. My friend went with me and we were stoked to dive into his world because from what I had read, this guy was the real deal on so many levels. Writer, professor, dad, and a true honest human who loves to expose the corrupt capitalist nature of the art world. Melissa only asked him about four questions throughout the two hour long interview, which goes to show how verbos the man is. It did not feel like two hours to be honest. I was captivated by him the ENTIRE time. The amount of artists name drops were astounding, Roberta Smith, Cecily Brown, Howard Risatti, Charles Kimball, Katie Nolan, Cy Twombly, Paula Cooper, Kiki Smith, Tracey Emin, Joseph Bois, and many others. Some I knew, and some I needed to definitely google. What Schachter is known for was the brief NFT saga. He wrote the first book on NFTs and helped launch them. I remember the NFT boom, but like a delicate colorful vibrant Virginia Bluebell, it was short-lived. He's convinced that NFTs are perennials and will resurface. I have my doubts.  The talk was entitled Where is Art Headed? and I believe he answered by emphasizing grassroots movements and making community spaces, which my friends and I are trying to do in our little town of Woodstock, VA. Quotes that stood out to me were, "Never lose yourself of dismay and wonderment," "Tell the truth," "I think of art like an action verb," and "Make opportunities for artists." I asked one question during the question and answer period. I asked what inspires his art and is art just a reflection/mastication/digestion of our society? He answered the question by talking about his inspiration for art which was society and the world around him. I found that he was lacking an internal journey. Everything was outside of him ready to consume. He briefly said that he's working on his spiritual journey with his therapist. Most of my art comes from my dream world and inner journey. Maybe we can learn something from each other. I left inspired and more educated than when I stepped foot into the gallery. I'll be emailing him with some follow up questions, what makes art good and how do you price work? He jokingly took a jab at Melissa for taking 50% at her gallery. Monetizing art can kill the spirit but how do full time artists survive?