I have been waiting for a show like this. It makes us aware of the importance of making art, as it opens questions of thought, creativity and inspiration. More and more, money, economy & politics forces it's importance onto us, it's nice to see this show pushes art in the forefront and help us see it's value and meaning. I wish you much success and many more seasons to come.

I told them that eli cohen should be on the show he is the best artist of the 21st century.

I hope that there is a showing of Abdi's work on Bravo, at the Brooklyn Museum

I really hope there are more shows to come. I love the thought of there being an outlet for artists like this show. I may not have always like the judges results but the concept of the show is great. With the schools across our nation taking out the arts to increase Math, Science and English education, we need more encouraging artistic shows like this.

I loved the entire season, specially the finale.
For those like me who love modern art, and enjoy to better understand the processes that go behind its creation, this was entertaining, inspiring and moving.
I truly hope you guys will be able to make a second one.

best,

Juliana,
from São Paulo, Brazil

It was a satisfying ending. Abdi's talent and skill should keep his name in the art world for years to come. I hope his future work adds more color and brightness.

To Karey Maurice
There are more African American artists in today’s contemporary art scene than ever before. Now compare the list below to a list of Latin American artists, or Asian American artists, or Native American artists in the contemporary art market. You will find the other ethnic group’s artists list to be miniscule compared to the list below.
African American artists in today's contemporary art market:
Michael Ray Charles
Chakaia Booker
Willie Cole
Robert Colescott
Roy DeCarava
Thornton Dial Sr.
Melvin Edwards
Ellen Gallagher
Sam Gilliam
David Hammons
Trenton Doyle Hancock
Glenn Ligon
Kerry James Marshall
Howardena Pindell
Adrian Piper
Martin Puryear
Faith Ringgold
Alison Saar
Betye Saar
Raymond Saunders
Lorna Simpson
Kara Walker
Carrie Mae Weems
Kahinde Wiley
Fred Wilson

This show grew on me as the season progressed. There were several times during the early going when we seemed to be seeing a virtual catalog of the attitudes and behaviors that make the public dislike contemporary art and artists. But then, the artists started really connecting with their muses and the show took wings. During the last three episodes, I was enthralled and sometimes misty-eyed. I sincerely hope this show comes back for another season.

As an artist I have to say that Bravo's "Work Of Art" did nothing except solidify the negative stereotypes that artists are associated with. Not all of it is Bravo's fault. Some of the artists contributed by acting the part of artist rather than making interesting art. If anything was learned from the show it is that art should not be made into a competition but Bravo has taken just about every other profession and turned it into a showcase for the worst side of human nature, why not art? The show was an insult to art and artists. Please don't bring it back for another season.

wow...what a fantastic show-keep up the great work, Bravo-and please tell us there will be a second next great artist! Congratulations to all the contestants. Judges-as an art teacher myself-I appreciated the thoughtful insight and questioning that went into your critiques. And finally-to Abdi-you ROCK! What a great inspiration to all-please keep us posted with what you'll be doing next.

I am absolutely beyond ecstatic that Abdi was chosen as the winner. His unbelievable talent, incredible attitude, unyielding dedication and positive outlook were beyond inspiring and evoked an extreme admiration of him in me. I am beyond excited to see his show, PLEASE tell us when it is!!!

I am absolutely beyond ecstatic that Abdi was chosen as the winner. His unbelievable talent, incredible attitude, unyielding dedication and positive outlook were beyond inspiring and evoked an extreme admiration of him in me. I am beyond excited to see his show, PLEASE tell us when it is!!!

Great show and I was truly moved to tears. What creative minds, Truly A Work of Art in it self! Abdi Congratulaions! Miles and Peregrine excellent showings. Abdi your work touch my heart and soul. THANKS

Peregrine......I LOVED the way you had the courage to take something so sad in the twin fawns and turned it into something beautiful......maybe as they would be in heaven now......you were the winner in my eyes. I wish the viewers could have voted.

Did anyone ever tell you you look like Howie Long's estranged son? lol..jk. I loved the show..great document of the art world..Hope there's more seasons to come.

I absolutely loved the show! Please Please have another season.
I think it came a long way toward explaining to the general public why some strange and un-lovely installations are given space in galleries and museums. I'm still not sure it's not about who can come up with the best load of bs to explain their "art" but it was interesting to watch and listen to the artists as they developed their ideas and executed them.
I found the show educational, interesting, uplifting, and inspirational!

Great Show. I love Abdi.

I am totally enjoying these posts (especially from the artists) your words are poetry, and I am sure you art is breath-taking.

I love artists, you guys/ladies think too much, and that's a good thing.

Smiling...

The show kept my interest for the whole process, and it was predictable that Abdi would win as he is a competent modern artist with true sensibilities and wonderful skills. After meeting Abdi's mom, and Miles' parents, and Peregrine's husband it became clear that artists need the support of those who are dear to them. I personally think that Mile's father is the cause of his worries and deep anxiety with his pomposity and authoritarian rules. Miles will do well when he goes out on his own and follows his own dreams. All three artists were very talented, and their individuality is what makes art and artists so precious. Thank you so much for a wonderful series of programs.

I was super impressed by David LaChapelle's commentary on Abdi's work. There is a video on the Bravo site of David, Jeanne and Bill all looking at one of Abdi's paintings. David's bald appreciation, vulnerability, depth of recognition and straight up appreciation of the pieces starkly contrasted with Jeanne and Bill's very superficial, cardboardy, very canned, very rote responses to the pieces. It was actually kind of painful to watch this. Throughout the series, there was this kind of kangaroo court thing going on with the regular judges. They are writers, collectors, gallery owners, lecturers, curators, but except for China, I never felt that they really put themselves out there in the way that the guest judges and artists did. Maybe this is the result of being on the outside of the creative process, not ever experiencing what it means to actually make your own things, put them out in the world, expose your inner life and care about your own process. I suppose the judges did a good job within the confines of their capabilities, but the commentary from the artist judges was so much richer and emotionally satisfying. If this show is continued, I would love to see more actual artists on the judge's panel

Just want to thank you for all your hard work on WOA.
Hope you have a successful 2010 -2011 art season.

Congratulations Abdi, I rooted for you the whole way, and your victory inspired me and helped me remember what it is like to dance to the beat of inspiration.

You have a special gift that manifests itself in your art. All the best to you and your wonderful mother.

Bill ... I like the final line, "You're art history", by the way. It's perfect, and true, and accurate, and clever. I also like your commentary during the season, in that you didn't sugar-coat your observations or opinions behind flittering eyes of adoration, but rather, chose to point some of your comments directly at the heart of the artist to help elevate their ability to expand on their artistry. You pushed them to be more, to stretch their own vision. Well done.

I sure hope there is another season, (and another, and another). Even though art is relative to the eye of the beholder, and can be specific to the interpretation of the creator, and is subject to the judgement of the critics, it is still exciting to simply take a moment to celebrate art, and artists.

I love it that this show combined various permutations and variations of art, in that someone such as Abdi, with his introspective and yet tactile art can be shown aside someone like Peregrine, who combines every color and flavor of the rainbow into one exhibit, and with Miles, who dares us to follow him into a place where we're likely going to be uncomfortable, but promises to show us something we haven't seen before ... these are true artists, sharing beautiful art, and watching some of the process was fascinating and enlightening ... not to mention, entertaining.

I think Bravo scored a big hit with this one. People at the office were constantly talking about the last episode, and arguing about who should be a front-runner in the competition. Because art is so delicately balanced against the eye of the beholder, the arguments would get heated and forceful, with people ready to defend their personal favorite. All in all, this was an exciting and wonderful journey. Congrats again to the three finalists!

Not to take anything away from Abdi or Peregrine, (both of their shows were intriguing and awesome), but I was really pulling for Miles. Something about what lurks behind the surface of his creations just draws me in ... maybe it's a bit like being led into a place that is unfamiliar, yet has the uncomfortable feeling of de ja vu. There is a certain vulnerability that seems to permeate his work.

Congrats to Abdi, especially for the pieces in the last two episodes, and to Peregrine for her imaginative voyage and the intimate tenderness she shared with the two fawns piece, and also, to Miles, for exposing himself in a way that was uncomfortable and awkward, I'm sure, but yet it still managed to reveal his artistic genius. All three are talented and should be proud of their accomplishments and their participation in the show.

Congrats to all three artists. I must say that I actually cheered when they called Abdi's name - there was a real sense of happiness for him. He's a wonderful artist and a warm soul.
Perrigrin's work was also delightful and sensuous and temporary in that way that life/death/play/wonder often is. I do think her show could have been better edited - the pieces are far more powerful on their own instead of piled up on each other.
I liked Mile's first piece and frankly I was more wooed by his process than his finished products. He's charming and boyish and clever and sly in a very seductive way that makes him more appealing as an artist-boyfriend than an artist. He's wicked talented though, but he needs to challenge that wordy/nerdy/shy sex-appeal into his art.
Bill, you, China and Simon were the best judges. Jerry had his mind made up about Miles and Perrigrin from day 1 - it was like he was trying, unsuccessfully, I might add to hide his favorites. And I found his comments least constructive. The other judge seemed so wishy-washy in her assessment of the work that her points were not memorable...so much so, I can't remember her name. Oh and while I think its great that SJP is a producer, she really didn't offer much in her opinion of the work beyond - ooohhh and ahhhs and gasps...
BTW, I will use these episodes in my art class - my students can really benefit from watching other older artists create and listening to how you consider and determine the merits of work. Can't wait til next season!

In the beginning I was very disappointed by this show. My issue was the harsh criticism and I feared the show would promote con artists rather than real talent. But somewhere in the middle I stared to see compassion and humanity from the judges and the show went deeper into talent and art and moved away from artists arguing and petty drama.

Abdi and Miles were the stand outs from the beginning. But Miles seems to think that being a snake is part of what is needed to make it in the art world. Thank you for not rewarding him for that behavior. The first time Abdi started painting I thought, wow, this kid is just a natural. Fantastic. But my fav was Peregrine. I found her work to be absolutely enchanting and fascinating. I would have loved to see so much more of her wonderful, magical work.

You have captured the wonderful world of being an artist. I can't wait to see what season two has in store.

And now: I'll give you the brush off.

This show was so fun. The ending was suspenseful and surprising.

But, I'm posting to you because I loved your shoes at final judgment.

Bravo, bravo, bravo!!!!!!

Thanks to Bravo for putting on a "thinking man's reality show". I loved watching the creative process in each episode. The three finalists each produced amazing shows. They really expressed their individuality and each was profound in his own way. The final shows were really exciting.

It seems to me that Miles was the most consistently successful artist throughout the competition. He didn't let the different challenges throw him. I came to really appreciate Abdi both as an artist and as a person. He seemed to radiate good will toward all his competitors and I believe his spirit of humanity and good will came through in his final show. Peregrine's sculptures were particularly moving. She really has a lot of depth and her work is really thought provoking and original.

I hope there will be future seasons of Work of Art.

Abdi Farah is without question the next great artist.
What we as viewers saw over the last several weeks is the real Abdi and not a product of reality TV. The sighs, grimaces, excited exclamations and animation on his face are all his.
To his credit he never compromised himself or his art throughout the competition. What we also saw is a young man who could dig deep down inside himself in the midst of the chaos of the ticking clock and produce something of significant visual value.
When the chips were down Abdi embraced the one thing that he could do better than anyone else in the competition, the accurate depiction of the human form in paint, drawing and sculpture.
Obviously it was a winning combination.
Over the past winter I tried to figure out what he was banging away at in his garage and basement “studios”. Now I know.
Way to go Abdi! There will be more to come from this young artist.
Regards, from a Dover neighbor, G

A little tired of people talking about the twin fawn reproduction as being so inspired. She did not create it- she just bought a science model and photographed it.

Work of Art (the show) was truly a work of art. Well done. Congrats.

Speaking on behalf of myself and everyone else out there who bears "the mark"...

As a creative since birth who truly understands every facet of being a creative, it should be known, once and for all, that this "gift" is absolutely and blessing and absolutely a curse. Unfortunately, that blessing is a long way from being realized simply because its benefits are not tangible... they are purely emotional. Yet, when asked what one's goal in life is, an overwhelming percentage of the population will say "HAPPINESS"... an emotion. And when asked to recall a memorable moment from the past, the response is almost certainly generated via emotion as well...

We, as artists, have simply realized our purpose on planet Earth and remain steadfast in hopes that bringing emotional -- and perhaps spiritual-- depth to the world will, in turn, generate enough cash to continue. Yet, as it stands, devoting ones life as an artist is one hell of a risk... hope is often generated solely through crossed fingers.

And so I have to say THANK YOU to all of you in TV land who have stepped up to the plate to expose the underbelly of American culture through a medium that, unlike art, is widely accepted... amen and bravo!

...Oh! One last thought...
To those who have yet to purchase original art... it's time to go shopping. You owe it to yourself. Original work is available in all shapes and sizes, from five bucks to five million bucks. Just find something that makes you feel... and then invest in yourself and the person who created it.

...hmmm... maybe I should be posting this in a real housewives blog instead... ;-)

The inexplicable fawning of the judges over Miles (Jerry, in particular) had me about to throw in the towel with this show...and then Abdi won! I was surprised when Abdi didn't win the first challenge--loved his portrait of Ryan--and shocked when 'Miles taking a nap' beat 'video game man,' so I had little hope that he would prevail; thank you for proving me wrong. Congratulations, Abdi, can't wait to see your show!!! (When will that be?)

Abdi's work even conveyed itself through the TV. When I saw the drawing from nature he did, I wept from the bottom of my toes. As a non-artist, I can't even articulate why and he did not disappoint with his final show. His last pieces evoke an all encompassing love for all mankind...that the failures of our culture and hard balls life throws at all of us do not diminish the beauty of the spirit. It was tender and so beautiful... physically, mentally and especially, emotionally. I felt such love from his works. I can hardly believe he is only 22 and am so glad he is that young. I can not wait to see what he does next.

Miles was quite a disappointment. His work was cold and I felt, rather uninspired. I got the feeling he took a nap a few weeks before the show and just threw his stuff together at the last minute. I loved his junkyard piece. It was so much more personal. I think he is a talented and gifted artist but lacks the maturity and openess Abdi has.

Perigrine's show was FABULOUS!! I was moved by the fawn photo so much but the rest was too cluttered for me to get a real sense of what the point was. She too will go far in this business. As a Kansas Citian, I will be taking my daughter to see her work. There is a feeling of loss of innocence too soon I get from her work.

Finally, I was really moved by how the final three sort of banded together at the end. This is uncommon for most reality show but here, it seemed like each of the three truly respected the work of and liked each other. That was a very nice twist.

Thanks to SJP for thinking this up. I hope it made Bravo enough money to do it again very soon.

What a terrific show! I hope it will return to Bravo, and especially wish it could be done twice a year!

You all did a beautiful job in the judging throughout. Excellent three finalists and any one of them might have won. But Abdi is a magnificent young man, highly gifted, and I was emotional over his win.
Good work.

Loved the show. Congrats to Abdi. Very impressed by his humble demeanor and caring spirit. Can't wait to see more of his work.

ok i think that peregrines art room was much better than abdis. i think that she should have won the whole competition. if the judges would have looked over the competition as a whole then they would have found out that peregrine should have won. abdi is a good artist but i think that peregrine should have really won. they are all amazing and creative artists, but i just feel that peregrine was the most creative.

Congrats Abdi! I was confident you'd pull it off right from the first episode.

Thank you for your wonderful insight and comments, and general enthusiasm in this series. I have an Art History degree - unused, obviously - and due to this show, I'm back at school (metaphorically) obsessed with asking why artists create. If change starts with one person, you've done it.

I thought Miles was going to be the winner from the first episode throughoput the season. Abdi is young and still growing as an artist, but his attitude and personality make him a winner in life in general. Although I did not really connect with Peregrine's work in general, I thought her final show was the strongest. I look forward to seeing all three of the finalists in the future.

WOW...what a finale show...Abdi's work, all I can say is wow...I was awestruck, he took my breath away with tears, it so moved me and touched my heart, full of wonder and light... so vunerable, and truly trancendent...passing through the self and comming into the oneness of all. This is where he differed from the rest...Miles and Peregrine...beautiufl work to be sure...but still generating in the self. Thank you all for exposing your self. I bow to the majesty of it all...esp. you Abdi...thank you!

The best three won.

We watched this show as a family - a teenager and two adult parents. We are all artists and it inspired all of us to create more art, especially from our hearts. Thank you to all the soulful players who brought this creation to fruition: artists, judges, hosts, sponsors, producers, crew, admin, etc.!

I'm with the blogger who said "all is forgiven" to the judges. I was inspired and moved by Abdi's final pieces. His compassion and skill really shone through. The works were transcendent even as shown on a tv screen. I can't imagine what the impact must have been in person.
As an aside, I think Abdi's mom rocks. How wonderful of the editors to show such a positive example of parenting and the beautiful human being who resulted from it. How many other young men would offer their prize money to their mom?!
Bravo to Bravo. I was cynical about the show in the beginning, but I ended up being amazed, inspired and uplifed.