A New Type of Art Patronage

The rich and powerful have always expressed a love of expensive art (among other luxuries) and kings / czars / popes (etc) of the past, seemed to have artists on hand to create masterpieces for their wealthy bosses. But Andrew Jeffrey Wright, a punky, independent-minded Philadelphia -based artist devoid of convention, defies the ideas of art patronage.

While Wright admits that his own drawings and paintings are "too expensive for people who don't have that much money," he displays his desire for everyone to have access to his art.

"I love poor people, and not just because I am one- I think poor people have great style and taste," says Wright.

Because of this, the artist recently launched a low-cost subscription series for fans who pay a yearly fee for what he has to offer. Wright's "patrons" are to receive one of every colorful screen print he produces for the calendar year of 2010. The subscription, which includes a guaranteed minimum of twelve prints for each patron, starts at an annual cost of just $300 (and includes shipping and handling).

Wright's excited about the "fun connection" his lower-cost art generates, as he appreciates the people who really like his work (and is happy that they can now enjoy their very own Andrew Jeffrey Wright screen prints).

In addition, Wright is one of the co-creators of Philadelphia's Space 1026, a communal gallery and studio launched in 1997, intended as a ten year experiment. Since its debut, the collective has become known for its innovative (and sometimes wacky) works in photography, video, animation, painting, drawing, collages, zines, performance, sculpture, t-shirts, and screen printing - all of which Wright does handily, with both humor and enthusiasm.

Space 1026, along with Los Angeles gallery owner Justin Van Hoy (who bought one of Wright's pieces at 1026 - but worried about keeping up with the artist after leaving Philadelphia), and Wright's zine-making friend Mark Price (who achieved much success with his "zine-of-the-month" club) are the three contributing factors that inspired the creation of Wright's subscription series.

Last words: the witty and personable Wright says,

"There is no feeling of loss even though I am selling my prints for a lot less money. It creates a connection between me and the people who dig me ... if they feel they are receiving way too many screen prints, they could use some as currency - go into a five-star restaurant and pay for a meal. Or book a trip to Paris..."

Read the entire article about Wright and his Subscription Series here.