Art Thoughtz with Hennessy Youngman by Jayson Musson (2010-2012)

Art Thoughtz with Hennessy Youngman (2010-2012) is a web-based series of video performances by Jayson Musson. The artist takes on the persona of “art critic" Hennessy Youngman, an irreverent commentator dripped out in gold chains and a flat-brimmed hat. In the series, Musson uses vernacular slang to teach art history crash courses and offer advice for “real world scenarios that you will encounter in the field of art.”

Art Thoughtz satirically comments on the high borders to entry of the art world and the institutional songs and dances that come with navigating the elitist industry. The caption of a video that provides advice for artists hosting studio visits reads, “TODAY I WANTED TO..GIVE YOU GUIDELINES ABOUT THE AGE OLD RITUAL OF YE OLDE STUDIO VISIT…GOOD LUCK AND DON'T FUCK THIS UP!”