Subject: Re: Artists make millions Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 00:20:08 +1000 From: "Wired News" Reply-To: news@wired.com To: References: 1 Irational Artists Seduce Corporations 3:00 a.m. Jun. 28, 2000 PDT Artists no longer have to put up with a low quality lifestyle if the trend initiated by some artists continue. The artists involved are 'Irational' and they very very cool. "Our ways seem appealing to them", says 'Irational' artist Rachel Baker. 'Them' refers to te corporations. Recently, 'Irational' entered a five year agreement with the International Business Council (IBC) which represents the interests of the top 500 corporations in the world. The agreement involves 'Irational' providing the IBC cutting-edge knowledge and techniques on ways of influencing the social space which is increasingly diluted and undefinable due to the diversity created by the swarm of players entering the global market place. The exact terms of the agreement are sketchy, however it is understood that an eight figure sum is involved. "We have to meet them six times per year. But they pick up all the expenses", claims Baker. The IBC relocates its headquarters every three months to optimise their effectiveness. "They fly us first-class and we get to eat all the seafood we want". But some members of 'Irational' are cautious about the new venture. "I originally got involved with art because I wanted to communicate my ideas to the people", says Heith Bunting, "but now we are moving into uncharted territory". But it must be exciting for an obscure art group to be taken so seriously by the corporate world. "This is a new project for us and even though we are getting paid extremely well, I am motivated by the challenge of it all". 'Irational' was formed in the early eighties at the dawn of the new-technology era. During the past twenty years, they have created many art works which have experimented with influencing consciousness and behaviour. Their group comprises of several artists located strategically in different parts of the world. In Mexico, 'Irational' has a cult-following. "Their art is radical because they give away seeds and bus tickets", says Federick Fernandes, curator of Mexico City Modern Art Gallery. Minerva Cuevas is the 'Irational' member based in Mexico. "For me its all about the cause-effect cycle and how we can use our unique artistic talents to tap in to the ordinary person", she says. Europe also has its fair share of 'Irational' influence. Daniel Andujar's dedication is inspiring. His work taps in to the inadequacies of those who live in extreme poverty. "I want all people to have technology", says Martinkus. "When everyone is connected then we can all become very powerful". The 'Irational' success has prompted tens of thousands of artists to recreate their portfolios highlighting what might be of interest to the world of commerce. But will this trend continue? Is the corporate world simply grasping for new ideas? "We thought long and hard before commissioning 'Irational' to transfer their expertise", explains Mike Bradley, chief exectuive of IBC. "They ('Irational') are way ahead of our psycho-sociological operations division. For us, its a worthwhile investment, and we are looking forward to making more deals with artists". Bradley is happy because the 'Irational' artists have given his top 500 consortium an edge over their competition. More importantly, knowledge that is often hidden is being transferred to the executives. "It's all about intellectual property", confides Bradley. But the artists do not seem concerned by claims they are being exploited. "The laugh is on them really", explains Draker. "We are making the corporate world more artistic - we are helping them to evolve. We really are in a win-win situation!", she says cheerfully. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check wired.com for latest news