Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Toddler art

32 replies

Loveache · 09/08/2017 19:17

So today via Facebook I was invited to attend an art exhibition in a local gallery. It's on over two days.

The 'artist' is a two-year-old boy.

I first thought it was either a piss-take or fundraising, but further investigation proved otherwise.
These parents have had their baby's scribbles professionally framed, rented a gallery for a weekend and made a formal event to 'launch' him as an artist. They are serious.

AIBU/ horribly mean or is this an unacceptable level of parental wankery?

OP posts:
DonaldStott · 09/08/2017 19:19

No. Fucking. Way.

Rugratwrangler · 09/08/2017 19:22

I think it's stupid. Just like the stag beetle that draws on YouTube and the owner sells the scribbles for hundreds of pounds. And other such stuff.

This sort of thing touches a nerve with me, I am an artist and I spend immense time and effort in what I do. But some people scribble or splatter paint on a page and call it art

ClaudiaWankleman · 09/08/2017 19:23

Absolute wankery.

I wouldn't be able to stop myself going though, mostly in the hope there would be free wine and nibbles, and I could have an inward giggle.

MrsUnderwood · 09/08/2017 19:23

You have to go, you realise that don't you? Mumsnet's cultural correspondent

SarahJonesS · 09/08/2017 19:24

I suspect I know this person....

Whiterabbitears · 09/08/2017 19:24

I would not be able to stop myself honking with laughter if I'd found that out, I can imagine arty types there seriously interpreting the 'art' hells bells Grin

HensAndRabbits · 09/08/2017 19:25

Please, please go and report back. That poor boy.

Neoflex · 09/08/2017 19:25

We expect pictures

RatRolyPoly · 09/08/2017 19:26

Are the pictures nice?

Rugratwrangler · 09/08/2017 19:28

whiterabbitears I almost wet myself at the thought of people interpreting the art

Original poster
Loveache · 09/08/2017 19:30

It's only down the road. I might pop my head in. 😂
I get the PFB thing but this is a whole other league of ridiculous.

OP posts:
JennyBlueWren · 09/08/2017 19:33

Have you got a link?

I use my son's scribbles as cards for relatives! I let him scribble with silver and gold pens on dark red card at Christmas and it looked really arty. I should have sold them!

welshweasel · 09/08/2017 19:34

Jeez, it's all I can do to stick the odd bit of 'art' from nursery on the pin board rather than filing straight in the recycling. Craziness.

Original poster
Loveache · 09/08/2017 19:37

A link is too outing as the event has used both parents' full names as well as their son's.
The paintings are splots and scribbles like any other child that age. My nephew the same age has a kitchen wall full of them. Gallery though? Just no.

OP posts:
nocake · 10/08/2017 09:40

We have a toddler art exhibition. It's on our fridge and you're very welcome to come and view it.

BasketOfDeplorables · 10/08/2017 10:07

This is perfectly exceptable if the pictures are hung at toddler height, and there is a private view for toddlers featuring waiters wandering round with sippy cups on trays, and some kind of canapés. And they should all be dressed like art critics.

Alicetherabbit · 10/08/2017 10:14

I just collected a draw full of toddler "art" from nursery today, didn't realise I was carting about and goldmine

BasketOfDeplorables · 10/08/2017 10:18

If it turns out to be a conceptual reply to the wankers who say 'my toddler could do better' I'll buy one.

SilverBirchTree · 10/08/2017 10:19

Haha wow.

Are they expecting to sell them? Or is it just an event for family and friends?

I think I'd give it a miss, but if you do go, please report back! Smile

MummysBusy · 10/08/2017 12:24

Basket GrinGrin

What twattery, though. They couldn't even do it for charity? I'd happily indulge them for a good cause.

chickenfraybentos · 10/08/2017 12:34

It's definitely absolutely in no way tongue in cheek?

Genuinely thought this was going to be about fridge art Grin

kel1234 · 10/08/2017 12:50

I wouldn't do that. We framed the first painting our ds done at the childminders, and the rest all go in a folder so we always have them.
Don't know why it's all someone would do to stick the odd bit of 'art' on the pin board rather than filling the recycling though. But mean to hair throw your child's paintings away I think..

Original poster
Loveache · 10/08/2017 13:53

No way tongue in cheek unfortunately. When I looked it up, I also found the Instagram that had been set up, starring this little boy. The parents think he is some kind of Messiah.

OP posts:
KittysMyName · 10/08/2017 13:59

This is amazing! How terrifically wanky! Grin You HAVE to go and report back!

hoopdeloop · 10/08/2017 13:59

I'm going to get my DS to paint/crayon some pictures, frame them and give them to all the family for Christmas.
When they look bemused, I'll merely explain that it's so they can have an original early piece before he becomes recognised! Like a little retirement pot for them smug face