But something else is in the air. Artists are finding ways around the cynicism and lowered expectations. Here and there, they're taking some cocky, nicely righteous, occasionally kick-ass steps that are way more than baby. In the first nine months of the 21st century, newness appeared in various guises. Naming names is dangerous when the art world eats its young, so one will suffice for all.
All celebrations eventually do.
The grumblers will grumble, either way. As with many artists these days, if Fischerspooner fails, it will be in hypnotic, erotic, or passionately imperfect ways. I'm not talking about dumbing art down, grooviness, or triviality. This is dicier than that. Artists are making serious decisions, but not taking them too seriously.