Pisces, Prepare to Partner Off
Welcome.
A quick recap, for those who may be new here:
Astrology for Artists will hit your inbox each month, offering yearly astrological forecasts for a single zodiac sign. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at the year ahead for Pisces—with special attention paid to how the universe could influence their studio practice and (surely fruitful) career.
A few sentences for the remaining signs, looking towards the month ahead, will follow.
My inbox is always open; please send any thoughts, disagreements, suggestions, and dada ruptures to hello@robertalangrand.com
Pisces
February 19 - March 20
The way Josef Albers (March 19) tells it, there was no prior discussion. He found out he’d be teaching at the Bauhaus the same time as his soon-to-be-students did—during a summer orientation led by school founder Walter Gropius. In an interview with Sevim Fesci, Albers recounted how, after making the announcement, Gropius turned to the wide-eyed artist, brushed off his excuses and said, “Do me the favor and start.”
Later in the interview, Albers talked about his experience working with a number of modern masters, revealing a special affinity for fellow professor Paul Klee. He noted that,
[Klee] came to me and never criticized anything. He talked about something else. Never asked about any form problem with the windows I was working on. Never a word. He was too respectful...He thought I should exhibit. That's another story. We had a good relationship because we never dealt with the same problems. He didn't attack our problems. He never brought up a problem.
This year, Pisces, you should be on the lookout for the Klee to your Albers—a fellow creative who builds you up without judgment or criticism. Perhaps she’s a long-lost classmate from your master’s program, or that one person who meets your gaze at every Lower East Side opening. You know, the one wearing a basic tee and paint-splattered Carhartts. No, the other one, Pisces, the one who’s a little older and has longer hair.
Making room for this individual should involve something that creatively benefits you both, whether that’s going all-in on a larger studio space, flipping through your messiest sketchbooks together, or scheduling a standing coffee date to talk through complex material processes. I know this sounds like the typical horoscopes you read, Pisces—the ones that, like clockwork, plead for you to stop isolating yourself, to lean into the comfort provided by close friends. But what I’m saying is different. For you, this person is more than a friend; they should be seen as your creative confidant, one whose energy and enthusiasm motivates you daily.
This affirming, spiritual connection will help you tackle the next chapter of your creative life and career. You’ve been doing fine, Pisces, but you’re far from satisfied. Maybe last year’s calendar was full of group shows but no solos (always a TriBeCa bridesmaid, never Zwirner’s bride). Whatever the problem, you feel like something’s holding you back. Parsing through your ugliest thoughts and roughest ideas with this person will help boost your confidence. You’ll listen to your intuition again, the wax of self-deprecation drained from your ears. More importantly, you’ll be ready for more challenging and critical endeavors, like studio visits with museum curators or crit groups with total strangers—their honest feedback more acerbic than the resin you’re working with.
As for your theoretical partner, don’t worry too much about the relationship becoming one-sided. On paper, sure, it sounds self-serving but you’re too sensitive, too empathetic for this imbalance to occur. If anything, this worry will keep you from being your most honest self around them—so shake it off! Every healthy relationship requires the establishment of clear boundaries, and I’m sure your confidant will let you know if you come close to crossing the line.
So this year, Pisces, start going to after-parties, readings, and mid-day performances again. Make conversation that goes beyond small talk. Follow your old classmates on Instagram and slide into their DMs. You never know where it could lead. Pisces, be the Albers to my Gropius. Do me the favor and start—by putting yourself out there without fear or any degree of self-effacement. The stars tell me you’ll end up in good hands.
Pisces Season
for those born under…
Aries: You’re juggling a lot right now—even more than usual, you workaholic. The effort you’re putting in will pay off in the long run, but for now, don’t torture yourself. Take plenty of walks, and pick up a treat on the way home. Your editor, dealer, or colleagues will understand.
Taurus: Say yes to whatever comes your way this month. Doors are opening but not for long—use this chance to get your work, and your voice, out there. And don’t worry about the repercussions! So what if the group show’s theme is a little embarrassing or the fair’s panel isn’t well attended? The art world’s attention span is too short to care and you can always leave it off your CV (that’s why we say “Selected Exhibitions,” after all).
Gemini: Keep working diligently in your studio—seriously, avoid all distractions—but, more importantly, try to use all the materials in your scrap pile, in your “saving for later” tub. Maybe freelance gigs are drying up, or some unexpected expense is draining your resources. Either way, money’s tight. Find a way to make use of what you already have.
Cancer: Read Pisces’ horoscope carefully, Cancer—you may be the one they forge a relationship with. You have no problems being vulnerable, sensitive, or caring and all those qualities will come in handy this month. Art wise, try pivoting mediums for a minute; if you’re a painter, try photography or vice versa. You’ll find a new way to connect with yourself, invigorating your practice overall.
Leo: I know you’ve been thinking about it Leo so go ahead—redecorate your studio. Get a few pieces of extra furniture. Figure out a new lighting setup. Rearrange your workspace. You’re in a good spot with your work (whether you can acknowledge it or not) and you should really spruce up the place before visitors swarm in.
Virgo: Everything feels topsy-turvey, Virgo. You’re hearing nasty rumors, making you question all the truths you hold dear. Your admirers now have two faces; pleasant studio visits are followed by nasty critiques whispered behind your back. These people, Virgo, what do you do? Confront them, sure, but don’t let it affect your flow. Keep making work that speaks to you. Stay faithful to yourself and the rest will fall into place.
Libra: An organization is calling, and they want you to join their team. Dealer? Maybe it’s NADA. Art worker? Maybe it’s a union. Whatever it may be, say yes to this opportunity. You may feel overwhelmed by the work already on your plate, but I’m telling you, Libra—you’ll figure out a way to balance it all. The scales always do.
Scorpio: Redirect your loneliness, your depression, your pent up erotic energy and finish a project you’ve already started. Big change is coming in another area of your life—warning, Mercury’s in retrograde!—and you’ll need your practice to keep you sane and stable. Don’t discount the immense satisfaction that comes with finishing a piece. In fact, count on it.
Sagittarius: You’re coming off an extreme high, Sag, but be careful; Mercury’s in retrograde and the planet will do all it can to reverse your success. Key pieces of equipment may break down, colleagues may become unreliable, Artist and Craftsman may run out of your preferred gesso. You gotta keep your cool, though, and stay above it all. If you need some inspiration, just think of all you’ve accomplished this far.
Capricorn: Ah, the constant struggle of being a Capricorn rears its nasty head again. You’re angry at yourself—for not being more productive, for skipping out on social functions, or for not getting your work in front of more people’s eyes. Wallowing in this anger, complaining to yourself and others day after day, isn’t going to help. It’s only Feburary, Cappy, and there’s plenty of time to make 2020 your year. Keep on the path you’ve cleared so far—success is closer than you think.
Aquarius: On the horizon Aquarius—a big change to an established plan. Maybe your upcoming museum show is forced to change venues or your creative day job suddenly becomes contentious with your practice, your well-being. A bummer that you can blame on Mercury. Unlike most actions under the retrograde, though, this shift won’t be reversed next month. And, in the long run, that’s good news! You’ll be forced to reconnect with your intuition to find a better way through. Perhaps pairing with a Pisces will help you during this transitional phase—you’ll both benefit from the support you can offer one another.