"Work of Art" Review: Could This Be the One?

It seems like every few months I’m writing about Bravo’s latest attempt at replacing “Project Runway.”

First there was “The Fashion Show.” Then there was “Launch My Line.” They both started out okay, but quickly ran off the rails. And neither came anywhere close to being the next “Project Runway.”

But now I think it’s quite possible that Bravo has finally found its replacement—in the art world…

Sarah Jessica Parker and the Magical Elves have teamed up to bring us “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist.” The show follows the “Runway” formula almost exactly. There’s an attractive host/judge (China Chow), sharp tongued judges (Jerry Saltz of “New York Magazine” is especially blunt.) and a mentor for the contestants (auctioneer Simon de Pury).

But even copying the successful formula doesn’t mean a successful show without great contestants. So thankfully it appears that “Work” has found some pretty good ones. They’re all extremely talented in painting, screenprinting, photography and sculpting. But more importantly, some of them are extremely opinionated and are not afraid to share their opinions with anyone who will listen—whether they want to hear it or not.

In the premiere, the most opinionated contestant gets slammed by the judges so she snarkily tells them that she is not responsible for their experience of her work. Me-OW! It’s the kind of comment that made me want to stand up and cheer.

Could this be the one that makes everyone forget “Project Runway”? I’ve got my fingers crossed…

“Work of Art: The Next Great Artist” premieres Wednesday, June 9th at 11 p.m. on Bravo, following the season finale of “Top Chef Masters.”