NEW YORK.- The Dish Network will begin airing a reality show on its Gallery HD high-definition channel. Artstar proposes the following question: can the complexity of making new works of art be successfully presented in a traditional hour-long television series format?

With an intentionally provocative and ironic title, Artstar episode one sets a process in motion. Artists are asked to participate in an open call, where a jury comprised of respected critics and artists will aim to find at least eight artists whose work, taken together, suggests a new thesis for a group exhibition at Deitch Projects. In consultation with Jeffrey Deitch, the selected artists will work towards realizing this exhibition concept.

The following seven hour-long episodes of Artstar will track these artists in an effort to reveal the process of the creation of new art works in the service of this collaborative exhibition. What is it like being on the inside of such an undertaking? The goal of Artstar is to show you.

Artstar is a maverick production and the participation of veteran television producers, a highly respected dealer, critics and artists won't insure its success. Are there artists who can make new works under the scrutiny of high-definition television cameras? Can the results of such a process yield a vital gallery-based exhibition? Will Artstar yield serial television that is in any way watchable?