Frida Kahlo inspired show opens tomorrow
The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center in Washington, DC will be hosting Finding Beauty In A Broken World: In the Spirit of Frida Kahlo.
This exhibition showcases the work in all mediums of artists selected by me and whose work is influenced not only by Kahlo’s art, but also by her biography, her thoughts, and her writing or any other aspect in the life and presence of this powerful artist.
Frida Kahlo's artistic footprint in 21st century artists from all over.
This is the third Kahlo show that I have juried in the last decade and I am floored by the range of work and interpretations that I selected. Wait until you see how an amazing Bulgarian photographer channels Kahlo! Or Katya Romero's gorgeous work (that's her Petalos Negros to the right).
You can start seeing the show on July 1st, and the opening reception & awards will be Friday, July 17, 2009, from 5:30 – 8:00PM.
See ya there!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Things I learn on I-95
Over the last three years I have driven up and down I-95 hundreds of times; from Philly to New York, from Philly to Richmond, and most often, from Philly to DC and back.
Useless fact: It is exactly 90 miles from my house to the entrance of the tunnel at Baltimore. Not 90.1 or 89.8, but 90!
I'v driven up and down 95 over and over and over, at all times of the day, night and those odd hours of the early morning when radio frequency propagation allows one to listen to all those crazy shows (about aliens and the coming Rapture) that seem to be popular in the Midwest.
Every time that I'm on I-95 at 4AM, I am always amazed by the number of cars on the road. Who in the hell are all those people and where are they fucking going so early in the morning? I sometimes wonder if they think the same questions about me as we exchange glances as we pass each other.
That New York to the South I-95 corridor has many interesting nuances, twists and turns, as well as several rip offs, most notably the entire state of Delaware, so proud of the fact that they have no taxes.
I know why Delaware has no sales taxes.
It is because the entire state's budget is completely accounted and paid for by the multiple tolls that they charge for the privilege of driving on I-95 through all 600 feet of Delaware; multiple tolls!
The billions of dollars in tolls that Delaware gets sounds like a lot of money, but that monetary candy store pales in comparison to the trillions of wasted hours that drivers pile on as they wait in the never ending lines in Delaware tolls.
I have one of those electronic "easy pass" badges on my windshield that allows me to drive through the special gates, but even those gates often back up as the I-95 cash cow devours billions in tolls.
I have also learned many things as I observe life behind the metal and glass super space ship that is my minivan.
Today, for miles I wind-drafted behind a speeding Megabus making its run between NYC and DC.
For the first time I noticed how scary the Megabus driver icon is when blown to bus-sized proportions. The entire rear of the huge bus is painted with the pig-colored face of the megabus icon driver, his scary blue eyes staring at me as I tail the bus; big smile on his face.
A huge, huge face staring at me; his belt-buckle at the bottom of the bus, and his yellow hat at the top, the rest is mostly a huge, huge, pink face, a scary smile and even scarier eyes.
And then I noticed that he is wearing earrings!
Not just any earrings, but bright, ruby red earrings!
You see, when the huge image was spray painted or glued on, or however they apply those images onto the bus surfaces, the driver's two earlobes align perfectly with the monster bus's upper rear brake lights.
And every time the bus's real driver steps on the brakes, his caricature icon guy on the rear has red earrings that illuminate and glow bright red!
The megabus driver has earrings! That's why he is smiling! And I am no longer a little afraid of him.
Things learned on I-95.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tomorrow in Rehoboth
New art gallery opens in Rehoboth tomorrow!
Located at 20 Baltimore Avenue in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, GALLERY C is the area's latest contemporary fine art display space.
The new gallery is host to monthly exhibitions featuring original works of contemporary fine art by regional, national, and international artists.
Gallery exhibitions will be curated by my good friend and acclaimed visual artist Michael Sprouse, who is also Executive Director of the gallery.
Sprouse was the owner and curator for the acclaimed Eklektikos Gallery of Art in Washington, DC for 11 years prior to moving to the Rehoboth Beach area in 2002.
The reception is from 6 pm - 9 pm, on Saturday, June 27th, 2009; meet the artists and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of Lupo Di Mare, OVATIONS restaraunt & lounge, and others).
Frank Hyder’s Persistent Dream
Wanna go to a Philly opening tonight? The Persistent Dream is a mixed media installation by Frank Hyder at the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, curated by Lorie Mertes. The show opens tonight!
This exhibition brings together elements from Hyder's recent explorations of forms and dream-like images in both two and three dimensions. The majestic space of the College entrance lends a satisfying combination of dramatic exterior and interior views of these new works.
Moore College of Art & Design
20th & The Parkway
June 26 - September 2, 2009
Opening Friday, June 26 - 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Augusten Burroughs
I've come across an author that has kindled something that I haven't had happen to me since the 80s: A raging need to devour his books one right after the other.
It's a rather unhealthy habit, because one reads them too fast (wanting to get to the next book) and then, later on, one has to re-read them, just to see what I missed. I'm reading Possible Side Effects now.
Augusten Burroughs is a witty, intelligent, funny and eloquent writer with a well-honed set of literary skills and a superbly conditioned stack of writing muscles.
This is a visual arts blog, but every once in a while I meander around (I love that word: meander, especially when applied to the Greek architectural element that no one else knows about) to books, movies, etc.
In fact, his stories have given me some new ideas for some drawings... expect to see some Augusten Burroughs inspired art soon.
Read Augusten Burroughs now!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Mark Planisek
Just received the news that DC area artist Mark Planisek, who had a terrible accident over the weekend, has passed away.
I first met Mark when he used to hang out and exhibit at the eklektikos gallery in Georgetown. That gallery was in the same Canal Square location as the original Fraser Gallery. At that time, back in the mid-late 90s, there were seven art galleries in that square.
Mark was not only one of the friendliest and nicest persons that you ever met, but also a superbly talented artist.
A few years ago, both him and Anne, and I were staying at a common friend's house in Los Angeles. Mark and Anne were there for a week, and as I was over in San Diego at that time, I drove over to see them and spend the weekend at the house.
We were sitting outside in the garden, when Mark noted that some of the tiles in our host's house were loose. Suddenly Planisek was climbing the roof and to my amazement spent the next hour or so fixing the roof!
We will miss you Mark...
Opportunity for Artists
Deadline: September 18, 2009
Call for Proposals. Purdue University Galleries (West Lafayette, Indiana) is currently reviewing proposals for an exhibition of contemporary art relating to the Langston Hughes poem "A Dream Deferred" and contemporary socioeconomic challenges facing minorities in the United States. The exhibition will be presented in the Stewart Center Gallery from January 11 through February 21, 2010 in conjunction with a presentation of "A Raisin in the Sun" at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette.
Work must be available to be exhibited at that time. There is no entry fee. All media are eligible, including new and emerging technologies. Exhibit will be curated from submissions and may feature a single artist or group of artists. Applicants should send cover letter describing proposed exhibit and estimated expenses, examples of current work (up to 20 jpegs on CD or DVD for time-based media - no slides), resume, artist statement, and SASE to:
Craig Martin
Purdue University Galleries
Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual & Performing Arts
552 West Wood St
West Lafayette IN 47907-2002
Or call 765-494-3061 or email cdmartin@purdue.edu
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lisa Rosenstein's Top AOM artists
Alex Zealand - sculptor; she uses recycled/sustainable materials to create works of great delicacy and beauty. She was in a show with Adam Eig (another talented sculptor) at the new artdc.org gallery in Hyattsville. She had made a sculptural bowl out of grape stems that was so beautiful to look at, and the shadows it cast were just as nice to look at.
Barry Schmetterer - photography, deeply thoughtful and masterful works that give the viewer a space for contemplation.
Steven Reveley - glass artist; the first time that I saw this glass work my breath stopped at the combination of strength and fragility.
Sherill Gross - paper artist; the intricacy of her work blows my mind.
Jessica Hensley - collagist-self taught; very intentional fine workmanship, good compositions
Ben Toller - drawing; this guy is amazing. His eye and line are beyond belief. I saw his work at the O street studio a month or so ago. He's starting to paint, and already is above and beyond most; his work makes me think of Hieronymous Bosch.
Jeannette Herrerra - She's a little bit (actually a lot!) outsider art - very talented, self taught painter, very, very prolific. Both my kids bought her work at AOM last year with their own money. My son who was 14 at the time spotted her work first.
m. gert barkovic - saw this outrageous sculpture my first go round, had taken a pic and sent to the artist (whose name I then forgot). Just received an e-mail in response - yay! This one should have gotten one of those Renwick craft awards-Highest Honor.
Laurel Lukaszewski - just love her work.
Mark Planisek
Just received the terrible news that DC area artist Mark Planisek had a horrible accident over the weekend.
Apparently Mark was coming out of the Arlington Arts Center and about to was crossing the street, when a car peeled off, causing him to retreat backwards onto the sidewalk; he tripped on the curb and fell backwards, and was struck by a car and received a really bad head injury.
Planisek is in ICU and we're all hoping and praying for the best, but I am sad to say that his family has been told to prepare for the worst.
Monday, June 22, 2009
If you got one...
The last "benefactor claimant asserted that he/she had mailed out 50 letters to AOM artists.
If you got one, either drop me an email or leave a comment.
Tammy Vitale's AOM Top 10
From DC area artist Tammy Vitale:
Wanted to give a shout out to some artists whose work I have really enjoyed this year. I hate to call it a Top Ten...mostly because I have others I really like. These folks, however, took the time to "talk" with me (via interviews on my blog), so I know them better and appreciate their work even more.
Patricia Hartnett: there is an underlying magic to the small paintings of a girl and a bird (birds), the twig tree - all things that call me in to visit with the work and hear it's stories. There are secrets here and I want to spend time learning them.
Tracey Clarke: also weaves a mythological land for her work. "The Guardian" caught my eye, the LLama with butterflies (whose title I don't know) kept me there delightedly smiling. I could live with any of her work forever (pretty much my criteria for "great art").
Krissy Downing - and not the first time. Her whimsical sense of humor always makes me smile. But this year, she added "Child in Branches"...not whimsical. More melancholy. Wonderful!
Alex Zealand - because I never quite know what it is I'm looking at. This year's piece was first rain, then harp strings, then a flock of birds. Doesn't get boring!
Jane Braoaddus - because her dolls are slightly wicked, and call forth the dark side. I like that (not to mention wonderfully and imaginatively executed).
Sofya Mervis: more dark side, pursuing a quest I visit in Body Politics: what is real beauty? why do women allow themselves to be co-opted by a marketing media that does not have their best interests in mind as it totes that "perfect" look? Pretty much: when will we (women) learn?
Susan LaMont - color. Lots of lush color. And underlying all that color, some tale is being told by juxtaposition of light and shadow. Mesmerizing!
Kim Reyes - always shows something that absolutely captures me. More often than not, several somethings. This year she has returned to her necklaces with ceramic focal pieces - the work that first caught my eye at AOM02. And Departing (ceramic and chicken bones) stopped me in my tracks. Reminescent of her work last year, it has to be a personal story, but there wasn't a tour for me learn the back history on it - my loss. (I don't have an interview with her but I have known and loved her work since my first ArtOMatic so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention her).
John Grunwell because I fell in love with his cat portrait at AOM02 and have enjoyed watching his style emerge and develop.
David Alfuth - His work amazes me. And he really really worked with me to get an interview in for my blog (computer troubles). I guess you have to have infinite patience as a characteristic to make his creations!
And like I said, there are many many more pieces I could cite and artists I could name. What I like about ArtOMatic lately is that one can watch certain artists as they move forward in their artistic process. Fascinating to watch unfold, inspiring to see their tenacious movement toward unrealized vision that is revealing itself as they go.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dueling Benefactors
Remember when I pointed you to artdc.org for the fascinating thread discussion on Artomatic's "Benefactor?"
The WaPo's Reliable Source picks up the story and wrote a little piece on it here. This apparently stirred up a hornet's nest and now there are two dueling entities who both claim to be the "benefactor."
The first one is allegedly an older lady and she wrote this letter:
To Whom It May Concern:Which caused someone else to become an artdc poster and he/she added this on their forum:
I wish to convey my regrets for any concern I have caused the artists of Artomatic. I meant no harm. You may well imagine my surprise at seeing my small gesture reported upon in the Washington Post.
Allow me to explain myself. Since the passing of my husband of 43 years I have not been as socially active as I once was. My daughter, Margaret, accompanied me to the Artomatic Fair some weeks ago. I was enchanted by the work I was able to view. I was not able to tour the entire show but the work that I saw touched my heart and brightened my day. My income is limited so Margaret suggested I send a small token of my appreciation to some of the artists who touched me most.
I have asked Margaret to leave this note with the Directors of Artomatic. I do so hope that I have caused no lasting distress to all of the delightful artists in your show.
I wish you well in all of your future endeavors.
With warmest regards,
The Benefactor
I don't have time to make this rhyme:All the details here.
The letter "Rebecca" received was a fake
my letters are center-justified, the fake was left justified
I sent everything by US mail
the fake was delivered in person
I have sent out about 50 letters and I know to whom
can the impostor give you a list of all the artists that were sent letters? I doubt it
I would have ignored the fake letter, but I decided to clear things up when I heard Tammy V was offering art to the writer of the fake letter.
Please don't expect any response to questions or comments. I am only here to expose the fake.
I prefer the printed word to the internet.
don't worry, be happy
Thanks for the art
The Benefactor
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Robin Tierney's Artomatic picks
Robin Tierney is a freelance writer and art critic who writes for a lot of different magazines, newspapers and online outlets, including this one. She responds to my call for AOM favorites and sends the below report, which once again proves that my Billy Artsy critic caricature is imperfect to say the least!
10 works that I enjoyed at Artomatic by artists I’ve never written about before:
* Edward Hahn’s photographs of a wrecked sailing vessel in Oregon, eroded moorings in Ocean City and other images in the series “The Planet Fights Back.”
* Tracey Clarke’s oil painting of The Guide with her telling of new mythology.
* Johanna Mueller’s intricate prints of animals in mythical and mysterious settings that suggests really good fables and dreams.
* Pam Barton’s “I thought you loved me” metal art in her motif jewelry display.
* Lisa Schumaier’s raku-fired, papier mache, mixed media sculpted beings. Eerie and wondrous stories there.
* Deb Jansen’s fiber Homewrecker Dolls $100 per skank accompanied by Catharisis & Karma open letter. Ouch. Oooh. Fury, the great motivator.
* Jenny Walton’s big monotypes that seem to visually articulate some deep thought. Or maybe just random ones. In any case, she snagged a Pyramid Atlantic residency.
* Nabila Isa-Odidi’s acrylic of the little girl in “Yellow Dress.”
* David Alfuth’s funny surreal cut-paper stories. Go on be snarky...some folks like reality TV; I like things that tell stories.
* Noisebots by Elliot Williams. Artful, amusing science projects/audio sculptures. Photocells respond to light. Did you move the mic around? Flip the switch? Go back and check ‘em out. Nice view of the new stadium from there too.
And while not exactly enjoyable, Antomatic by Rebecca and Eric Gordon calls attention to the plight of the bumble bee. The world is losing the bees pollinate the crops that feed us. This easy-to-miss multimedia installation prompts thought. A good addition to the sensory arcade that makes Artomatic worth multiple visits. Go.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Less bucks?
Journalists like to think of their work in moral or even sacred terms. With each new layoff or paper closing, they tell themselves that no business model could adequately compensate the holy work of enriching democratic society, speaking truth to power, and comforting the afflicted.Read the CSM article here.
Actually, journalists deserve low pay.
Wages are compensation for value creation. And journalists simply aren't creating much value these days.
Until they come to grips with that issue, no amount of blogging, twittering, or micropayments is going to solve their failing business models.
Opportunities for Publication panel
This weekend I'll be participating in a closed discussion panel titled "Opportunities for Publication" as part of the 2009 International Arts Journalism Institute in the Visual Arts, a program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. State Department and hosted by American University.
The panel is moderated by Michael Wilkerson, who is the Director, Program in Arts Management at American University.
The other two panelists are András Szántó, one of the founding members of Art World Salon and the one and only Culturegrrl, Lee Rosenbaum.
