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Tuesday, October 03, 2023
Monday, October 02, 2023
A visit to American University's MFA Open Studios
As I've noted multiple times over the last 20 years of this blog, and 40+ years of writing about art, I consider any University's open studios as a prime opportunity for young collectors to meet and acquire art by emerging artists, and this past Saturday it was American University's lauded MFA program's time for open studios by its MFA candidates.
The Open Studios were held on the second floor of the Katzen Art Center at 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
I must give props that I was tipped off about the studios by Andres Izquierdo, an artist and Master in Fine Arts candidate at American University who took the initiative to reach out to me. I visited him in Studio 253 and see his latest work, and he was actively chatting about his work with a few folks who there at the same time.
My art celebrates the awareness of self and the ability of people to reveal who they are. I work on oil and film. You can experience my work on Instagram: [@zurdoartist]@zurdoartist and website https://zurdoart.wordpress.com.
The group of MFA candidates also showcased their latest art pieces in room 246 on the second floor of the Katzen Arts Center, along with complimentary food and beverages as we are now fully recovered from the Covidian Age.
Before I get into the good stuff, and just as I complained about the same issue during my last visit to the Torpedo Factory, I was somewhat disappointed to see multiple close studio doors during the Open Studio night. The reason for that could be:
(a) Those studios were not occupied by MFA candidates
(b) The MFA candidates from those studios did not want to participate in the Open Studios because:
- They were too chicken to interact with the public
- The state of their artworks were not "ready" to be seen
- They were too lazy
- They were advised not to
- They were busy/had jobs
Personally, I think that part of the biggest education than an art student can get is by interacting with the public; there's nothing like exposing your artwork to the masses to trigger artistic passions - both from positive criticism or negative feedback!
"Enough with your fucking whining about close studios Lenster," you say, "move on to the good stuff!"
The best first impression award (as well as the technical merit award) goes to Connor Gagne, a very young and very talented first year MFA candidate. See his photographic work here. I must warn that the website only shows Gagne's interesting photography work, but during the visit it was clear that this artist busted his tuchis to prepare for the Open Studios.
Gagne built wooden pulpits, created ancient looking leather-bound books - tomes once would say - to display his photos, along with a one-of-a-kind written language that Gagne has created.
And Gagne, in spite of his youth, is an engaging dude, who at first appearance could easily pass for a time traveler who just popped in from medieval France, but ends up being a soft spoken, erudite and intelligent artist, able to get the viewer engaged and interested in his immensely complex and uniquely individual work!
We were also quite engaged and enlightened by the powerful political work of Phaedra Askarinam - her work, which has an intense focus on the issue of human rights in Iran, and in particular, the rights of women, is strong, visceral and elegant as it calls out Iran's brutal treatment of women.
"The only thing I could do to make an impact was to make my art big, make it seen, and invite other students to join me."Phaedra Askarinam ‘24, an Iranian-born artist, watched protests unfold in her home country following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022. Since then, anti-government protests have riled the country, leaving countless protesters injured, arrested, or dead.
“For a few weeks I couldn’t make any art. I was paralyzed,” Phaedra says. “Then, I knew I had to do something. The protestors needed help.” As Askarinam’s artistic practice centers around the experiences of women and girls in society, she was roused to act in the only way she could—through her art.Phaedra was inspired to create a monumental, 19-foot-long banner dominated by a painted portrait of Amini. The banner hung in the Katzen Arts Center rotunda in December and again in February, when passers-by were invited to actively participate by signing the banner in solidarity with protestors. “Sometimes we pass by art, or only give it a few seconds. If you participate in something, you remember it—viewers feel like they did something. They were part of this. We all want to be part of something good that helps others.” Additionally, she asked viewers to contribute locks of their hair in tribute to Amini, who was arrested for wearing her hijab “improperly.”
In Iran, protests have been primarily led by students. Phaedra says, “I wanted to connect young people across the world, from our campus to theirs. We can amplify the protesters’ voices—plus, our students need to know and understand what’s happening around the world.”
We also liked the complex, almost 3D works of Marie B. Gauthiez, Pooja Campbell, and others.
In the visit, I asked almost every artist if they had ever heard of Art Bank; none had - this says something.
Sunday, October 01, 2023
Call for Artists: The 35th Annual Prince George’s County Exhibition
The 35th Annual Prince George’s County Juried exhibition is open to visual artists that live, work, or maintain a studio in Prince George’s County.
Deadline: Fri, Oct 13, 2023 11:59 PM
Juror: Phil Hutinet, a third generation Capitol Hill resident, is the publisher of East City Art, DC's Visual Arts publication of record, which he began in 2010.
Again: This call is open to all artists who are 18 years of age or older who live, work, study, or have a studio in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Artists may submit a maximum of 3 artworks for consideration.
No Entry Fee
EXHIBITION TIMELINE
Deadline to apply online: Sunday, October 13, 2023, 11:59 pm
Artists notified: Thursday, October 19, 2023
Artists drop off work at Brentwood Arts Exchange: Sunday, October 29, 2023, 10am-4pm
Exhibition start date: Thursday, November 2, 2023
Reception date and curator talk: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 5-8 pm
Last day of exhibit: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Artists pick up work from Brentwood Arts Exchange: Saturday, January 13, 2024
Friday, September 29, 2023
The curious case of Jens Haaning
Artist Who Submitted Empty Canvases to Danish Museum Must Repay $70,000 shouts the headline in this Smithsonian Magazine article!
Originally, the museum had a specific vision in mind: Haaning was supposed to recreate two of his earlier works—An Average Austrian Year Income (2007) and An Average Danish Annual Income (2010)—which used euros and kroner bills to visually depict average salaries in those two countries.
When Haaning pocketed the kroner, he claimed his actions (and the empty canvases) were part of a broader performance art piece, which he called Take the Money and Run.
Read the article by Christopher Parker here.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Amber Robles-Gordon at Morton Fine Art
One of my fave DMV area artists is opening soon!
Morton Fine Art is pleased to present an exhibition of mixed media collage and assemblage by Washington D.C.-based interdisciplinary visual artist Amber Robles-Gordon. Continuing a visual conversation originated by Robles-Gordon with Successions: Traversing US Colonialism, her 2021 solo exhibition at American University Museum at the Katzen Center (curated by Larry Ossei-Mensah), Surely, she (he/we) is a little animal? expands the human-focused approach of Successions out towards the universal and the surreal. Who/what is worthy of care? Who cares for the defenseless? Who/what is defended? Incorporating the transdisciplinary study of human ecology into her practice and scope, Robles-Gordon uses the field as an anchor in her expansive investigations of race, history, the sciences and culture. The resulting new body of work rigorously explores colonialism and imperialism, global anti-blackness, child welfare and animal cruelty. Finding them all connected, just not equally, the exhibition exposes frank contradictions in American perceptions of human life, animal life and minority lives.
Surely, she (he/we) is a little animal?
New Mixed Media and Assemblage Artworks by AMBER ROBLES-GORDON
October 12th - November 9th, 2023
Opening reception 4-6pm on Saturday, October 14th, 2023.
The artist will be in attendance.
Please RSVP to info@mortonfineart.com.
Contact the gallery for viewing by appointment, price list, additional information and acquisition.
(202) 628-2787 (call or text)
Contact the gallery for viewing by appointment, price list, additional information and acquisition. (202) 628-2787 (call or text) |
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Open Studios - MFA American University
I consider any University's open studios as a prime opportunity for young collectors to meet and acquire art by emerging artists, and this Saturday it is American University's lauded MFA program's time for open studios by its MFA candidates.
American University MFA fall graduate Open Studios event is on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Come and discover new artists and trends in Washington D.C. Open Studios will be located on the second floor of the Katzen Art Center at 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Check out Andres Izquierdo, an artist and Master in Fine Arts candidate at American University who took the initiative to reach out to me. Visit him in Studio 253 and see his latest work.
My art celebrates the awareness of self and the ability of people to reveal who they are. I work on oil and film. You can experience my work on Instagram: [@zurdoartist]@zurdoartist and website https://zurdoart.wordpress.com.
The group of MFA candidates will also showcase their latest art pieces in room 246 on the second floor of the Katzen Arts Center, along with complimentary food and beverages.
Monday, September 25, 2023
Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell to receive the 2023 East Of The River Distinguished Artist Award
Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell, a multi-disciplinary fine artist, curator, and educator, to receive the 2023 East Of The River Distinguished Artist Award. The annual award presented by Honfleur Gallery in memory of Sharon Hughes Gautier honors a living artist in Wards 7 or 8 for creative excellence while significantly impacting the cultural landscape of Washington, DC. The recipient receives a $5,000 honorarium.
"Zsudayka's mixed media pieces tell stories of the African American family life and experiences. Each piece's bold colors, textures, perspectives, and intricate patterns create a narrative of their power, unity, dignity, beauty, and resilience.", says artist Luis Del Valle, recipient of the 2013 EotR Distinguished Artist Award. "Her impact and contribution to our community and culture cannot be denied."
From Aurora, CO, Zsudayka Nzinga's work is largely focused on mixed media portraiture of American life, including themes of motherhood and culture and identity. Her pieces explore patterns and textures using acrylic, oil, decorative and hand-dyed paper, fabric, thread, and ink on canvas. She uses photography and video to tell stories behind her work. She is a proud mother of 3 children and wife to artist James Terrell.
Says Terrell, "I've lived in DC for 12 years, 8 East of the River. It is a community I have fallen in love with for its resilience and history. I always jokingly call it the authentic part of DC because it's real families who have been here for generations. It's a deep culture that has begun to seep into my work. It's a place that deserves incredible advocates, access, and care. It is my hope that I live my life in a way that creates opportunities, particularly in the arts, for the people on this side of the river who have so much vibrant art to offer the world."
In addition to receiving the 2023 East of the River Distinguished Artist Award, Terrell curated this year's East of the River Exhibition, "Interlocked" by the Infinity Collective. The exhibit explores the connections forged between groups of people working in unison towards a common goal. The show features works of talented black women artists, including Camille Angel, Sanah Brown-Bowers, Shante Bullock, Bria Edwards, Artiste Fletcher, Dany Green, Joy Nutt, Reshada Pullen, Liz Stewart, Chantae Sudlow, Candice Tavares, and Vanessa Villareal.
Award Ceremony and Opening Reception, Saturday, September 30th, 2023, 7-9pm at Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road, SE; Washington, DC 20020. RSVP at bit.ly/INTERLOCKED. Show details available at honfleurgallerydc.com. Terrell bio and inventory available at terrellartsdc.com.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Day five of the Affordable Art Fair and Escape from New York
Sunday is always somewhat of a stressful day -- if sales have been slow, every possible bite becomes urgent.
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| On my way from The Jane Hotel to the Metropolitan Pavilion I came across a Goya truck: Si es Goya, tiene que ser bueno |
We get a visit from DMV are ubercollector Steve Krensky... Krensky, without a single doubt, has the largest collection of art by DMV artists on planet Earth! In fact, Krensky has more DMV artwork than all museums in the world combined.
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| Steve Krensky wearing one of his famous art outfits |
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Day four of the Affordable Art Fair NYC
Here's what unusual: the fair has been very well attended - lots of people, yet sales have been somewhat slow -- my drawings on Bisque have been flying off the wall - but they're a very low price point. Today Seth Fairweather had a decent sale of three of his very cool wall sculptures, but also faced dealing with a nice lady who wanted a huge discount on several of his colored glass pieces - we eventually refused the offer, which essentially wanted a third off!
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| Art collectors admire Seth Fairweather's work at the AAFNYC Fall 2023 |
Christina Helowicz "eye" sculptures have also been selling well, but again they're very low priced at around $300 each or so.
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| Eye sculpture by Christina Helowicz at the 2023 Fall AAFNYC |
The works of Dora Patin continue to get a lot of attention - this gifted painter is clearly a superbly talented painter, and her trompe l'oeils are amazing to say the least. So far one has sold.
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| Double Venus by Dora Patin |
Susan Lamont's wonderful oils have made their debut in this fair - a lesson learned is that perhaps in the future the larger works may have more impact.
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| Pershing Square Crossing by Susan La Mont |
Friday, September 22, 2023
Day three of the Affordable Art Fair NYC
Day three is a long one, with a lot of young collectors strolling through the aisles (2,100 visitors today!).
Press from today:
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| Alida Anderson Art Projects booth crew (left to right: Christina, me, Steve and Seth) |
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| Seth Fairweather with admirer |
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Day two of the Affordable Art Fair New York
The VIP Preview opening last night was pretty packed - there was a snafu with the beer delivery (not the fault of the AAF staff), but...
The second day was also pretty well attended.
Some decent press so far:
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| Seth Fairweather at the Affordable Art Fair NY Fall |
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| Dora Patin at the Affordable Art Fair NY Fall |
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| Ally Morgan at the Affordable Art Fair NY Fall |
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| Lian Sever at the Affordable Art Fair NY Fall |
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| Pershing Square - One of Susan La Mont's paintings at the Affordable Art Fair NY Fall |
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| Alida Anderson Art Projects' booth at the Affordable Art Fair New York |
How to Spend $1,000 at NYC’s Affordable Art Fair
Rhea Nayyar from Hyperallergic went to the Affordable Art Fair in NYC with a thousand imaginary bucks...
I gave myself an imagined budget and set out to find everything from dorm-room art to a housewarming gift for that friend who loves crystals.
I was admittedly grumpy when I arrived at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan to see that the line for the Affordable Art Fair entry wrapped around three-quarters of the block. For what it’s worth, the line moved quickly and I got to daydream about organizational solutions while peering into the neighboring Container Store, but even then, I still couldn’t believe how many people were waiting to get in on the preview night alone. Thankfully, the fair runs through September 24.
And I appreciate that Nayyar picked my Bisque drawings as one of her recommendations! About 30 of them sold on VIP Preview Night!
Read the article here.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
On the way to NYC & Day One of the AAFNYC
4:30 AM: The van has been packed the day before, and it's ready for Steve Wanna to add his work as we head out to pick up Christina Helowicz in Pasadena.
5:30 AM: Arrive at Pasadena, pick up Christina and head to New York.
10:00ish AM: Arrival in Chelsea and check in at the Metropolitan Pavilion. We get Doris Day parking by the side door, and unload, as our booth is really close to that door. Seth Fairweather is already there and his work is already hung. I depart to check in to the Jane Hotel and drop luggage before heading back, dropping the van at the parking garage, where it will be until Friday at 6PM and then go inside the Pavilion to help with the hanging and preparation of the booth for tonight's VIP Preview.
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| Steve Wanna setting up booth C1 at the Affordable Art Fair NYC |
3:30PMish: The booth is pretty much done and hung with the work of Seth Fairweather, Steve Wanna, Christina Helowicz, Dora Patin, Amanda Coelho, Ally Morgan, Jennifer Kahn Barlow, Susan La Mont and mine. We head out to our respective hotels to clean up, be back by 5ish and be ready for the opening reception.
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| Line outside the Metropolitan Pavilion waiting for the VIP Preview opening of the Affordable Art Fair in New York |
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| Preview Night of the 2023 Affordable Art Fair |
A few minutes into the opening, a DMV area collector emails me in response to me sending him Dora Patin's new spectacular trompe l'oeil paintings, as he has begun collecting Patin during the previous fair; he says "I want the Cheshire cat."
Sometimes a Fair opening is so crowded that it actually begins to interfere with the visitors ability to actually see the artwork... my Bisque Graphite drawings move briskly.
9:00PM: It's been a long day and we're all exhausted as we head to our various hotels... the first day of the Affordable Art Fair New York City is done.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Lian Sever at AAFNYC
Lian Sever makes her Affordable Art Fair debut at the Affordable Art Fair NYC starting tomorrow at 6PM in Chelsea! We're in booth C1!
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| Frida Kahlo: Resilience by Lian Sever |
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