Second Journal Entry

I moustache you a question?

 How did you feel about the Welcome Back Show?!

First of all, I was excited to see our first show back! The show was curated in rather successful manner, there were only a few problematic choices, such as the video in the back left room being kind of stuck in there awkwardly and the way the one video completely overpowered the other (possibly due to volume). With so many works in one area it's hard for them to work together in conversation rather than be combative against one another.The only other problem, I had encountered was the use of labels, I almost wish we had a walk sheet. Although, the wall tags were pleasing to the eye, they were soooooooooo confusing. I had a problem figuring out which was which at times, since there was such a large space in between the pieces and the label.

It's all about the art........

Shout out to Hanneline! (absolutely love her)

"BIGHIDE" oil on linen 2010

 This piece, although not depicting the animal itself, shows so much movement the canvas comes alive. The background's soft tones and flat texture is subdued in such a way that the thick textured combative brush strokes lay on top. The variations of brushstrokes and thickness make the hide real (creating a similarity to matted fur) and you associate the piece with function through the similarities of this piece and a hide rug on the floor. A dynamic effect is produced through the use of such a broad range of lights and darks allowing the image to pop out to the viewer. The hide lives in the space it was concieved very well. Although relatively centered and engulfing a large area, the organic edges of the rug create beautiful shapes with the rigid outer edge of the canvas. The use of shadow projecting from the underhalf, also allows the hide to live in this space and dominate it .


The melted egg- icecreamcone's title was very obvious. It was almost too obvious for words. Anyone looking at this piece, as a viewer, and most likely not associated or familar with art would be drawn in just by the association with their life. It's almost as if their ice cream is being slipped away through the boardwalk boards. However, now that I've went on this pointless tangent, I want to talk about how and why I was drawn in. One reason that it was in fact brought to my attention was the presentation and the fact that it was in fact a sculpture. Sculpture as a medium fascinates me, probably because I haven't had much experience with it. However, the highlights and shadows of this piece were super compelling.

Jason Carey- Sheppard Melted Egg-Ice cream cone  (wood, masonite, styrofoam, acrylic, ink, enamel, black shoepolish, woodstain, hardware) 2011

Mark Handelman Stimmungslandschaft (Moon Landscape) 52

 oil on linen 2010

Love the contrast and the meticulous shapes! The organic and sharp edges are so pleasing to the eye and the outbursts of white are so refreshing. The artist continues the work onto the sides of the canvas allowing the landscape to have a neverending  feeling.

Will Laughlin acrylic, flashe and spray paint

2011

"Make the polychrome temple stand proud and clear in the desert. You wont be able to take a picture, but maybe you'll remember half of what you saw."
 I find the history of a painting to be one of the most interesting things in art. The process of creation, and the decisions an artist must make is what leads to the final work. If one of those things was to change, the whole work would. For instance, in this piece, the underneath layers of paint are seen through the opaque top layers. The artist allows the viewer to experience his process and touch on his personal experience with the work. He allows us to have moments of discovery with the piece and creates a conversation, allowing us in on his secrets. Another thing about this painting is the use of imperfect perfection. The perfectly painted lines are imperfect in the final execution, because of the unclear overlapping. Also the arrow has perfectly straight lines but is non committal with the direction in which it goes. Such little decisions get the viewer engaged and asking more questions. These subtle moves complicate the conversation with the viewer creating a more complex dynamic situation.