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Dear Friends of VISA,
I used to apologize for being a thinker. My Grade Six teacher once said to me, 'you think about everything don't you?' At the time I couldn't discern whether this was a compliment or a criticism. I do like to think. I like to think about art and am drawn to art that comes from a thoughtful source. There are artists who wary of ideas or of being 'overly intellectual'. They claim that they just want to make art and not think. All art is based on underlying ideas even if the maker is unaware of this fact. Of course there is some work that is so focussed on the idea or concept that it appears to be very dry or unaesthetic. There is a lot of work like this in the Traffic: Conceptual Art in Canada 1965-1980 exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery right now. While much of this work is definitely interesting, its hard not to crave some visual stimulation as well. There are many artists who aim to merge concept and form to create an intellectually challenging yet beautiful structure. I was delighted to come across this article in the New York Times this week on the work of Agnes Denes whose work does a wonderful job of intersecting concept and form. My contention is that you can combine the intellect and the heart and the resulting work can be beautiful. None of these things rule out the other. My other favourite thinking artist is Robert Irwin. It is fun to think. I like to approach art viewing with the intensity of a C.S.I agent. I like to ask questions and figure things out. I know there are a lot of artists who aren't interested in their art practice as a platform for many levels of meaning. I know the art I make and the art that engages me involves lots of questions and maybe some answers. A Facebook status update today from Blake Gopnik (art critic from Newsweek) reads: "I go to art for profundity and complexity and resistance". Right on Blake.
Wendy |
Do you and everybody you know already own enough material 'things'?
Do you want to buy a gift that has low impact on the environment?
Here are some options for you to consider this holiday season: - Buy a one-day art workshop for a friend $125 (supplies included!)
- Treat yourself to an art course for Christmas
- Make a tax-deductible donation to our Bursary Workshop Fund so a needy high school student or senior can enrich their life with art
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Winchester Gallery, 2260 Oak Bay
Opening, Thursday Dec 6 at 6-8pm
Come check out the work by VISA's favourite new painting instructor!
Exhibition continues until December 19
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