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Everybody's talking about art
As I mentioned last week, big shows like the Whitney Biennial generate lots of press and discussion, so I'm following up with more on that exhibition, including more opinions, reviews and links to images. Its a rare day that an art exhibition results in this much press, so I think if you are interested in the state of contemporary art, its worthwhile to take time to read some of the responses to the work and the exhibition.
Here is a short write-up, slideshow and video to give you a sense of the scope of this exhibition: This is not a survey. Mat Gleason in the Huffington Post has a given a slightly-over-the-top condemnation of the entire exhibition: Outsiders are Not Insiders. The title of Mat's piece caught my eye because it does seem like the latest craze in these shows is to include as many 'outsider artists' as 'insider artists'. The term 'outsider artist' refers to artists who have not received training in art, and often they don't necesarily even consider themselves artists. Both Documenta and the Venice Biennale showcased many outsider artists this year so it does appear to a current fad in the artworld.
The blog called the Gothamist offers a 'preview': Layer Cake Biennial Opens Friday, and a review: Whitney Biennial. Kevin McGarry in Art Agenda has the following to say: Whitney Biennial 2014. My favourite phrase in McGarry's piece is: "exhaustingly under-stimulating". Here is a very comprehensive post with images: Artsy. The Guardian contributes this: The Whitney Biennial. And the New Yorker art critic Peter Schjeldahl has this write-up: Get With It. And Fireplace Chats has an almost exhaustive compilation of many reviews (including lots of images) of the show. Of course the Whitney Bienniale doesn't really tell us everything we need to know about the state of our art, but it does give us an idea of some things that are of concern to the selected artists and curators and writers involved. I have included all these diverse reviews, not to focus only on the Whitney Biennial itself, but to give an overview of how people think and write about art. Image: Hidden in Plain Sight, Rebecca Robertson
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Drawing: Pattern & Ornament Workshop
Sunday, March 16, 10am-5pm
This one-day workshop uses historical patterns and ornament, from the Renaissance through the Arts & Crafts movement in the early 20th century, to designs developed in the 1950s and 1960s to more contemporary patterns as inspiration.
Using drawing, tracing and collage, you will learn how to analyze and deconstruct patterns to create unique personal subject matter for drawings or paintings.
Materials include pencils, ink, watercolour and collage. Suitable for complete beginners.
Instructor: Wendy Welch
Cost: $125 (includes supplies)
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Artist Talk at VISA: Jordan Strom
Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30
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Artist Talk at Xchanges: Tanta Pennington
March 15 at 2pm
"Emotionally Driven' is initiated through the gathering of ordinary objects. As I create these intimate relief paintings and companion Haikus, I have a sharp awareness of how complicated and uncertain life can be. While I might be startled and unsettled by the unexpected feelings revealed, this process of puzzle solving has become my blueprint for navigating the nebulous territory hovering between the known and the unknown of my life."
Tanta DeStaffany Pennington
Exhibition continues to March 30
Hours: Sat/Sun 12-4pm or by appointment.
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Recent work by one of VISA's Board Members
Opening reception March 15, 7pm at the Fifty-Fifty
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