OC Art Blog

UCI 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibits

UC Irvine University Art Gallery / Room Gallery / Contemporary Art Center Present: UCI 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibits

www.ucimfa2011.com

www.ucigallery.com

www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121918611219603

MFA I: April 21st - May 7th. Opening reception April 21st 6-9
Maura Brewer
Sophie Lee
Amir Nikravan
C. Ree
Samira Yamin

MFA II: May 12th - May 28th. Opening reception May 12th 6-9
Josh Cho
Adrian de la Pena
Alexis Disselkoen
Noritaka Minami
Marcus Perez

The University Art Gallery/Room Gallery/Contemporary Art Center, 949-824-9854. studioart.arts.uci.edu/gallery

Saturday event May 14th, 12-5p

Google Map

 

Art in the Streets

Los Angeles, CA  Okay, so the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is not technically in the Orange County, but everybody who's anybody was at this monster of an event! And you have to believe that OC Art Blog Followers were not going to miss out on this "members only" premiere. Art in The Streets is a huge milestone for street art as a whole, and for Los Angeles street art specifically. This event will go down in history. The first giant museum exhibit of street art from beginning to end. The exhibition covered the history of the art movement, from the giant graffiti lettering on trains with Cornbread, and leading as far down the road as Zephyr surfboards and skateboard art, and even to Barry McGee, Shepard Fairey and the infamous Banksy. 

The show has been surrounded by controversial issues that I will not go into detail about at this particular point in time, but its safe to say this exhibit leaves the viewer asking all kinds of questions. The curatorial decisions were interesting and make me wonder the specific motives for certain choices. The installations were over the top, eye-catching, fun-house-like mazes and dioramas. The installations housed some animatronic sculptures which lacked any unique inventiveness as robotic creations, they simply did as they were expected to do - spray paint on a wall. But the dollhouse-like set up for the majority of the exhibit was powerful and definitely helped lead the crowds through one particular route. 

The artists represented in this exhibit were mainly heavy-hitting graffiti artists alongside some typographic vandals, cut-out artists, a couple stencilers, and very few wheat-pasters. The RVCA influence via Aaron Rose was so prominent that I felt it might have hindered the overall coverage of street art as a whole.  RVCA and Aaron Rose specifically are known for representing what they call the "Beautiful Losers" group (Aaron Rose made a documentary about such a group entitled Beautiful Losers). Almost all of the beautiful losers were exhibited in interesting, large installations, even with post-humus artist, Margaret Killgallen.

The bookstore/gift shop had a line that wrapped around the corner and every person walking out of there had stacks of books in hand, and as a museum-goer you did have to exit just next to  - and not "through the gift shop", which was a well thought out decision on Deitch's part. The project as a whole was a huge success, the thousands of people entering and paying $25 per head (if you were not a MOCA member) were eager to be a part of this historic event. As the director for MOCA, Jeffrey Deitch had a hard task on his hand... How do you take street art off the street and display it in a museum setting? AND on top of that... How do you incorporate all aspects and avenues of street art into one exhibit? Jeffrey Deitch was quoted in the Huffington Post saying, "If you harness your talent you can be in a museum some day, make a contribution and a living from it." With recent graffiti and vandalism spikes in the areas surrounding MOCA, Deitch also invites residents that receive these unsanctioned artworks on their private property to keep them safe, as the artist might be the next "Banksy". Deitch is known for promoting and representing street artists in his gallery setting, but his choices for artists for this particular exhibit are curious. Very few contemporary STREET ARTISTS in Los Angeles were represented, specifically our well known wheat-pasters, cut-outs, and sticker crews here in L.A. The exhibit focused mostly on the big earners in the street-art-gallery realm, not the street itself. The historical balance was present, which is very important to understanding the movement as a whole, but questions that are still plaguing my mind after seeing this exhibition include... Who says which street artist has "made it"? The main venue for this art is in the street... What makes a sell-out anyway?... Why are so few of the L.A. up-and-coming street artists represented as part of this exhibit?... Why did the installations have to be over the top, disneyland-esque maze-rides?

Just some food for thought, I suppose. All in all, it is truly a show you cannot miss if you are in Southern California. Art in The Streets is up until August 8, 2011. Don't miss it. and please, share with us what you think.

 

-Evan A. Senn, contributing writer for OC Art Blog. Founder of R.A.R.W., www.rarwart.com

*photos courtesy of S.A. Hawkins (www.sahawkins.com)

Katy Betz MFA Exhibition: Creating Space for Imagination...

Katy Betz is back again to take you to a place where your mind can run loose and play! Last time we spoke with Katy, she shared with us her creative process and why it is important for her to create space for imagination (Click here to read our interview with her). She shared with me her upcoming MFA show awhile back and I'm excited to share with you that it is finally here-- this Saturday! With her credo as the title of this exhibition, Katy takes her paintings on an investigation into the "epicenter of our being" and the "well spring of life" -- our heart. Here's my chat with Katy where she shares with us how she is feeling at the moment and her "epic playlist":

 

Jennifer: It's Katy Betz in the house! Thanks Katy for coming to chat with us. What are some thoughts dancing in your head as your MFA show is approaching rapidly in a week?

Katy: Hey! Thank you, great to talk with you. I love that you use the word “dancing” because my thoughts find themselves doing the excited jig, the passionate flamenco, and on good days, the graceful waltz. I love all the work I’ve done for this show and can’t wait to celebrate!

 

Jennifer: What was the process in preparing for this show? It is a mystery to some of us. What were some challenges and blessings you came across?

Katy: When I entered the Grad Program at CSUF three years ago, I didn’t set out with any final exhibition in mind, rather it was a process of discovering myself and what I wanted to say and do with my work. I did the work, and my art evolved with me. I wrote and illustrated two children’s books, taught classes, illustrated my summer travels, did freelance jobs and showed in galleries. About a year ago, an idea came to me through several sources: books, podcasts, conversations, relationships, and personal reflection.

I noticed a theme running through all these sources, and it was based on the heart (as convergence of the mind, body, soul and spirit). I decided to take the idea and run with it in the direction of an epic fairytale, creating Guardians of the Heart, a conceptual fantasy series about spiritual transformation and spiritual warfare, expressed through oil paintings. I spent several months sketching, researching symbols, and designing characters, environments, and painting. Some challenges were moving forward with the idea and not doubting. I literally let the story unfold painting by painting, not knowing where it was going really. I just knew I was working with a concept and a set of fantasy characters. Some blessings were my friends who cheered me on, and my Dad who made all my wood panels.

 

Jennifer: In a recent interview, you mentioned about an "epic playlist" that kept you inspired and resilient throughout this journey. Can you share with us some of the songs on your playlist? 

Katy: I love adventure music, instrumental film scores that evoke strong emotion and bring an immediate picture to your mind. Some of my favorites are soundtracks of Coraline, Lord of the Rings, Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth the Golden Age, Chocolat, August Rush, Gladiator, Pan’s Labyrinth, Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, Braveheart, Passion of the Christ, & Finding Neverland to name a few. I will buy music to match the project I’m working on. For example, I purchased a bunch of scary music by Nox Arcana to set the mood for working on the book I recently illustrated, Lost Ones: Ghosts of Paris. For this series, I felt the project was best paired with the fantasy/action/adventure genre. If I had to pick my top songs, they would be Alice’s Theme from Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers: Forth Eorlingas/Isengard Unleashed, and Passion of the Christ: Resurrection. Epic!

 

Jennifer: Alright, here comes the bomb. Why should we come to your art exhibit this Saturday night?

Katy: Haha! Glad you asked! How about because it’s an opportunity to partake in several adventure stories that will surprise, challenge, and exalt your sense of wonder!!! Plus, there will be free munchies and I would personally love to meet everyone. So please stop by, snack on some food, and check out my crazy art!

 

Thanks Katy! I am ready for an adventure. See you all this Saturday. -- Jennifer

---

Name of Show: Creating Space for Imagination...
 

Dates and Times: Opening reception is Saturday, April 16th, 6pm to 9pm.
Gallery Hours for the week of April 18-21st are 10am to 3pm.
 

Venue Name and Address: 
California Sate University, Fullerton
Visual Arts Center
West Gallery
800 N State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831

For more info: [email protected] or visit www.katybetz.com 

Ticket Price: Free and Open to the Public. Parking is free on Opening Night.

Description:
A Master of Fine Arts exhibition by artist Katy Betz. Take a visual journey through several epic fairy tales that will surprise, challenge, and exalt your sense of wonder. Over 30 original oil paintings on display, including the debut series "Guardians of the Heart" - a conceptual fantasy narrative about spiritual transformation and warfare. Betz's vision is likely to awaken the eyes of your heart to sublime possibilities! 

Opening Day for Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy

Opening Day for Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy Sunday, April 10, 2011 Museum hours: 11 am-5 pm Free admission   11 am-4 pm Visionaries Free 2nd Sundays  Art projects, exhibition tours, & special performances   1-1:30 pm Curator's Talk with Lynne Warren   1:30-3 pm Meet and greet with exhibiting artists   2-2:15 pm Artist talk with exhibiting artist Kristi Lippire   2:30-2:45 pm Artist talk with exhibiting artist Nathan Carter   MORE

Members' Opening Party Saturday, April 9, 2011 8-10 pm Exclusively for OCMA Members    OCMA members are invited to attend the opening party to preview  Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy. MORE   Not yet a member? Join today and receive an invitation to this event plus many more exciting benefits! MORE

Upcoming Events   Third Thursdays & Cinema Orange Screening of Calder's Circus  Thursday, April 21      Evening for Educators Thursday, April 28

Orange County Musem of Art

850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Brandon Boyd and the spectacle

 
Brandon Boyd wrap-around wall mural at the )( Space gallery in Costa Mesa, on view now until April 15th, 2011  (photo by Joanna Grasso)

There I was, Friday morning, hitting the road. I was flying back to the OC just in time to catch the much anticipated Brandon Boyd exhibition at the Hurley )( Space gallery.  That's right, another collaboration between the local surf and clothing mega company and a high profile artist.  I say much anticipated, but that is because only after researching the artist I became familiar with his celebrity status, beginning by making some calls. I needed local 'peep' consensus on this guy's coolness levels.  Apparently, I'm too old or too far out of the music loop to have been giddy at the thought of meeting this cat on Saturday night.  But the mere mention of his name brought a twinkle to the eyes of my 20-something OC crew, which in all honesty piqued my interest.   

 

 

 

In a strange turn of events,  the OC Art Blog's new photographer had to cancel on the gig. . . so there we were, Jennifer as co-pilot, toughing it out with hundreds (YES I said hundreds) of Incubus fans to get a peak at the man himself. Mr. Brandon Boyd.  Oh yeah, and the artwork was there too.

 

As I rolled up to the gallery the tension was palpable.  Doormen finally broke the mood by allowing those lucky first que makers inside to get a look at the wall to wall mural and buy some H.O.P.E. booty.  Amist the bouncer/body guards the chatter was all about how Brandon did this, or how he feels that, or even what HE was try say with these new artworks. 

 

I was fascinated by how much of a personal connection these people felt to the artist.  While I was busy trying to figure out the island reference in the artwork I realized that I had never seen an art crowd this innamored with the artist.  That is when it hit me, celebrity.  Yeah I know, I was a little slow I'll admit (totally blaming the jet-lag) but it was intoxicating. 

Adoring fans outside )( Space gallery

 

It wasn't the line wrapping around the building of fashionable gallery goers yearning to see the artwork, or the cute bartenders smiling as if they really were there to serve me, or even the pleasure of watching Jennifer eat those little tatter tot thingy-s that brought a twinkle to my eyes . . . it was the spectacle that entertained me most.

 

As Boyd decended into the gallery, a hush fell, then the clammer of cameras and flashes.  A mob moved in around him as all eyes were fixed on the scene.  As the blob (Boyd + Mob) made its' way past the sales counter and through the entry miraculously squeezing into the main gallery I was left virtually alone in the entrance gallery area.  There I was, surrounded by t-shirts and works on paper.  That's when it hit me, it was all about his celebrity.  Brandon Boyd is famous.  His lyrics have been pumping into the ear buds of these people for over a decade and this, this was his following.  It is very noble that celebrities use their fame to shed light on national and global issues great and small, and even raise funds for otherwise forgotten causes. All wonderful and noteworthy. But does anyone else question the validity of public figures using their celebrity for product promotion even if the cause is noble?  Sometimes I see the most amazing artists during my travels, artists whose work will never get a fraction of the recognition or platform that celebrity artwork receives.  Okay, enough soap box. 

I (and most likely 99% of my fellow gallery goers) was so entranced that I almost forgot.  We are talking about art here. What about the artwork? Only one original drawing on the wall, the others looked like digital prints. The main gallery was covered with a wall-to-wall mural with text and imagery, which may or may not be a reference to the story of Jonah and the Whale of Christian, Islamic, and Judaic narratives.  Waiting to hear back from Mr. Boyd himself to comment on this one.  The works use heavy black graphic lines to delineate imagery that is largely decorative and flat blocks of color is used to ground some of the more fluid forms- reminds me of Japanese woodblock printing with a contemporary edge. 

 

Now back to the spectacle. . .Once the artist had signed his fair share of autographs, chatted with guests, and posed for the appropriate number of pics he made his way back up the stairs to the refuge above. The room felt as if it let off a sigh of relief and anxious joy.  Then the announcements came to CLEAR OUT from bouncers and the over-worked marketing staff .  .  .  the next batch of fans were waiting to get it.  We were spared, press does have a few perks.

Brandon Boyd greets his fans 

 

Later I was told that the artist made at least three more rounds of this to meet and greet all the fans, but one round was enough for Jennifer and I gave-up our prime real estate to adoring fans to view the spectacle themselves.

We have been generously granted an interview with Mr. Boyd.  

I'm interested in asking about some of his influences and I'm giving him the infamous loaded question of " how do you define art" just to shake things up a bit.   Have anything you are itching to know??

Send me the questions ASAP and I'll get them in the interview.

 See you all soon.

Enjoy the pics.

 

 

 
Brandon Boyd original artwork on T-shirts buying frenzy at )( Space in Costa Mesa, a portion of the proceeds go to H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere)  

Crowd image by Jennifer Cheng

 

All photo credits to Joanna Grasso and Jennifer Cheng

- Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer and professional sweeper

BRANDON BOYD Opening at the Hurley )( Space Gallery

Don't miss a chance to meet artist, musician, surfer and activist BRANDON BOYD. (yes, that is the very same Boyd from rock band INCUBUS)

Brandon Boyd working on drawing selected for H.O.P.E. & Hurley collaboration (image provided by Hurley)

Another Collaboration for HURLEY - This time they are working with Brandon Boyd and H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) to raise funds and bring awareness to conserving our oceans. If you haven't taken a walk on the beach in the early morning lately you should.  While being surrounded by one of the most beautiful places in the world you would also see how immediate the problem is of non-biodegradable plastics washing up on OC's shores, just to bring it home for you, not to mention the global clean water issues that are at hand.

I'm told that attendees of the opening reception will get first crack at perusing Boyd's wall murals encompassing the main gallery and purchasing the t-shirts & water bottles with selected artworks, proceeds going towards H.O.P.E.'s programming, and otherwise available after April 25th at Buckle Store, on line, or at selected retailers.

As always, there will be an array of food and libations.  

The OC Art Blog has also been offered a chance to interview artist/musician/surfer/activist Boyd so stay tuned for article.

Hurley )( Space Gallery this Saturday night in Costa Mesa, 6-9pm at the Hurley compound on Placentia. Bring your wallets, appetites and your fashionable selves . . .See you there! 

-Joanna

Here's the Info:

 

HURLEY ANNOUNCES

FASHION AND ART COLLABORATION

WITH INCUBUS FRONT-MAN BRANDON BOYD

TO BENEFIT 

H.O.P.E.

(Helping Other People Everywhere) 

 

Iconic surf brand Hurley announces a collaboration with musician, artist and activist Brandon Boyd, lyricist and lead singer of the band Incubus, on an exclusive art-inspired fashion collection benefiting H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere).Brandon Boyd’s life is characterized by self-expression -- a fusion of art, music, writing, activism and surfing. His love of the ocean is often the catalyst in his efforts as an activist, and this collaboration was no exception.

A multi-talented visual artist who works in a variety of mediums, Boyd took to his sketchbook for this project. His watercolor and ink drawings result in imagery that is both beautiful and subtly stirring. These designs are featured on the Hurley collaboration shirts.

 "My relationship with Hurley began over a decade ago and was born of a mutual appreciation for surfing, music, art and like minds. We have done projects together in the past but it seemed like it was time we truly put our collective heads together to make a real dent in a situation that affects us all, most importantly the swiftly growing problems in our oceans. We start herein as surfers and musicians, and are moving forward as stewards of our Island," says Boyd about his longstanding relationship with Hurley and his mission behind the creative collaboration.

A portion of the sales from the limited edition collection, available at Buckle nationwide, specialty retailers and online at Hurley.com beginning April 1, 2011, will benefit HOPE, a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on involving artists and their contributions in campaigns, programs and events to support existing social projects that promote education and peace around the world.

Hurley will celebrate the launch of the Brandon Boyd collection with an art show featuring the original works the collection is based upon.  Boyd will paint a mural on a wall of the Hurley )( SPACE gallery for the show. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Saturday, April 2nd from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Hurley )( SPACE Gallery (1945 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627).

About Hurley

Founded in 1999, Hurley is an authentic “Microphone for Youth” brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley develops world-class products for guys, girls and kids, including sportswear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, loungewear, swimwear and wetsuits. A wholly owned, independently run subsidiary of Nike, Inc., Hurley’s corporate headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, CA, with international offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Barcelona and Bali. www.hurley.com

 

About H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) is a project of H.O.P.E. Events Inc. H.O.P.E. is an energy conscious 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on involving artists and their contributions in campaigns, programs and events to support existing social projects that promote education and peace around the world http://hopecampaign.org/

 

 

Growing Landscapes and Melting Towers

        
 
            The work of Preston Daniels and Patrick Strand shines in a sparse space like the Phantom Gallery in Long Beach.  White and airy, with windows on every side and an industrial feel, this gallery works well with most contemporary works, but these ones seem to fit especially well. 

            The Sixpack curating group seems to have their work halfway done for them with such great work and a great space, and yet that is always the job of curator: matching up the right elements to make a great show.  This area of Long Beach has been struggling to put together an art walk, but so far not much has come of it.  This seems ironic in a city with such a vibrant art scene and one of the best art colleges south of LA, but there it is.

 

            The last time I saw Strand’s work it was crammed into the tiny East Gallery at CSUF, and the effect in this gallery was shockingly disparate.  Here his work seems to stretch out and embody the landscape it imitates.  The effect is to make his large works feel tiny, as if you could climb up and hang out with the hilltop houses.

    

            It is Daniels’ work that dominates the space, though.  The lighting and spacing are excellently placed to maximize the effect of his works.  At a distance, glimpsed around a corner or behind someone, they are all the more alien and Tolkien-esque, appearing like nothing so much as some wicked tower growing from the ground.  His paintings make a nice accompaniment, although as always his strength is clearly in sculpture.  His pieces this time around are slightly sinister, seeming to be melting and oozing toward the gallery floor.

            If there is any hope for the Long Beach art walk talking off, galleries like the Phantom Gallery are their best bet, as they are bringing fresh work from interesting artists to an area that desperately needs some revitalization.

-Andrea Magee Steedman, Art Historian and a Founder of The Rogue Art Research & Writing Journal (rarwart.com)  All photos copyright the writer.

"Iron John" transforms Fullerton

Fullerton, CA    Last night, on Saturday evening I found myself walking into some sort of Wonderland that seemed as if it were on the other side of the looking glass...

A living room fit for a wizard... a giant chandelier with flickering candle-light hung in the center of this small alternate universe I had stumbled upon... Plush and ornate couches invited me to sit in front of a large fireplace with fluttering flames, falsely warming the room while I take a gander at beautifully rendered and creatively re-imagined illustrations and read the classic fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm... 

Portraits of creatures covered the walls with decorative ornament enhancing my intrigue... I felt like I was 11 years old again, standing in the fairy tale world that I so desperately wanted to escape to.

...This transformed space was the East Gallery at CalState Fullerton's campus. The imaginative master of this unique experience was Jacob Romeo Lecuyer. With the help of his partner and wife, Renee Rose-Perry, Romeo turned an M.A. exhibition and a book preview into an imaginative realm for people to escape to in an originally white cube gallery space. The contemporary art world rarely allows such classic creativity and artistry to take such power over a space, but the new interpretations of the classic fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm by Romeo lend for nostalgia and passionate thought as the viewer moves through this transformed space. 

Romeo is a witty and fascinating character on his own, so it is no surprise to me that he is able to be so clever and creative with this small space. Examining this artist I noticed a collection of accessories that re-appropriate already existing gadgets into personally helpful devices. His cell phone sits attached to his belt with the help of a crafted velcro device that also houses his blue tooth ear piece. This strange inventiveness and craft completely parallel his art. His art re-appropriates characters and concepts that we can already recognize and turns them into something new, interesting, and provocative.

An M.F.A. student in CalState Fullerton's Illustration program, you can peer into his glass-walled studio space at Grand Central Art Center, and see what other crafty devices and artworks he is dreaming up next.

*Iron John is up til March 25th, 2011. More info at www.jacobromeo.com

Evan A. Senn, contributing writer for OCArtBlog, founder of RARW and www.rarwart.com

Measure for Measure Exhibition

 

Measure to Measure Exibition, curated by Lisa Randall and Lia Halloran

Closing Reception: Thursday, March 17th, 2011 @7pm

Location: Chapman University - Guggenheim Gallery

Address: One University Drive, Orange, CA 9286

 

Paper Cuts at Fullerton College

    Fullerton, CA  Stepping into the small white-walled space in the gallery at Fullerton College, I immediately notice bright colored lights shining through out of the corner of my eye, and in front of me a giant pointed pile of brightly colored shreds lying on a short pedestal that reminds me of candy. The Paper Cuts show caught my attention at first because of the well-executed logo design on the invitation card, but kept my interest as soon as I read the list of artists. Who would have thought that a community college art gallery in Fullerton would demand attention from such artists as Kara Walker, Pae White, Mark Wagner, Takahiro Yamamoto, Chris Natrop, Jen Stark, Wangechi Mutu, Brian Dittmer, Heather McGill, and David Adey?

    Mark Wagner’s currency collages are visually enticing at first glance because of the recognizable monetary references, but at a closer look, the intense skill he implements in cutting up actual dollar bills and formulating them into provocative compositions just leaves the viewer in awe of such mastery.   

      Chris Natrop’s installation of organic – looking paper webs, flowing reflections, and neon lights envelop the senses as you walk around the space.

 David Adey’s cut out portrait of Mischa Barton caught my attention as it referenced traditional body art, while making me think of the female body issues dealt with in celebrity culture. deconstructing the body as I deconstruct the society that this imaginary "perfect" being has been made from.  

 I also really enjoyed the colored paper slices of Jen Stark as they referenced psychedelic wood slices and candy-coated electrodes in cool world.
 I really enjoyed the teeny tiny jars filled with small scenes of trees, ladders, and paper remnants by Takahiro Yamamoto. Made me feel like I was visiting a doll's world, with big adventures ahead of me... A Grand Canyon for miniature pedestal-climbers, with small tombs on top of each pedestal-peak, housing remains of people and places that meant something to someone.

  

    The physical layout of the exhibition was interesting from a curatorial stand point, but a little confusing as there was not a clear path that the viewer must follow as he/she walked through the space. Each piece seemed to be so powerful on their own that together in one exhibit they competed for attention. Looking into the gallery space from the front of the room the image they were trying to achieve was clear – shapes and colors complementing each other, and a corridor down the center that led to the giant colored-paper chandelier.

  

One of the only confusing parts of the exhibit was that there were a few walls left blank, with nothing to fill them, or draw the viewer to another area.

The Kara Walker piece was small and unassuming, but clearly a “Kara Walker”...
 A small book with her signature cut out silhouettes illustrating a story of a slave girl (1 out of an edition of 4000). I thought it was interesting when speaking with curator Beth Solomon, that the acquisition of the Kara Walker book, because just as the book was placed in a small Plexiglas box, prohibiting the viewers from touching or turning the pages as it felt appropriate Kara Walker was also hard to get a hold of, hard to connect with. Solomon said she had been working on the exhibit for 19 months, and Kara Walker’s reps in New York were all but accommodating. Solomon even mentioned that Kara Walker probably didn’t even know she had a piece shown in the exhibit – with the gallery ego left in place of enthusiastic participation.

    All in all Paper Cuts is an exhibit full of amazing paper work-- surprising for such a small space in an unassuming community college gallery. I highly recommend catching a peek at this show on its last day Thursday Feb 24th. I definitely will check out future exhibits by this gallery and curator.

Evan A. Senn contributing writer and founder of rarwart.com