Transgressive Beauty: Ryan McGinness

Ryan McGinness, (new work), 2008

Laced with countless pop culture references, lyrical lines, and colorful graphics, Ryan McGinness’ work provides a running commentary on contemporary culture. A master at integrating graphic form with poetic content, the New York-based artist continues to transform gallery spaces and the art world alike. Much has been said about the artist’s ability to bridge the gap between graphic design and fine art; McGinness, however, creates art for art’s sake and is not actively engaged in the commercial service industry. Most people define graphic design in terms of aesthetics or form, not recognizing the difference between art and design in conceptual terms of artist’s intention versus industry. It is important to note that instead of simply appropriating forms available in the public realm, McGinness makes all of his own icons. He takes the authoritative aesthetic of iconic language that has traditionally resided in the world of anonymous design and uses that power for his own work and in the process introduces a new visual language to fine art. Trained and well versed in pictorial communication, his imagery has moved beyond its graphic design beginnings and come into its own with a unique, yet universal, communication system. Read the complete essay in Arkitip no. 48, Ryan McGinness
http://www.arkitip.com/magazines/issue48.php

Jeff

Jeff Koons, Puppy, Bilbao, 2003

Jeff Koons spoke at Harvard (April 3, 2008) on the subjective and objective nature of art, his obsession with air, and the inherent sexuality contained within all objects. He attributed the success of a work of art to its ability to be 'chameleon,' to adapt to the times. Emphasizing that the contemporary viewer can add new meaning to historical works of art simply by looking and interpreting them.

He also discussed the integrity of the ready-made, and his use of the powerful aesthetic of mass-production to create unique works of art (ironic?). He sees the role of the artist is to manipulate and communicate with the audience and channel information for them. With a Buddhist demeanor, Koons got philosophical and spoke of art as the great connector and the artist as a platform for change, citing self-acceptance as the key to success and transcendence.

When asked about his love of painting he spoke softly of the warmth of the materials and the density of the pigments. He encouraged the audience to increase their parameters and simply follow their ideas, as they will take you somewhere. "Everything is already here, you just have to look for it..." He spoke of art as a form of becoming, a form of love even, and expressed his own desire for dialog and a shared experience. Stating that "everyday art presents itself, you just have to look."

When asked to explain his detachment from the physical construction of his work he replied he is involved in every detail of his pieces. He just chooses not to get lost in the medium/process, but rather focus on the idea and the vision of a work of art. "I can make anything, having the vision is key. If you can see something, you can make it."

Effort Distance

Jen Nazzaro, How Effort and Distance are Linked

Charcoal, graphite and crayon on paper, 22x30"

One of my favorite people is showing her new drawings in the Schlosberg Gallery at Montserrat this month. Jen Nazzaro's ethereal landscapes are created within a narrow color palette of black, grays and whites. Nevertheless, she is able to create a tremendously rich surface through exquisite mark making using charcoal and graphite.

Beauty Looks Great Over Your Couch

Brian Ulrich, Untitled_Thrift, Toys, 2006

Chicago-based photographer Brian Ulrich visited Montserrat on Nov. 29th and 30th. He participated in A Contemporary Cocktail a casual evening event and gave a great lecture on his work. He spoke of consumerism, social messages in his work (yes, they are there and he is not afraid to say so) and the role of beauty. We talked about how beauty is back. After being a dirty word in the art world for so long, it now again is an acceptable, perhaps even desirable adjective when describing someone's work. To which Brian replied in a deadpan voice, " Yeah, beauty looks great over your couch." He is right of course, beauty sells. He and I discussed the new 'arty' photography coming out of Germany these days, (his participation in) Art Basel, and the state of the art-world. His next project will focus on high end consumerism, specifically on the the art world it self.

Brian's work is on view in the Montserrat Gallery through February 2nd in the exhibit Cornucopia: Documenting the Land of Plenty. Email me if you would like an exhibit catalogue mailed to you.

Mystical Visions, Cosmic Vibrations, and Revolutionary Dreams

Kamrooz Aram visited campus this week in conjunction with the exhibit Merging Influence: Eastern Elements in New American Art. He gave a gallery talk on Thursday lunchtime and later that night participated in A Contemporary Cocktail, where he was interviewed by Curator Shana Dumont. Aram spoke eloquently about the New York art world, art fairs, and his experience as a contemporary artist. In discussing his own work he talked of content versus process, the power of beauty, the importance of authenticity, and spectacle. In addition to his incredibly rich paintings, the artist also creates impressive micro-pen drawings. A number of which will be on view at the NADA Art Fair in conjunction with the 2007 Art Basel:Miami.


The Gleam of the Morning's First Beam, 2005, Oil and stickers on canvas 84 x 120 inches

Starlings, Spheres and Sequences

Anna Hepler, Fall, Scatter, Float, DeCordova Annual, 2006

"Galleries are stores for art. Chelsea is a mall." Anna Hepler

Hepler was a Visiting Artist today at Montserrat College of Art where she spoke very eloquently about contemporary art making. Obsessed with swarms and the movement of particles suspended in space, Hepler uses simple materials to create sophisticated prints, drawings, and three dimensional spatial constructs. In addition, she de-constructed her own creative process and asked critical questions about the art world and what it means to be an artist in our society today. Her advice for artists is to follow every path of inquiry even if it takes you outside of the realm of art making, for you never know where it lead you or your work.

Art in Lawrence

Nina Wishnok, "Trace People I" 2006, 11" x 11" woodblock, paper lithography
Visited Lawrence, MA yesterday. Essex Art Center has a great print show up of work by Nina Wishnok. Curator Cathy McLaurin is fantastic, we had a great tour of the complex. She really is an inspiring individual. Her own artwork was on view in the Swaddled Babies and Dead Animals exhibit at the artist building on Canal St. (250 Canal street, Lawrence). A collaborative project with artist Gayle Caruso, the exhibit is up until October 12. Lawrence seems like a great place to have a studio, affordable rates and gorgeous mill buildings.

Caruso/McLaurin, Swaddled Babies, Mixed media Installation, 2007

Caruso/McLaurin, Swaddled Babies, Mixed media Installation, detail, 2007

The other great encounter I had today was with the Dutch Independent Curator Femke Lutgerink. She came to visit Senior Seminar at Montserrat College of Art today. She has a unique gift for organizing and finding talented individuals and collaborating with them to create new and often experimental art work. Definitely someone to watch!