I went to two receptions this past week. The first, at ArsenalArts, was the always intriguing Members' Show. The main gallery was filled with eclectic art, the gift shop was hopping, and the cast of the musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch was practicing in the Black Box theater. It's clear that ArsenalArts is becoming a magnet for talented artists looking to display work in a gorgeous space. We had fun wandering around checking out the art, listening to a little music, and then shopping with the kids (after they had combed the food table). I ran in to C.J. Stevens and had a look at her delicate and lovely glass bead painting.
The other interesting show we went to was Effort At Speech, Gerry Bergstein at the Danforth Museum. Bergstein is an amazing draftsman and colorist. He is also a wag. Before this show, I was somewhat familiar with his paintings from the late 80's, but I hadn't seen anything more recent in person. In comparing the early work to the later work, I loved seeing how he refined the tone and iconography, and simplified his approach. (Although using the word "simplified" is a contradiction -- the paintings are bursting with "stuff") I love how he undermines the significance of "artist" and "art world", and presents that relationship with self-deprecating humor. His work honestly and playfully presents the manic swings of the artist who understands hubris and humility.
The other interesting show we went to was Effort At Speech, Gerry Bergstein at the Danforth Museum. Bergstein is an amazing draftsman and colorist. He is also a wag. Before this show, I was somewhat familiar with his paintings from the late 80's, but I hadn't seen anything more recent in person. In comparing the early work to the later work, I loved seeing how he refined the tone and iconography, and simplified his approach. (Although using the word "simplified" is a contradiction -- the paintings are bursting with "stuff") I love how he undermines the significance of "artist" and "art world", and presents that relationship with self-deprecating humor. His work honestly and playfully presents the manic swings of the artist who understands hubris and humility.
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