Friday, October 30, 2009
By the time most of you read this I will be aboard a jet set for Berlin, which shall be my home base for the remainder of the year. I will continue to post off and on while abroad and giving you all some insight into my stay at the artist residency I am attending. I also hope to show some images of some of the artist studios I am planning on visiting. In the meantime, a handful of people have offered to help out and contribute to the blog while I am away. So, for now, auf wiedersehen!
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Monday, October 26, 2009
Lawrence Rinder talk at the IMA tomorrow evening in the DeBoest Lecture Hall.
October, 27th at 6pm
From the IMA's web site:
In March 2002, a Newsweek headline regarding Lawrence Rinder proclaimed "This Man Will Decide what Art Is.” Join Rinder, Director of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art on October 27 as he converses with Maxwell Anderson, The Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO, about ways in which museums can champion diverse art forms, engage new audiences, contribute to lifelong learning, and stay ahead of the digital curve. Before his current role at UC-Berkeley, Rinder was Dean of the College at the California College of the Arts (CCA) in San Francisco. From 2000-2004, he also served as the Anne & Joel Ehrenkranz Curator of Contemporary Art at the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he organized exhibitions including The American Effect, BitStreams, the 2002 Biennial, and the award-winning Tim Hawkinson.
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Friday, October 16, 2009
The Middle Drawer is a collection of sketchbook drawings from local and not so local artists which include:
Davey-K
Austin Reavis
Diana Means
KatieLynColes
Erin K Drew
Ners
Casey Roberts
Jessica Sowls
Emily Janowiak
Paul Pelsue
Come join us at the Earth House this Friday for the Opening. Enjoy catering by Jenxie's Cafe and music by Dougy-Fresh. Participate in drawing games which include, but are not limited to:
exquisite corpse
sentence picture sentence picture sentence
bad tattoo
blind pilot
grandma's dirty mind
squiggle start
hangman
pictionary
blind contour contests
smell-o-drawing
Friday, October 16, 2009 from 5pm - 9pm
Earth House
237 East Street
Indianapolis
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
"MOUNTS"
ARTIST: CARLA KNOPP
4 STAR GALLERY
OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 14, 2009
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 5-9 PM
4 Star Gallery is pleased to announce "Mounts", a exhibition of paintings by
Indianapolis artist Carla Knopp. Works from this series were recently shown in
"Giganticism" at the Silas Marder Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY, and are featured
in "New American Paintings" (#83), juried by Lynne Warren (scheduled for
release in early October). "New American Paintings" is a national exhibition-inprint
competition, featuring 40 artists from each regional competition. This
exhibition at 4 Star Gallery is the first public viewing of the entire "Mounts" series.
Carla's work often explores metaphysics through myth and metaphor. The
Mounts series initially read as a quirky group of ridiculous structures. They
suggest some archeological mystery. These are earthworks of unknown origin,
and of unknown, but undeniable purpose. They may be monuments, they may be
poignant memorials. They may be of human or alien or supernatural creation, but
they strongly demonstrate the presence of sentiency within a corporeal world.
This "constructed by some constructor" metaphor extends even further, for the
images themselves are "built" in paint by the artist, through an intuitively guided
process.
4 Star Gallery
653 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis 46204
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 2 – 5 pm
Contact: Shawn Miller (317) 686 - 6382
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Well, in order to earn some more funds for my trip to Berlin, I am regrettingly selling my litho press. Know that if I was not needing the cash I certainly would not be parting with it. I am also throwing in three stones. If any of you would be interested in purchasing the press, I have placed it on Ebay. You can see the listing at this link. While the press could use a new paint job it is a solid piece of machinery and has a nice wood press bed. If you are interested in the press, please visit the link above and place your bid. The brass plate on the press reads as follows:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 4
Friday, October 09, 2009
While reading my latest emails, I came across the latest ArtLetter by Paul Klein, who in his way, once again states things in such a wonderful way that I feel it is worth sharing with our readers. Through the connecting factors between Klein's article and a wonderfully written history of the artist-run spaces of Chicago, I recently read at Pr, [(Pr) is a free arts broadsheet newsletter put out by the folks at proximity magazine. visit us online at proximitymagazine.com.] I began contemplating the numerous similarities and differences between our neighboring city.
Paul Klein in his article linked above writes:
Chicago artists are making a difference. There are more artists taking initiative than I've seen in some time. More artist-run, alternative spaces are emerging. Some appear with the intent of only lasting for a few months and some only for a single show.
Obviously there are not enough galleries here to address the quantity of quality art that's made here. And though that appears to be an indictment of our galleries, there is also an insufficient number of collectors (even just buyers) to adequately support the gallery scene.
Now Chicago has had a long and vibrant history with artist-run spaces and projects. Something that I have long loved about their art scene. When you can't find the scene you want, build it yourself. I had a conversation within the last 24 hours regarding a comment made by a local artist/patron whose apparent disdain for the local arts community intrigued me. In their perspective art and artists in Indy are basically irrelevant and not going to be noticed or make any noticable impact. This includes not only our galleries but also the IMA. While in some regards I do feel we have a way to go on many platforms, it is this blanket disregard to the talents and efforts being put forth by those of us who do what we can to help to elevate the scene in some way. The two biggest things that take away from Indy from having more of an active and vibrant local art scene, and both are actually interrelated are a lack of art buying/collecting public and a lack of established blue chip galleries. I have long felt that these two things are connected. But even in such circumstances, I feel that it is short sighted and narrow minded (in my opinion) to dismiss things out right. There are a number of local artists who make some excellent works that I would stack up against artist in any other city. Several of our local artists have participated and show with galleries and art fairs around the world. Perhaps this number is lower than in some cities but they are there. Artists and galleries need to try new models of practice to help get their work and their aesthetic seen, not only locally but beyond.
While we still have a long way to go, I feel it is possible to make an impact both as an artist, an arts blogger and a curator. As they often say, "if you are not part of the solution, you are a part of the problem." If you feel as if you are simply stuck here in Indy and you can't readily leave, then perhaps its time for you to step up and do something to make a change. Throw out old models of thinking and ideas about what a gallery is or should be. Reconsider what you think is success as an artist or venue. Try something new.
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Well, we have had some success in our call for some assistance in posting here at OtC while I am away on my trip to Berlin. So over course of the next few weeks I imagine you will begin to see some of their posts popping up. I will leave it to each of the writers to introduce themselves and hope you all enjoy some new takes and perspective on the local art scene. I will continue to contribute a series a posts about my stay in Berlin (I leave at the end of this month and will be gone for 2 months) for those interested.
Although a few people have offered to give us their assistance, we are gladly still welcoming more volunteer contributors. The more strong content we have coming in the better. Take advantage of the opportunity to get your feet wet and get some arts writing practice in. Your contributions will be welcomed. I want to thank those who have already contacted me regarding their contributions and look forward to hearing from more of you. Enjoy!
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Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Friday was a great fall evening, and a great way to start it off was a visit to Bernie Carreño's studio and gallery grand opening. Located just a block south of the Stutz at 901 N. Senate, in the back of the welding business, Bernie had plenty of friends helping him out. With a shelter set up against the building the party took place in the alley. The atmosphere was pure fun and Hoosier hospitality.
The gallery itself is amusingly ironic. It's the tiniest gallery space I've ever been in. About the size of a walk-in closet with several of Bernie's small metal sculptures displayed against the walls, I find it an interesting display for someone known for his huge metal public sculptures. As Bernie explained, he didn't want to carve out too much space from his studio to house exhibits. He'll rotate the shows monthly.
Carreno's work has the finesse and quality evident from his years of experience. A hint of his humor is also present at times.
It was an easy walk up to ArtBox for "Parables in Black and White" by Ted Stanuga. I got so busy talking with Jason Myers, artist and ArtBox owner; and Paula Dalton, artist from Anderson, that I didn't get around to shooting any video. Myers reported Stanuga wasn't able to attend his opening due to illness falling upon him that morning. It's a shame when something like that happens. Missing an opening at a place like the ArtBox must have been a double whammy.
Stanuga's predominantly black and white charcoal and oils on canvas hearken back to Robert Motherwell but with a freer blurring of line and shape. I can easily see how Stanuga's work would fit well in a corporate setting.
My goal was to visit Mt. Comfort at State St. and English Ave. As I drove north on State a happening event was visible on the corner. Before even getting in the door I knew this was going to be a fun adventure. People were casual and intermingling in little groups, the atmosphere was thick with burgeoning creative types, the walls were peeling and stripped of multiple layers of paint with the exposed brick peeking out in places, and bare bulbs were the only illumination.
It took awhile for me to find out Mt. Comfort was across the street and I had wandered into the Bootleg Exhibit, a guerrilla show that might have been up for just that weekend. The art was frivolous and original from the thick collection of pine cones coalescing from the middle beam like a back country stalactite to the "Splat" of a silvered skeleton.
"Zobac" by sculptor Aaron Thornburg was my favorite. The natural branches forming the legs and structure contrasted with the highly finished/polished wood body and head. It's jaunty angles seem friendly and inviting.
First Friday was finished off with a visit to Dorman Street where Ellie Siskind and I shared stories while waiting for Wug and Nancy Lee to show up. They brought photographer Paul D'Andrea, who is showing this month at Wug's. What a pleasant way to debrief and wind down.
It would be a pleasure to read about your First Friday experiences.
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Many of you may already know, but I am leaving at the end of the month for a two month artist residency in Berlin. While I will have my laptop with me in which to continue to post some of the weekend previews and press releases I receive while abroad, it is my inclination that being over seas will cut me off from the local grape vine and certainly from the exhibitions and events that take place in my absence. I am reaching out to you our readers to see if anyone is interested and willing to volunteer your time and efforts to begin posting for OnTheCusp while I am away. I would love it if someone would be willing to write the occassional review of shows, news items, thoughts and observations, studio visits, interviews, or whatever visual arts related writings you feel are relevant to our readership. You are welcome to write what you want. If you prefer to work with video rather than write, that option is open to you as well. I hope to find some willing participants amongst you our readers. There must be a closet arts writer or critic among you. Here is your opportunity. Your efforts will be very welcome indeed. I will consider posting about my trip to Berlin on a weekly or every other week basis while gone, if you all would be interested in that. But even with those posts, I would love to have a couple new contributors lined up. If you decide you like doing it, and our audience wants to read more of your posts, you are welcome to post as long as you desire.
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This Wednesday at the Herron School of Arts, Marsh Project Gallery
SHIFT:
works by Lauren Zoll and Max Gatta
www.transatlantiq.com
www.projectmaximumcapacity.org
Opening October 7th from 5:30 - 7:30
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Lots of interesting things to see this week and some new art entities popping up. Today I have only added a few of them as it is getting late and I will be out of town tomorrow. For a map of a large number of these events, check out the IDADA map link in the side bar. Two of the newer announcements to the art scene, Christopher West (the former curator of iMOCA) is now curating his own space, at Dean Johnson, called Christopher West Presents and across from Mt. Comfort (a space for champions) another SEND building will be home to a series of First Friday exhibits. So if you are in the area, check it out.
THURSDAY
Christopher West Presents
Traces: New Installations and Objects by Danielle Felice Riede
Opening Thursday, October 1st, 5 - 8 pm
christopher west presents is pleased to announce a new installation by Colorado born, Indianapolis based artist Danielle Riede. Opening reception for the artist will take place on Thursday, October 1 from 5 pm until 8 pm. The exhibition will run through October 31.
Riede's enigmatic constructions of found and made pieces of paint, resin, and detritus are here exhibited as both miniature sculpture and a site specific installation. While paint (and color) is a primary intellectual and physical material for Riede, a deeper connection can be found in the idea of a collective body of objects, the traces of other artists’ explorations. Danielle Riede received her MFA in Painting from Virginia Commonwelath University and also studied under Daniel Buren at the Kunstakademie Duesseldorf. She is currently a professor at the Herron School of art and Design. She has exhibited internationally in Mexico City, Athens, Cologne, Paris and many others. This is her first exhibition at the gallery.
christopher west presents
646 Massachusetts Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
FRIDAY
Mt. Comfort (a space for champions)
mt.comfort (a space for champions) would like to welcome you out to a nice long evening of music and fine art from Mr. Jon Autry. Stay as long as you like, crash out on the couch to the soft jams, dream of the good times (if you think it will help).
Opening October 2nd from 7pm - 12am.
Who needs sleep numbers and memory foam, we got Jon Autry.
60 dreams, 60 pieces of ambient music, 60 minutes long...
Each is individually numbered and conveniently bundled with a small pillow (featuring handmade, embroidered pillowcases by Joan Hutcheson) and sleeping mask.
Bio:
Jon Autry is a human man, making lonely sounds alone. Jon has performed at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, SXSW in Austin, Texas and at Frank Lloyd Wright's estate, Taliesin in Wisconsin. His music has also been featured several times on NPR's "This American Life," as well as in several episodes of the emmy-winning television version on Showtime. Jon currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.
http://jonautry.com
Statement:
Sleep is one of the things I love most in life. Unfortunately, for a very long time, I've had a very unhealthy relationship with it. Sleeping too much. Sleeping too little. Can't get to sleep. Can't wake up. A sleep schedule that slips around the clock leaving me waking at 7am some times and 7pm others. Bad mattresses, noisy neighbors and nightmares. The perfect sleep always seems to elude me.
I've tried many things to solve this problem: Stretching, herbal tea, pain-relievers, reading, counting, visualizing various things, clearing my mind, watching movies... However, listening to music has long been my method of choice. Over the years I've slowly altered my bedtime music selections, looking for the perfect music to get lost and drift away in. Never quite finding the perfect solution, I began to think about what helped me the most and started considering writing and recording a piece for my own use, which is what inspired the creation of these pieces.
Hopefully, one of these 60 pieces of music will bring you a restful sleep.
Sweet Dreams,
Jon Autry
Mt. Comfort
1651 English (corner of State and English)
Indianapolis, IN
ARTBOX
Exhibition title: "Parables in Black and White"
Ted Stanuga's paintings speak about complexities, both
personal and cultural.
"It's the culmination of work and experiences outside of the
art world that have impacted me the most. Right now most
of my work is in black and white. As I saw more color in
this apparent limitation, the work became a reflection on or
a meditation about our culture, like so much bunting at a
funeral. Mine (funeral), which gets closer every day, and the
failed American experiment in Democracy one can
experience every evening watching our liberties evaporate
on the news."
Exhibition dates: Oct.2nd, 2009 - Oct. 31st, 2009
Opening reception will be Friday, Oct. 2nd from 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
www.artboxindy.com
ARTBOX Gallery
217 West Tenth Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Big Car Gallery
October 2nd Bigfoot Sightings at Big Car
Friday October 2nd, 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.
1043 Virginia Avenue
Suite 215
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Part of the Big Curiosities events, and Big foot expert Jeffery Meldrum coming to talk September 30th. Big Car encouraged people to draw what they thought Bigfoot looked like at various events such as First Fridays, Penrod, Oranje, and Masterpiece In A Day.
Also Masterpiece In A Day Winners will be on display.
Writing
1-Danielle Wheeler--"In Each Other's Faces We Take Out Lines, Streets, Stories"
2- Cindy Ragsdale---"Parade Rest"
3 - John Hawn -- "She Paints a Poem"
Art
Best in show: Jessica Dunn- _O_N_A_N Sqaure
Category pick 2D-Kyle Ragsdale--Fountainless Square
Runner up 2D-Thomas J. Lemanski- The 65/70 Split
Category pick 3-D-Lukas Schoder-Cabinet of Curiosities
Runner up 3D-- Lauren Ditchley--All In A Day
Matt Kalasky and Nat Russell---presented by iMOCA at the Murphy Art Center
iMOCA brings local artist Matt Kalasky and west coast based artist Nat Russell to the Murphy Art Center to show Sasquatch inspired artwork.
Bootleg Exhibitions
Grand Opening of Bootleg Exhibitions
This space has been provided by SEND
(Southeast Neighborhood Development - http://www.sendcdc.org/ )
Bootleg Exhibitions: Vol. 1
Group Show
1656 English Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
On the corner of English Ave. and State St.
Across from Mt. Comfort Gallery
First Friday - Oct. 2nd, 6 - 10pm
Exhibiting Artists:
George Benedict Murray III
Jenny Buffington
Araan Schmidt
Dominic Sansone
Lauren Kussro
Stacey M. Holloway
Aaron Nicholson
Erin Harper Vernon
Brose Partington
Aaron Thornburg
Shi-fen Liu
Jason Bord
Michelle Thornburg
Schuyler Maehl
Halldor Arnar Ulfarsson
Thursday, October 01, 2009 4
