"What is art if not considered significant? The reality I have seen is that not all art is considered as art, for it is easier to misunderstand art than to take time to understand it. I am as guilty as any of this theory, but then again sometimes it takes more than a lifetime to understand art - Van Gogh art proved that theory."
I stop by the new BMFA to check out the 2007 International Art Show, in comparison I must say I thought the 2006 had a lot more spice to it, but may because the 2006 seem to have more entries. Don't get me wrong the show still had a lot to offer, 2 thumbs up, it was very well curated and installed.
My eye catchers of this show were Cris Leonard works which are 3 giant high color volume paintings of a cartoon style images of a mix of cat like animals and human like characteristics. You just can't miss Cris paintings imaginary creatures which have remain consistent in his work as far as I can recall since his Mesquite Review Profile. I got a chance to meet Cris at the 2005 Amigos Artist Art in the Park where we had a conversation on his inspiration. His application seemed also to remain the same from when I last saw his work, mix media-acrylic-oil and spray paint on canvas or plywood and or board-sometimes leaving the raw background expose. He had mentioned to me he pretty much uses anything on anything to create his works. One of Cris paintings I noted "Homage to Jorge" was priced at $1750 estmtd 4ft x 5ft acrylic on canvas, a price I think seems fair for his recognizable style and his established name as an artist in the Rio Grand Valley.
Other eye catching paintings for me were Dina Saldañas, Marylin Brown and Brian Paulsen.. Dina work which I have seen several times carry a suttle social message. In her entry she paints-3 minors sailing wildly with out a care to the distant background where she painted a deserted beach. Marilyn Browns entry I thought was very abstract and psychedelic. A swirl of color and shadow silhouette exotic flowers that seem transparent and push for double imagery into the unknown sensation of the viewer. Brians work is of the highest standards. His surrealistic, and psychological settings are well presented by his artistic skill and experience. In the drawing "Heart Warming Site" a half nude woman sits at what appears to be a hospital hallway. Her arms are raised and pierce into a heart which is connected to the electrical socket on the wall behind her. Gotta see more of this artist.....
There was an entry large size metal sculpture of a still life "fly" I thaught was of notice .
Last but not least I like to mention that I did think there was too many ribbons...in sense that for the amount of entries I think the judging should of been kept not by media category but by the the show as a whole.
1 comment:
I agree that the 2007 International Art Exhibit was a disappointment compared to the number of entries in 2006. The fact that this was the first year the exhibit was prejuried by slide entries seemed to intimidate many past entrants. Also, for reasons unknown, many past entrants were not notified by mail of this years event. In addition, the slides had to be submitted three months before the exhibit.
The exhibit in the new facility was great but there are room for many more entries and hopefully many more local artists will enter in the next International Exhibit. (If you haven't been there to see the Elementary and Middle School Exhibit, do so before it comes down the last week of Apri, there are many, many wonderful entries)
I understand that the prejury selection will be done by submitting digital photos in December of 2007. If artist didn't get a entry form this past year, call BMFA at 956 542-0941 and make sure you are on the list for the next one!
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