If I were starring at images of the Galapagos islands and Pompeii cross-eyed something half as stunning as the images created by Michael Hansmeyer might occur.

via stylepark

The simplicity of this is exciting to me.  A pleasure to see. 

We’re still working out some bugs to the WordPress upgrade – which is why the reviews+ link isn’t heading to the right place yet. In the meantime, you can find Melissa Stang’s review of Carolyn Swiszcz’s recent show at Franklin Artworks by clicking the direct link here.

Also, ARP! Quarterly has published an additional writing of Melissa’s on the show. Pick up a copy at the release party for the latest issue on April 18th at ART OF THIS Gallery on Nicollet Avenue!

Last night I attended an artist talk at the Chambers’ Burnet Gallery.  The current exhibit Holiday in the Sun, showcases the work of artist Andrea Stanislav and runs through February 2nd.  The conversation was led by curator and critic Chris Atkins.  The two held a similiar discussion in 2008 regarding Stanislav’s solo exhibit at the MAEP, which happened to top my list for exhibits in 2008.

The exhibit consists of several of Andrea’s peices each displaying text often taken from lyrics, or head shots of famous (and infamous) men of pop culture.  Each piece is a layer upon layer of glitter creating depth of light and mirror imagery.  The sparkles are magnificent!

Andrea Stanislav 

With this work, as with Andrea’s 2008 exhibit  at the MIA, I love it.  I love pop culture, I love fashion, I love all that glitters…I love it…and then I feel guilty.  It is the guilt that leads me to think that there is so much there.  Here is my take.

To me the work is strong beyond the initial warm feeling of “I like it” not because of the familiarity we have with the lyrics or the images.  Not because of how it can be related to pop-culture, but rather when you add a heapiing spoonful of sugar to something the general public will devour it.  I see the work as commentary on how pop-art/pop culture is so consumable regardless of the message attached.  In addition, by the time the message has gotten to the masses such as “Clockwork Orange” or the “Sex Pistols”– it is so disassocatiated with it’s original affiliation that it no longer holds it original meaning.  It is a sliver of the whole, a mirror of itself with nothing substantial behind it.  An image, a reference and as it was referred to in the artist talk, a sampling. 

If you get the chance, see the exhibit with someone and discuss it.

as always,

emma

The fourth is here…and for the first time in three years I will not have the chance to see the lovely madness and randomness that is the 10 second film festival at Soap Factory. Life is taking me on a stroll out of town, but oh, how I will miss those 10 seconds.

Enjoy the films!
Enjoy the pretty fire!
emma

Maybe you have or maybe you haven’t come across the name Antony Micallef. Twice a week I catch myself traveling to his site to take a peak. And not because he is a prolific artist with new work daily but because I am absolutely addicted to his work. My eyes scream for the imagery.

3 years ago Ben came across Antony. There were prints available of his work on Eyestorm. At the time the prints we were torn between were around $800….the pieces that we didn’t purchase and are no longer available are worth over $6,000.ouch

For most of us purchasing art it isn’t about the investment…but there definitely is validation in having purchased (or pondered purchasing) a work of art that rises in value as such.

But here money is secondary, my real lesson learned is that I still want to see Antony’s work daily. I’m drawn to it, it whispers my name when I am least expecting it. I want to wake up to it, have sweet dreams while I lay under it. But instead I drudge to his website just to take a peak of a digital version. The piece and I might continue this dance in purgatory forever.

And why didn’t I purchase it when I could have? Other priorities I suppose and the idea that it would be available for me when I needed it.oops.

Here are some on Antony’s newer works, which of course, I am deeply in love/lust with.

xo-emma

Yuri Arajas is a Minneapolis gem.

Minnesota Monthly published a wonderful article outlining his accomplishments, contributions and passion for artists. Take a read.

thank you Yuri!
emma

…to go see the exhibit River to infinity–The Vanishing Point. The exhibit opened in January at the MAEP (Minnesota Artist Exhibition Program) within the MIA (Minnesota Institute of Art) and closes soon.
It is visually stunning, self-reflective (beyond the mirrors) and dare I say moving.

If my words do not move you to action…please read Mary Abbe’s.

It closes March 16th, so your time is ticking.

cheers,
emma

A brighter note…I found these two happy faces the other day while closing out the CC Club. They were stiffly stuck in a snowbank and awaiting rescue.

The happy note on the back reads:

You have found American Face!
You are encouraged to keep this pillow, but first, please participate in
The American Face Art Show.
Bring your pillow to the Caffetto Coffee shop between February first and twenty-eighth.
708 W. 22nd Street Minneapolis,MN 55405.
Full details about how to participate will be available at caffetto
-OR-
www.americanface.blogspot.com
Please direct additional inquiries to: Americanfacempls@gmail.com or just google it.

So in my possession I have Robyne 62/157 (blue) & Jessie 52/157 (red)

Hope you find yours!

Cheers,
Emma

mplsart had the amazing opportunity to hang the work of Xavier Tavera earlier this month at the DWR studio in Minneapolis.