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.
With the fresh start of 2009, lists and recaps have been circulating trying to capture what in the world happened in 2008. MNArtists.org just published their first in a series of lists and recaps which I was lucky enough to contribute to. Take a look in the most recent access+ENGAGE.
With 2008, so many art’s organizations felt the impact of the current fiscal environment. If you haven’t already it is time to make your support known. Support the galleries, the non-profit organizations, the artists. Become a member, attend a benefit, buy some art, donate supplies, volunteer your time.
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.
images: Ruben Nusz | US: Fireworks and Matches Series
It is finally here…that amazing season called spring the we all drool over in anticipation.
Each spring is the wonderfully fantastic Voltage Amplified…followed by fashion weekend. Voltage (part fashion/part rock) is the 16th, so if you haven’t picked up your tickets, get them now! It’s an inspiring event regardless of if you are a fashion snob or a fashion snub.
Fashion weekend runs the 18th through the 20th, so check out the Voltage site for further details. It is blooming with fashion inspired events…including two mplsart sponsored events, Eluded Love & Connoisseur.
And in the spirit of spring, art & fashion an animation short from prada…
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)
City Pages came out with it’s annual Artists of the Year issue, and I couldn’t be more proud. New daddy, John Grider has front page and a wonderful write up. Ben and I also have some very kind words written on us that I couldn’t be more proud of. Please look through the entire list of artists and the entire article, it is an honor to be in such company and perfectly inspiring.
I thought things would slow down a little after the Friends With You show last month but it seems those were false hopes. (look for yourself in these youtube videos here and here)
As you can see from the calendar, the month is already filling up with amazing openings and festivities. There are a couple of events worth mentioning that we just didn’t have room for on the calendar.
The Pro-Choice Resources Art for Choice event is happening Friday, November 9th
from 6:30 to 10:00pm at the Graves 601 Hotel. This year the Art for Choice event consists of fine art, a dynamic performance by Jules Weiland and Janelle Ranek of IOU Productions, appetizers, cash bar and live music. Proceeds from the event will benefit Pro-Choice Resources’ education and access programs.
But first, show your support for the arts by attending the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Annual Meeting this Monday, November 5th at the Illusion Theater. All are welcome! Admission is free for MCA members and $5 for the general public.
Featured speakers Sheila Smith and Larry Redmond will present: Making History: The Upcoming Campaign for Minnesota’s Arts & Culture.
In November of 2008, on the 150th anniversary of our state, Minnesota voters will have the historic opportunity to make a great step forward to preserve our cultural heritage by voting for a Constitutional amendment that will create designated funding for the arts and environment. It will be a nationally prominent move that will bring benefits for the next 25 years.
Be among the first to hear the exciting details of this landmark opportunity for the arts in Minnesota, from those who are already working behind the scenes.
It’s been a full year since vita.mn first hit the stands and we’d like to say thank you to all the people on their staff and others that have been so supportive of mplsart.com. From day one, editor Matt and frequent poster Taylor have been the best of cheerleaders. Simon and Gretchen have been welcome companions out and about at openings and the like. Lately, the addition of Jahna Peloquin as fashion writer has confirmed that Minneapolis has style. And, of course, Gregory Scott and his thorough writings on the arts have done wonders for the gallery scene. Thank you.
Now you can help out. They’re looking for artists to design the cover of their first anniversary issue. Winner gets $400 and some other cool perks. We’d love to see you take over the newstands and represent Minneapolis as it should be done. Entries are due November 1st.
City Pages came out with it’s annual 
