This year, The Bare Square brought you art news and comment on a globe-spanning range of topics. From Ai Wei Wei, to New York gallery openings, from the depths of the sea to deep space, you’ve come to The Bare Square and nibbled on our bite-sized art news. Thank you for making the Bare Square part of your art experience!
Because we’re rapidly approaching 200 articles, picking a Top Ten wasn’t easy–so we picked eleven. That didn’t make it much easier, but it did give you a bonus article!
Without further ado, here are the Top 11 ARTicles of 2011 from The Bare Square! See what you missed, revisit what you liked, and PLEASE share with your friends and “Like”. Thanks again!
Jen Wallace, host of our web video show Art Seen, also contributes to The Bare Square. We published her story about actor James Franco’s art project in mid-July.
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, The Bare Square focused on Charles Wilbert White and David Hammons, African-American artists who paved the way for others.
Frederick Douglass Lives Again by Charles Wilbert White
Kulsoom contributed to this profile of nAscent artist Jack Laroux. The article holds the honor of having the most “Likes” of any article this year–way to go Kulsoom! (And thanks to Jack for all his fans and supporters!)
The Bare Square felt a deep sense of shock, loss, and despair over the earthquake in Japan. The article at #3 discussed the role of art in the wake of tragedy.
Being based in New York City, we at The Bare Square appreciated the work of street artist “Moustache,” having seen his handiwork ourselves many times. Sadly, the NYPD put an end to his vandalism, failing to see the humor in his clever “improvement” on public ads. People responded well to our remembrance…and we still miss him.
By far the most popular article in terms of ratio of “Likes” as compared to page views, and a just plain cool and romantic story, The Bare Square interviewed the creator of the best proposal story we’ve ever heard. Do yourself a favor–click the link, re-read the article, and watch the video (even if you’ve watched it before). With New Year’s Eve coming, let this story inspire even more romance!
A two-man show consisting of innovative industrial landscapes opens Thursday in Soho, and you should go. Disintegration and Sprawl, presented by Christina Ray gallery, shows off compelling works by Amze Emmons, based in Philadelphia, and Kevin Haas, who lives in Washington state.
The two artists’ work explores relics of industrialized cities. They examine concepts of repurposing ruins from an industrial, capitalist society into that of sustainability and future purpose.
Suitable for Mass Transit by Amze Emmons at Christina Ray gallery
Amze Emmons adds playful color to desolate scenes. A multi-disciplinary artist with experience in drawing and printmaking, Emmons’ work surprises with it’s playful nature set in stark contrast to the landscape. Emmons’ work can inspire introspection, at times somber, at other times hopeful.
I-90: Exit 109 by Kevin Haas at Christina Ray gallery
Kevin Haas uses webs of lines to spin out his urban landscapes. Haas layers line drawings of billboards, trees, cars, and street signs to create vibrancy. Through the works’ energy and tension, Haas, like Emmons, breathes life into barren scenes.
The two artists’ unique voices approach similar subject matter in different ways. Their works play nicely together, and create an interesting dialogue about our country’s landscape.
Both of these artists are sure to impress. Check them out at the opening reception this Thursday or during gallery hours through October 30th.
- Jen Wallace
Disintegration and Sprawl Amze Emmons and Kevin Haas Christina Ray gallery
Oct. 6 – Oct. 30 Opening Reception: THIS THURS. 10/6, 7-9pm 30 Grand Street
New York NY 10013
As commemorations of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2011 fade into memory, we turn to many sources of healing: family, music, religion, poetry, meditation, discourse, and theater can all serve as reservoirs of strength.
Art has always been an outlet for healing when tragedy occurs. Many galleries, exhibits and art-related events will continue to serve as focal points of comprehension and coping for the remainder of the year. Join “the bare square” as we share some of the ways 9/11 is being remembered through art.
Artist Todd Stonecreated series of watercolors gathered in a collection called “Witness/Downtown Rising.” Stone’s watercolors show the emotional journey the American community has taken through the course of recovery and rebuilding. As Stone describes, the 20 watercolors “depict the succession of events of the day and its aftermath.”
Todd Stone's 9/11 painting from September 2011.
Stone saw the entire event from his studio window and rooftop in Tribeca. While Stone felt he should race down and give a hand to the rescue workers, his wife encouraged him to focus on his specialty and role: to bear witness. He started to paint as the events unfolded.
The chronological paintings record the view of the collapse from street-level–the huge clouds of black smoke and scattered debris, the destruction of the buildings and human life. Eventually, the New York Foundation for the Arts sponsored his work and gave him unique access to the construction site.
An exhibit of the watercolors concludes Monday, Sep. 12, 2011 at a temporary studio on the 48th Floor of 7 World Trade Center.
Like Stone, New York artist EJay Weiss also witnessed the tragedy from his Tribeca studio and has a series of 12 paintings mixed with ash from the site into paint entitled “9/11 Elegies: 2001-2011.”
EJay Weiss' "9/11 Elegies: 2001-2011."
Miya Ando creates work of art with sheets of steel–including the donated pieces from the World Trade Center. Ando (mentioned on “the bare square” before) designed a sculpture incorporating steel donated by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from the World Trade Center. Ando submitted her design for a contest sponsored by the 9/11 London Project last year and was chosen as the winner.
The work features two girders supporting a third steel sheet polished to a reflective gloss. The high-gloss sheet, surprises, and may convey a message that time need not always lead to decay (a surprising result), or perhaps that peace may only be found literally after reflection.
Unveiled earlier this week in in Battersea Park in London, the three story, 9,000 pound sculpture still needs a permanent home.
As reported by “the bare square” back in March, Ando’s artwork attempts to portray a message of peace and new life, but has been the subject of some controversy.
A handful of the relatives of the more than 60 British victims of 9/11 have objected the use of the Twin Towers’ steel remnants, failing to see the message of healing and rebirth. Still others have embraced the sculpture.
Below, check out a video of artist Joe Castillo creating a very moving SandStory® piece, “Never Forget”, aperformance artwork created in front of a live audience as a tribute.
At the link, another artist on YouTube creates a piece of “speed art” for the anniversary of 9/11.
If you head to Williamsburg, Brooklyn near Kent Avenue (North 4th & North 5th Streets) you’ll see a 328 ft. long public mural, called Project Brave, created by street artist WK, who collaborated with NYC firefighters to showcase the dedication of the workers during 9/11.
California artist Michele Pred used confiscated items from airports to create an artwork inspired by the events of 9/11. She spent five months in 2002 petitioning for permission to use the confiscated items from airports as building blocks to create art installations and other works in the form of hearts, red crosses, and maps of the U.S.
Michelle Pred's "Fear Culture." (2011)
Michele Pred's "Travelers" includes confiscated scissors from airport security. (2011)
Pred began her work with the detritus confiscated by airport security, shortly after 9/11. Pred’s show, “Confiscated,” is on view at Jack Fischer Gallery at 49 Geary St #418 in San Francisco.
Sam Hollenshead's photo from "One Year at Ground Zero: From Recovery to Rebuilding." (2001)
You can experience a variety of exhibits dedicated to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at NYU, from an exhibition showcasing 70 works created by NYU faculty and staff, to photography by Joel Meyerowitz, the only photographer given unlimited access of Ground Zero. The faculty and staff exhibition embraces a wide array of perspectives and media with works ranging from black-and-white and color photographs and scholarly publications to net art, video, and other multimedia.
For more variety, visit the opening of an exhibit showcasing more than 70 works by 41 artists at MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave. at the intersection of 46th Ave., Long Island City). Curated by Peter Elley, many of these works were completed prior to 9/11.
Because of the proximity of Ground Zero to her studio, New York painter and sculpture Sally Pettus spent some time walking the perimeter. With this experience, Pettus worked on a series of paintings entitled “Paintings From The Perimeter.” Her paintings document scenes from the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site using oil on canvas. See more of her work through the links.
Through photography, painting, sculpture, installation, video, street art, or other media, art continues to help artists and viewers respond to tragedy. Intentions and reactions can be critical or sentimental but always provide an outlet of expression.
In the history of U.S. space milestones, July has often been a busy month, 2011 included. With the touchdown of the Atlantis last week, NASA marked the last flight of the U.S. Space Shuttle program. July of 1969 saw the launch and safe return of human beings from Earth to the Moon. And this weekend, you can celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first “drive” on the moon.
Apollo 15 astronaut James Irwin prepares the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), or "Rover", for a spin.
For The Bare Square, celebration means sharing art, and what better way to celebrate these exo-atmospheric accomplishments than with the NASA Space Art program. Below, NASA curator Bert Ullrich takes you through highlights of NASA’s traveling, 70+ exhibit now staged at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. now through October 9, 2011.
If you don’t think you can make it to DC, watch the video and enjoy these piece from the exhibit.
Moon Walk by Andy Warhol
Grissom and Young by Norman Rockwell (1965)
If you like the out-of-this-world art at The Bare Square, check out our store and support emerging artists. Have a great weekend!
- James
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Often for Jen Recommends I suggest a specific gallery opening for The Bare Square readers to check out.
This week I’m recommending 127 galleries. This may seem like a lot, but don’t be overwhelmed. The second annual Chelsea Art Walk has made exploring Chelsea a lot easier for one night only.
On Chelsea Art Walk’s website you will find a downloadable map of the participating galleries. Most of the action will take place between West 19th and West 29th streets, and west of 10th Avenue. In addition, the website provides a downloadable list of events, including talks and tours from artists, curators, and gallery owners. The night will also feature special live performances, book signings, and receptions.
Savvy readers of The Bare Square will recognize some participating galleries we’ve mentioned before like Claire Oliver Gallery,CUE Art Foundation and David Zwirner(these links have fun Jen Recommends video updates, too).
With so many participating venues, events, and sponsors (not to mention an after party), this is sure to be an art-filled and fun-filled night in Chelsea.
Share this with friends and make a night of it. And tell them you heard about it on The Bare Square!
