focus: Maureen Gallace at the Art Institute of Chicago opened yesterday. Art or Idiocy? took some snaps at the reception, quite possib-lie the most sophistimatakated opening camera-phoned yet. It followed what was quite possibly the most awkward and emotionally tense lecture of all times. It took place in a tiny auditorium, the sound was a bit off but worst was the hollers from the audience. Yes, hollers. "Speak up!" "We can't see the artist!" "can you repeat that?" And perhaps the most amazing question ever asked ever: "What medium do you use?" This came about 45 minutes in from a very asseretive and annunciated interrogator. This isn't such a bad question, but it did come after much discussion of oil and panel had occurred much earlier. The artist didn't seem particularly in the mood to be on stage, and this only made her shut down more. Some artists make great work, but can't talk about it for shit. This is definately the case with Maureen Gallace. Luckily it was structured as a discussion and curator James Rondeau and Artforum critc Bruce Hanley were also on stage. They provided a lively conversation, interesting annecdotes on her work and most importantly, insightful commentary.The show is very good, and definately worth a visit.
IMAGE:
Maureen Gallace • Down the Road from My Brother's House • 2002 • Collection of Nancy Lauter McDougal and Alfred L. McDougal (apparently who owns it is more important than medium or dimensions. It is oil. On panel(?) and is small, like 8x10inches)
• Art Openings Photoset on Flickr
3 comments:
That show sucked like an airplane toilet, the least interesting thing I have seen in the focus series thusfar.
I saw more contemporary and engaging work when I was a judge at the Elgin Art Fair, seriously.
I love the focus series, but this one was dull dull dull.
Richard
wtf?! Is this revolutionary? What is the Art Institute's role - to show a ton of Impressionist paintings?!
i actually think these paintings are really good. they're slow. very very slow. but if you give them some time they are strangly haunting. chicago needs more work like this. people are pissed because we've gotten used to a lot of bark and no bite.
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