Art... Art is what brings us together today.

The Museum on the Seam is a socio-poltical contemporary art museum in Jerusalem, Israel. It is located in between east and west Jerusalem (hence its name), and the exhibitions there focus on different aspects stemming from the conflict in Israel: trauma, coexistence, collective memory, violence, anxiety, etc. For each exhibition a long list of international artists' works are curated around a central theme, such as HeartQuake (an attempt to "shudder and shake identity and otherness vis a vis anxiety"). The past shows have included some of our favorites: William Kentridge, Anselm Kiefer, Sophie Calle, and Alfredo Jaar.

I find it fascinating to see an Israeli museum inviting artists from outside of the Middle East to participate in a dialogue on the conflict. It is interesting to see that some of the artists seem personally invested in the conflict in some way, while others have their work included because it is relevant to the theme.

**** transition back to the United States****

In case you are wondering how the art fair went a couple of weeks ago...

We had a lovely afternoon basking in the sun and selling prints.

see, look how happy we are....

Don't forget that WHAMMO is still selling raffle tickets for a print from Tom Huck, Lisa Bulawsky, Tom Reed, or Amy Thompson!!!!!! Get yours today and tell all of your friends!

The New Museum in the New York Times

Since we are occupying our thoughts with the New Museum, it might be worth while to take a look at what is actually going on there right now, as described in a recent article in the New York Times. A show is being organized that will feature works from the collection of the Greek industrialist Dakis Joannu, a primary collector and patron of Jeff Koons. Jeff Koons himself will be curating the show. Dakis Joannu serves on the New Museum's board of trustees. There has been a lot of critical response to this endeavor from many sources, all summarized in the New York Times article. It brings into question concepts of value and the ideal purpose of the art museum as an institution. If anything, the article provides a brief history of the New Museum, which could certainly prove helpful as we go about imagining an exhibition to stage there.

As stated in the article, the concise mission of the museum is "new art, new ideas."

What can we contribute?

Remastered Opening Reception!

Hey, since it's the week of critiques and hence a week with no announcements, I thought I'd let everyone know that Trisha and I have a piece in the exhibition, Remastered. The theme of the show is reimagined art historical masterpieces and it is hosted by the Soulard Art Market & Contemporary Gallery. The opening reception is this Friday, November 13, from 7 pm to 10 pm.

A sneak peek at our contemporized masterpiece:


Thanks for viewing and we hope to see you there!

summary of studio life

you know critiques are approaching when:

1. The Red Balloon goes from being a quaint entertaining French children's movie with religious undertones to a presence which you cannot extricate from your daily existence. It follows you around, like a weight around your neck, but instead of inducing feelings of sinking it instills a constant awareness of something in back of your head.

 2. Portals to other dimensions open up in your hands. You can't close them. You are merely the gateway to another world. Do your best to admit the worthy and hire a good bouncer for the undeserving.

  

Thanks, MOMA!

MOMA has created a most excellent interactive flash site on various printmaking techniques! The site explains lithography, woodcut, etching, and silkscreen in layman's terms so even (or rather especially) children can understand it. So the next time you're having a difficult time explaining printmaking to someone, you can refer them here.