I first discovered Kim Triedman’s multi-layered work in ArtSpace Maynard’s 2018 exhibition, “Waste Not,” in which most of the work engaged the feelings of discourse taking place in the United States at the time. Having loved old buildings and old things, I was immediately drawn to her use of old window frames as frames for her collages. It took several close looks – some of those not taking place till I had returned home to review photos I had taken as a reference for my notes — to realize how much else was going on in her pieces — and what their true intention was. “I think that every act of art-making is an act of throwing out a line for someone else in the universe to catch," Triedman said. “Anytime we as viewers approach a piece of art, we come at it with our own set of experiences and emotional history – but essentially blind as to the artist’s own intentions and processes. So, … [Read more...] about MAKING A STATEMENT: TRIEDMAN’S WINDOW FRAMED COLLAGES ARRIVE IN CONCORD
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RAISING THEIR VOICES: RECLAIMING SPACES AND CELEBRATING IDENTITIES AT CAA
The Cambridge Art Association (CAA) is saluting the new year by presenting the art of today and providing an opportunity for viewers to join a critical culture dialog about timeless issues that concern us all. Its first exhibition of 2022, “Vernacular Glamour,” is part of the Platform Curatorial Opportunity series launched in 2019 by the CAA for curators to explore new curatorial and exhibition concepts. It will be on view in its Kathryn Schultz Gallery from January 6 through February 5. Curated by contemporary art curator Juan Omar Rodriguez, “Vernacular Glamour” presents works in painting, photography, new media, drawings and textile. Rodriguez, a Latinx born in Phoenix, Arizona, currently based in Philadelphia, is committed to making the art world more expansive by supporting artists of color, Latinx, and queer artists. He selected eight contemporary artists who have been shaping … [Read more...] about RAISING THEIR VOICES: RECLAIMING SPACES AND CELEBRATING IDENTITIES AT CAA
A GREATER INTENSITY OF VOICES: LAISUN KEANE JURIES ATTLEBORO’S PRIZE-WINNING SHOW
Attleboro Arts Museum’s Executive Director, Mim Fawcett, made an insightful decision inviting gallerist LaiSun Keane to jury the prize awards for the museum’s current Members’ Show. LaiSun Keane Gallery opened with a real freshness in Boston’s SoWa Arts District in September 2020 and since then has presented a roster of innovative exhibitions. Her gallery has participated in art fairs “SPRING/BREAK” and “Art on Paper” during New York City Art Fair Week and most recently participated in “Untitled” during Miami’s Art Fair Week. Keane focuses on developing opportunity for under-recognized artists and she is informed about the latest art trends. Kudos to Fawcett for making such an excellent jurist choice. The Members’ Show is an eagerly anticipated yearly event at Attleboro Arts Museum. Members may submit up to three artworks. The promise made by the museum is that all artworks delivered … [Read more...] about A GREATER INTENSITY OF VOICES: LAISUN KEANE JURIES ATTLEBORO’S PRIZE-WINNING SHOW
A RARE OPPORTUNITY: LONDON’S NATIONAL PORTRAIT MUSEUM’S TREASURES AT WAM
Valentine’s Day is approaching and “Love Stories,” a fabulous exhibition of portraits from the National Portrait Gallery, London, is a perfect way to explore love and sex vicariously. Over 100 paintings of famous people, famous artists, famous love affairs and famous sex scandals fill the Worcester Art Museum gallery. Almost every art style and medium is represented beginning with the 1571 oil portraits of the Archbishop of York and his wife, through 2018 photos of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The exhibit is almost overwhelming in its visual riches and storytelling. “Scandal and Tragedy” and “Love Against the Odds” are two topical groupings — out of seven — of portraits that have the most contemporary appeal. An example is the famous sex scandal of Oscar Wilde’s outlawed love for Lord Alfred Douglas for which he was sentenced to “hard labor” (Gillman & Co., 1893, … [Read more...] about A RARE OPPORTUNITY: LONDON’S NATIONAL PORTRAIT MUSEUM’S TREASURES AT WAM
SERENITY, BEAUTY & PEACE: THE GUILD’S SISTERS OF THE BRUSH PROVIDE NEEDED WARMTH
“Sisters of the Brush and Palette: Women Artists of the Guild” displays the art by all the women members of the Guild of Boston Artists, founded in 1914. The 15 artists display art that is serene, beautiful and deliciously painted and sculpted. In our current Covid-induced state of anxiety, social distrust and racial turmoil, their art is a welcome respite. Hopefully, there will always be a place for serenity, beauty and peace in our lives. Gertrude Fiske and Lilian Westcott Hale were founding members of the Guild, and current members follow in their tradition. Member Christina Mastrangelo’s paintings reflect on the world around her, with or without gender identity in mind. “I am interested in making paintings that speak to who we really are, not as seen by the male gaze, but from the gaze of a female artist,” Mastrangelo said. Five of the women direct their gaze to portraits of … [Read more...] about SERENITY, BEAUTY & PEACE: THE GUILD’S SISTERS OF THE BRUSH PROVIDE NEEDED WARMTH
A BLURRING OF EDGES: MATTHEW’S IMAGES OF SOCIAL COMMENTARY AT NEWPORT
Pointed engagement of social commentary, coupled with experimentalism with the presentation of photography as a medium are both hallmarks that define the artwork of photographer and installation artist Annu Palakunnathu Matthew. Through January 9, 2022 at Newport Art Museum, audiences can experience Matthew’s mid-career retrospective, “ReVision,” curated by Dr. Francine Weiss. The show is installed in four museum galleries that are located in the John N.A. Griswold House. The galleries relate a range in approach by the artist, from intimate dissolving animations on small wall hung iPad screens framed as traditional photographs, to monumental projected videos and more traditional appearing photographs. A simple looking, but complex to achieve, installation by Matthew fills one gallery and includes digitized World War II film footage projected onto dhotis, traditional Indian clothing … [Read more...] about A BLURRING OF EDGES: MATTHEW’S IMAGES OF SOCIAL COMMENTARY AT NEWPORT