Jack Whitten in the Woodshed
Do you know what woodshedding is? Practicing alone where no one can hear. And not only that— according to Paul Klemperer* “woodshedding is more than just practicing— it [...]
What Meets the Eye
Bob Seng Was in the Navy
I was quite unexpectedly moved by Nexit 9. I had anticipated enjoying Seng’s game of re-ordered exit signs, but not that I would be idly staring at Nexit 9 when it became a [...]
Susan Rothenberg: The Search for a Subject
I was into women and horses, horses, horses in the 70s: Susan Rothenberg, Patti Smith* and to a lesser extent, Deborah Butterfield. I have to go into the time machine to [...]
Is it Fair (to Valloton) to Hang Picasso’s Gertrude Stein Right Next to Valloton’s Gertrude Stein at Valloton’s show at The Met?
It really isn’t. Not at all. Picasso’s Stein is a masterpiece and just so much better than [...]
Renee Cox: The Holy Family
I want to talk about Origins in the context of visual invention and the evolution of Christian iconography. To find out more of the backstory (for example, why [...]
Victor Muniz and Christian Marclay: One-offs
A selling point of both of these shows is that the works shown are “one of a kind” (Muniz) and “unique” (Marclay)l. Actually, they are manufactured objects which they [...]
Ed Clark, A Great Painter
PS I’m very sorry to say that I just found out that Ed Clark died last Friday. In the interview I quote from below, he also said “I want to be called ‘great’.” No [...]
Rachel Phillips: Animated Emotion
These paintings remind me of my passion for cartoons as a child. The emotions are so pure. A character is sad; they slump, utterly dejected, or cry a single tear (or an [...]
Artistic License at the Guggenheim Part: 2
(Isn’t this one of the most beautiful installations ever? I’ll get to it last.) Such an interesting show that I’ve decided to cover it in two parts. May I also suggest [...]
Artistic License at the Guggenheim Part: 1
A tip: Don’t elevator up and walk down. By walking up the ramp you start with each artist/curator’s stated modus operandi. Thinking about curating in this show and [...]