I touched on the influence of art galleries in Part 1 of my series. I was motivated to make Inexplicable after seeing an art piece that I didn’t like. For purposes of anonymity and with no desire to insult anyone’s taste, I will not disclose the details of the art piece or gallery. There is zero similarity to the pieces – except for the use of one material that is not visible in my art piece.
However, it is worth mentioning additional influence stemmed from The Warehouse, in Dallas, Texas. I am grateful Howard and Cindy Rachofsky make this venue, featuring their private collection, open to the public. Without multiple experiences at this venue, “Inexplicable” would not have been realized.
The Warehouse hosts educational events, called “Saturdays At The Warehouse”. Tore Bellis and I once enjoyed a 45-minute lecture led by a Professor of Art History at SMU. He discussed an art piece that was a walnut hung on a string. Tore and I even asked questions – which proves there is more to ponder about art than meets the eye.
Two other occasions were a behind-the-scenes look in the facility’s storage area – where art is stored and organized. We learned many of the art pieces come with instruction manuals on how to set them up AND how to maintain them after set-up. For example, polar bear shaped ice has to be made and added regularly to an art piece and moss has to be watered.
Art: Representative Government, 2019
Artist: Josh Kline
This piece has polar bear shaped ice cubes that melt over time and flood the tiny buildings.
Art: La déraison, 2014
Artist: Pierre Huyghe
This art piece has a heated element and you are permitted to touch it. It also has live moss and pools of water to keep the moss alive. The heat, water and moss are at odds – so the piece has to be maintained.
Art: Zip: 10.01.13…10.31.13, 2013
Artist: Yuji Agematsu
Instructions were included for unpacking this art piece made of cigarette cellophane packaging.
These details opened my mind to the possibilities in my own art. Up to this point, I assumed my art’s components needed to be nailed, glued, stapled…somehow permanently attached… with dimensions not variable.
No, indeed!
This is why Miss Sally Spring is free-standing in my art piece. Her placement is contingent on where the end of the Slinky will land. The Slinky itself can be stored on top of the leg for an optional look and for ease in moving and transporting.
The machine embroidered hand is not attached to the art piece. It can be placed on the cigar box as it is pictured at the opening reception of Fresh Ideas. Or it can be placed on the pedestal, near the cigar box. (I plan to move the hand when I gallery sit in a few weeks just to confuse people.)
While I didn’t write a manual to set up my art piece for the Fresh Ideas exhibit, I did loiter during set-up as the curators decided on final placement for my art piece. They were also trained on how to move it and the proper placement of objects.
Conclusion:
Learn, gather and be inspired from art galleries, museums, lectures, and crits. More exposure to these opportunities can result in tangential ideas to apply to your art.
Information about The Warehouse:
At the time of this post, The Warehouse is closed to the public until the Fall 2023. They are preparing for a new exhibit!
You do need to register for free tickets on their website when their exhibit opens. Website
Plan your trip by enjoying food and art: Have lunch at Jersey Joe’s Deli (Order the 1/2 Big D sandwich + potato salad and a root beer in a bottle)
Location: 15340 Dallas Parkway, #2108, Dallas, TX 75248
Also, make plans to visit “Inexplicable” at the Lewisville Grand Theater. The Fresh Ideas 2023 juried show is one of the best and worth your time.
Fresh Ideas Exhibit Dates: July 15 – August 19
Learn more about the Visual Art League of Lewisville
big bertha's adventures 