Richard Serra and Charlie Rose

I just came across Charlie Rose's excellent 2001 interview with Richard Serra. Check it out!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2927357222849264334

Geoff McFetridge at the Olympic Sculpture Park

Each year SAM revolves another artist through the PACCAR Pavilion at the Olympic Sculpture Park. The second artist to get the nod is California-based graphic designer Geoff McFetridge. Flaunting his connections to the Beastie Boys and Nike, SAM seems to be reaching out to a youthful demographic. However, as noted over at Redefine SAM does little to discuss the piece itself. Instead of presenting the piece as an artistic endeavor they list off the big company names, perhaps hoping to reel in the teenagers who snap up artsy skateboards and sneakers.

Overall the installation seems excessively world-weary, rather like the animated character in McFetridge's video presentations. Imprisoned by his body, the anonymous office worker is hauled around by his own head and at the mercy of his physical environment. Various posters urge the viewer to 'see a psychiatrist', and note that 'the saddest square is a circle'. The profusion of anonymous characters on the pavilion's west wall seem to speak about equalizing influence of the postmodern age on identity, traded like a commodity and simultaneously minimized by 'glocal' culture.

On the other hand, it's a slick piece of graphic design and repays the time spent in close contemplation; more than can be said for a lot of the work in the Sculpture Park. The profusion of signs with absurd twists seem to break down the markers of mass communication, while the three video pieces are interesting pieces that explore the relationship between man and space.

Out and about in the 206

Jun Kaneko has an interesting show up at the Traver Gallery's Seattle space through June 1st. It showcases the 'closed form' sculptures he has become known for, as well as a selection of paintings.

Kaneko's paintings look out of place in the Traver's space, the frames and presentation at odds with the worn floor and soft light. On the other hand, those same factors make his sculpture a rich visual and physical experience. The lines and interplay of ink and surface of his paintings come to life in the translucence of glazed ceramic. Their battered surface complements the space and the sculptures lose their imposing presence; the subtlety of the artist's mark making becomes apparent. The influence of Zen ideology is obvious, the muted presence of Kaneko's sculptures (right) quietly stimulating.

For sheer visual delight, not much can match the featured exhibition at the Patrica Rovzar Gallery. Thirtysomething artist Tyson Grumm has a keen sense of humor, his acrylic pieces reminiscent of Lewis Carroll fairytales. His 'contemporary American realism-surrealism' (below) is beautifully complemented by the sculpture of retired Boeing employee, seventysomething Don Charles. His cavorting animals display a fascinating tactility, and seem almost to spring from Grumm's paintings.

The mixed media of Tal Walton also merits interest. Frames constructed from piano keys and paneling surround colorful scenes of nature. Almost lyrically, the images evoke a unity of art and transient place.

Forthcoming Posts

In upcoming days/weeks:

• A review of Jess: To and From the Printed Page at the Cooley Gallery;
• A visit to SAM's Olympic Sculpture Park;
• Jun Kaneko at the Traver Gallery.
  

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