Posts Tagged ‘Modern Art’

Turner Prize 2010: Sweet Music or a Lot of Noise?

// December 7th, 2010 // View Comments // b-scene

The first ever ‘sound installation’ to win the famed, Turner Prize was announced at London’s Tate Britain last night. 

Susan Philipsz’s eight-minute recording of Scottish lament, Lowlands Away, was recorded in her native Glasgow under three bridges and is played out to an empty gallery in the Tate, the faint sounds of student protesters an unintentional accompaniment.

Hardly visual art, but what artistic merit does this piece have?

I find it hard to be inspired by what is essentially a pre recorded song, played out in an empty room. The Turner Prize has always been known for being a bit ‘edgy’ or ‘wacky’, dependant on your view. But have the judging panel gone too far this year and helped to distance modern art from the average person?

Previous winning entries, such as Tracey Emin’s ‘My Bed‘ in 1999 and Martin Creed’s ‘Lights On, Lights Off’ in 2001, were ridiculed in the press and by the average person for their perceived lack of any real technique and their randomness. After all, many a house contains a messy bed and indeed, the flickering of lights!

So what constitutes art in today’s modern world and how far removed has the kind of modern art celebrated by the Turner Prize become from the general persons perception of what art should really be?

Today’s art has obviously moved on from Michelangelo, Picasso and the like, but is this for the better or the worse?

One thing is for certain, ‘Lowlands Away’ certainly won’t be making it on to my iPod in a hurry!

b-loud! Jeanette Luchese's Abstract & Emphatic Dreams

// April 7th, 2010 // View Comments // b-loud

“A sensory dialogue of inner vibrations embracing joy in creation and a freedom in speech.”


Jeanette Luchese‘s artwork is an empathic tussle revealing our common inner conflicts.  Jeanette explores many media including painting, jewellery, sculpture and glass work. Thick paint is puttied, scraped and brushed over surfaces. Her abstractions ring with a dynamic range of internal echoes and every song sung tells a story to the heart. She organised the online  project
‘A View From Your Window‘ at b-uncut.net where she is a consistent supporter of her fellow artists.
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What was your very first artwork?
I have always loved to draw, and only have memories of  drawing as a young child. I didn’t play with dolls, although, I enjoyed sports, I just liked to draw, I considered it playing. One day, I got tired of taping pieces of paper together to make larger drawings and decided to draw all over my bedroom wall, I hid it ingeniously for months, until the day I heard my mother scream… “Come get this artwork off the wall”.
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Describe the piece you love the most—why?
I think the piece I love most, is the piece that disturbs me the most, “What day is it”. In reflection the piece speaks to the inner struggle that unites us all. It seems to align itself to Freud’s structure of mind, the ID, SuperEgo, and the Ego. It was born out of a time I was questioning my identity, within aspects of authenticity, and much I considered “real”.
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What are your methods? Your inspirations?
My methods are very simple, I invite the experience of creation, a state that I feel gives me the freedom to “speak”, and I am inspired by everything and nothing. All intrigues me.  The pondering of the serendipity in life, the impulses that lead, the journey, and nature itself, the cycle of decay and rebirth: I gain inspiration from these acts or states of transformation. In looking at my art, I see an orchestration of opposing aspects that conflict and must find a commonality, a balance, a way to rise above. I think the negative, or what some deem “dark” translates to conviction, and is as much a necessity to expose as is the strength in spiritual up-lifting of the “light”, which I hope all can sense in my art.

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What did it take to make it to where you are now?
In all honesty, a persistent unrelenting inner spirit that refused to lay dormant, and a total disregard for all consequences, and a passion to believe all things are possible.
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Do you make a living from your artwork?
Well if you consider graphic design artwork, which I do, then yes, if you consider visual art only artwork then no, not yet, but soon.
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Who has helped you along the way?
Actually, everyone… My art is impacted by my journey – good or bad, and although perhaps not easily seen at the time, all have played a part, even now with b-uncut. Although, to point to moments in time and accredit a person, or persons, that played a huge role, I would first have to go back to an art teacher I had in high school, Maria Kertesz, she so believed in me that she pushed me past what I was willing to do. More recently, I would have to accredit Ted Fullerton, Stu Oxley, Arron Rose, Marlene Hilton Moore, and so many more of the faculty of Georgian College, Barrie: their acceptance of my crazed expressions of visual ramblings opened the door I had closed. [I felt haunted by things I left undone and decided to complete a road I first set out on and enrolled in a visual arts program, and am currently two classes away from completing a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree]. My son Joshua inspires me through the pursuit of his own dreams, and my husband who although is very confused in the “why of it all” is supportive.
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What 5 artists (DOA) would you invite for the ultimate dinner party?
Leonardo Da Vinci – his genius is astounding, from his painting to his robotics and his constant search for answers/understanding, just would love the opportunity to listen to him. Picasso, just because, Motherwell for an affinity to the blank canvas as a portal, David Smith for his movements in steel, Duchamp for a conversation on the toilet, and if someone could not make it, I would really love to substitute Greenberg to clarify a view things.

b-Quick!
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Your favourite curse?
I don’t have one, primarily phobic and I don’t want the bad karma.
 Qualities a man needs to seduce you and the flaws that will repel you?
A willingness to listen and an ability to “hear.” The flaw, pretending to listen, and being incapable of “hearing.”
 Your biggest (albeit endearing) flaw?
Uncontrollable enthusiasm… I am told it is annoying.
 Your parents advice you should have followed, but didn’t?
Watch your pennies.
 The power you wish you had?
 Other than, the power to grant world peace, end starvation and strive; the power to fly, how wondrous to physically do what I can only accomplish in my dreams.
 Who would you choose to rule the world?
That crazy mouse in the cartoon that wanted to take over the world…I think his name was “Brain”… lets give him a go.
 Favourite ice-cream?
Pralines and Cream
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b-Honest!

Where do you see yourself in…..

 One month? Pondering, making, showing, sharing, selling.
One year? I have never had the opportunity to travel and there are so many places I dream of experiencing, I hope in a years time I will have made this dream a reality, imagine going around the world, pondering, making, showing, sharing, selling.
One decade? In a villa in Italy, inspired by the surroundings comfortable and happily pondering, making, showing, sharing, selling.

Graphic Art: Blotters, Posters and Teapots In the Belly of the Underdog

// March 9th, 2010 // View Comments // b-hind the scenes

Sammy Forway, 34 years old, started Underdog Art Company as an online gallery in early 2007 and opened the Underdog art gallery in London SE1 in mid 2008. Sammy discusses his gallery life, art he loves and the exhibitions held at this multi-media gallery on the Old Kent Road.

Why did you want to open a gallery?
I have always been interested in art since I was a small kid I always made art paintings drawings and was generally creative when I got older I realised I wanted to start my own business but didn’t know what yet, I only realised what it was when I started to see how difficult it was for new artists to get work seen and promoted and came up with the idea of the online gallery, since then its just progressed. We now have regular exhibitions and live events here at Underdog.

How would you describe the art and artists you represent?
The type of art and artists we represent are very diverse but I do tend to go for art that is quite edgy and urban also counter culture style work, I love graphic poster art and we have recently had an exhibition with LSD blotter art. We basically filled the whole gallery with sheets of Acid.

What kind of work do you love?
See the above, graphic art I have always had a soft spot for but I love any art work that has genuinely something to say. Can’t stand pretentiousness in anything.

Do you think there is anything missing from the art scene at the moment?
I do think that art and artists are not doing enough to open people’s eyes to the corrupt bullshit. War and terror that is being waged over the world and not always by the “Terrorists” as we know them. It seems like we are all too smug to stand up and rock the boat. I hope this is changing though.

How do you source your artists?
I just look around find work I like and try to persuade the artist that they’d love to work with me.

What are you currently exhibiting?
My Current show is called Rock around the Crockery! It’s a show of graphic art screen prints, stencil and digital work, oh and not to forget the Graffed up defaced and debouched Crockery! Tea sets, trays, coffee pots etc. Art should be fun too eh.
How do you vary your exhibitions?
Ha ha erm sometimes get pissed and come up with silly concepts like the Crockery show, but mostly just finding a good mix of artists. I could put on a show every month in the same genre of art but as long as you have original artists it’ll never get boring.

What do you do to promote a show and do you do anything special for a preview?
We always do something special for an opening of a show, we usually always have live bands playing and sometimes movies visuals etc down in the belly of the Underdog. We try to make an event as memorable as possible. As for promoting, the web is great but we still design cool posters and post all over London and I have found this very successful. If you have really nice designs that people want to nick and have on there wall chances are they’ll come check out the show/gallery.

Have you found it successful to have live music when you launch a new exhibition?
Very successful, I am a musician myself and know lots of bands so we have really good live music at our shows.

What’s been your best and worst exhibition?
One of the best is the show on now but the most successful was probably the gig poster show, Underdog Rock n Roll Poster Riot! Last May it was awesome. We had about 100 people turn up on the opening day from all over the UK and we sold a lot of work. We are doing a Poster Riot 2 this month on Saturday the 20th. It’ll be excellent again with top gig poster artists exhibiting limited edition screen printed posters, LSD Blotter Art and of course some excellent bands. It’s an all day event starting at 2pm. The worst was when I tried to do two openings in one week, terrible idea.

What’s the most expensive piece of work you’ve ever sold?
The most expensive individual piece I have sold was £2500/£3000 we are more on the affordable art side here at Underdog so that would be our higher end work.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Selling work for 3 grand.

If you could represent any artist, who would they be and why?
Raphael, he was the most productive of the old masters and he died at 37… Quids in! Only joking, I love Franz Ackermann’s work I would love to represent him. His work is very psychedelic, cerebral and visceral but still with something to say. I’d also like to have represented Von Dutch and Ed (Big Daddy) Roth. Because they were pioneers of graphic art and sure loved rock n roll.

Have you got any exciting ideas for future exhibitions/events?
Always have, just keep your eye on the Underdog.

Are you an artist as well?
Yes I suppose so, I do make stuff whether that makes me an artist is up to anyone else.

Do you think it’s harder to be a gallery owner or artist?
Its harder to be a gallery owner and an artist.

How do you make sure you have enough money to pay the bills?
Now that’s a good question, basically budget yourself. If you sell a big piece don’t go wild n think you can spend it. We also do fine art printing canvas etc at the gallery so that helps with bills. But no one said it was gonna be easy!

What advice would you offer to (a) an artist?
 Keep on doing what you love, but be realistic 90% of artists do not make a living from art. If you can get a job that is at least creative to help you live, pay bills eat etc that’s great. But keep on making art if you don’t believe in yourself no one else will.
(b) someone who wants their own gallery?
 Go do it, but try not to borrow too much money, if any. and really think about all decisions before you jump in at the deep end. Find the best artists you possibly can as this is your gallery. Good luck!

b-loud: Meet Painter Ingrid Stiehler

// November 10th, 2009 // View Comments // b-loud

She hearts San Fransisco for its eclectic touch, Andy Warhol for his brilliant twist with media and Hawaian Island Surfer cocktails for their summer feeling. Meet German painter Ingrid Stiehler, an artist that fluctuates between “traditional and unconventional methods.”

Ingrid began her artistic career with landscape photography while she studied at the Academy of Administration and Business in NRW, Germany. She then moved to a more “personal” and “free” stage inspired by the different trends of the cultures of Asia, Africa and North America.

Her paintings combine a social and political message as well as new impressions and traditional techniques learned throughout her extensive travel.

Her approach is simple: “learn by doing.”

And she did learn after watching The 13th Warrior with the “oh-so-powerful” Vladimir Kulich. She was inspired to begin combining Celtic/Viking designs with her own modern creations using silk, gypsum, bronze, wood acrylic and silver.

When asked about her favorite personal piece, Ingrid picked Remember Her Primary Meaning, an acrylic/bronze painting on canvas. Ingrid explains: “I loved painting it, for it shows who I am and what I like: freedom, peace, freedom of speech and spirit of community. For many immigrants, the bright torch and billowing robes of Lady Liberty signified the end of their journey to America and the beginning of their journey within America. It was designed to be a symbol of freedom.” Ingrid’s take on Lady Liberty, whose crown has been dotted with the logos of international charities, is a poignant reminder that we should all thrive to live in peace and harmony – free from conflicts.

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So what did it take her to make it where she is now?
Her answer is short and sweet: the internet and all those who crossed her path and supported her with positive or constructive feedback.

The b-quick interview

The swear word you like the most?
Oh holy shit – that’s very harmless, isn’t it?!

The flaws a man/woman should have to seduce you?
If I could remember it wouldn’t matter, it would be inoperative….

Your parents’ advice you shouldn’t have followed?
Never – my son would read it…

The talent you wouldn’t want to have?
Talent is a positive quality – or?!

The person you’d like to be hated by?
I’m really peace-loving…

The question I should never ask you?
Keep asking and you’ll figure it out yourself …

The b-where interview

Where do you see yourself in…
5 seconds? I take my hot coffee from the desk
5 minutes? I think I deserve a break
5 days? I’m back at home from holidays
5 months? I hope I stay here
5 centuries? I must go away by myself and think about that in peace and quiet…

The Shoulda Woulda Coulda Interview

Do we know you?
I don’t think so…

Should we know you?
I don’t think so…

Will we know you?
A little bit – after “reading” my paintings or this interview

Living in a ma-ma-material world

// October 30th, 2009 // View Comments // b-scene

The Tate Modern’s exhibitions never disappoint and their latest Pop Life: Art in a Material World exhibition has le “va va voom”!

It’s a fun and colourful trip through pop art’s greatest hits from Andy Warhol to Richard Prince to Jeff Koons to Damien Hirst. For a moment we felt like pulling some of our best break-dance moves on the dance floor. Pop Life takes us through a journey of decadence where media-obsessed celebs flashed their dollars to the world whilst indulging in a sinful life of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.

As superficially fun and sensational as this exhibition may seem, the fact remains that the Tate deals with one of the most controversial issues of contemporary art — what happens to art when it embraces the mass market, capitalism and money? — taking Warhol’s maxim as its point of departure, “Good business is the best art”.

The show starts well with a highlight of Warhol’s cynical late works including a number of works from his initially controversial series known as the Retrospectives or Reversals. Including a number of celebrity portraits he made of anyone for a set price; the screenprints of gems that glitter cheesily with diamond dust; and his classic guest appearance with his Polaroid camera in an episode of The Love Boat.

It then takes us to giggly moments — like Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami’s pop video of Kirsten Dunst singing the old Eighties hit Turning Japanese, surrounded by cute Japanese girls. Followed by more “dramatic” moments of do-not-miss art from artists such as Piotr Uklanski’s grid of stills of Hollywood actors playing Nazis.

Finally, just as we think we might have got Pop Art’s drift about art, mass and cash, a series of rooms dedicated to porn and drugs caught our “attention”. Two questions crossed our minds: how provocative can porn be in this context and what are those bouncers here for?!