Maria Pithara, "Untitled," video, dimensions variable, 2008This hypnotic video portrays an attractive red-haired woman, who frantically brushes her hair while what seems to be a false belly inflates and deflates in minute spasms. The woman wears a neck brace, and she seems to squeak/inhale in time to the inflating of the belly in a sort of pseudo-lamaze. At times, the underlying rhythm of the video's action speeds up, implying an impending climax, but then it slows again, possibly in a reference to the mundane tribulations of existence. The video's background consists of a light-colored ground with flower patterns, and there is a leafy plant in the upper left foreground of the image.
From the artist's statement:
" I create make-shift props and use them to choreograph gestures into psychologically charged vignettes. Through these, I share with the viewer a world inside and outside of myself, partly constructed by me and partly revealed to me."
From the artist's statement:
" I create make-shift props and use them to choreograph gestures into psychologically charged vignettes. Through these, I share with the viewer a world inside and outside of myself, partly constructed by me and partly revealed to me."
Julie Ann Nagle, "La Philosophe," shovel spade, oak, poplar, tennis ball, plastic barrel, steel, rubber belt, salt, water and sand, dimensions variable, 2009
Patrick Cadenhead, "Bolt," bolt, magnet, motor, pedestal, dimensions variable, 2009(detail below)
This small bolt moves slowly all the way up the length of the pedestal's groove in one direction, and then it moves slowly back in the opposite direction. As it moves, there is a scratching noise, possibly from the motion of the magnet and the motor which drag the bolt along.
Jonathan Marshall, "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," video, dimensions variable, 2009Other artists featured in "Almost Famous" include: Seth Alverson, Ryan Gothrup, Keith Mendak, and Toshiyuki Tanaka.
Reynolds also has some great images online from "Sweet Summertime," but this show needs to be appreciated in person. Gerald Donato's painting is an entirely different experience in the gallery than what is implied by the online image, and the surfaces of Jiha Moon's and Heide Trepanier's paintings absolutely must be observed in person for their subtle complexities.
Jack Wax's actual "Origin of the Word" is also very different from its online counterpart in that from a distance, it appears to be a drawing on a gray ground. As the viewer moves closer to the the piece, its dimensionality is revealed.
Both shows will be on view until August 15th.
