Monday, June 4, 2007

337 Project: The “good” part four.


For the fourth and final review of my favorite works from the 337 Project, I’ve chosen another work without any attribution. So I’m going to call what may be my favorite thing in the show, Untitled (Door). And I could probably take an educated guess as to the artist. But I’m not going to. Why ruin the intrigue of unmarked art?

Untitled (Door) was just inside the main entrance to 337 Project. Its strange content, skillfully-rendered imagery, and visual foolery asked a basic philosophical question about the entire 337 affair: “Is this art or just a great big circus?”

The painting's zaniness seemed strangely at home in the overwhelming clutter of the 337 Project, even while standing out from the mess. The trompe l’oeil style made a Magritte-like, this-is-not-a-door statement. And what about that rabbit with the paint brush? I say why not! If four-year-olds are artists then bring on the rabbit painters?

The front of Untitled (Door) was just the beginning. The door was bolted in place so it couldn’t swing freely, but if you worked your way around to the back, you found equally engaging art. It was dark and sinister with fake flies and a face peaking through a small window. A cleverly painted note appeared to be taped to the door and read, “I’ll be gone for 2 weeks—Back on the first. Thanks!” I just wonder if the whole place won’t be gone by then.

Untitled (Door) accomplished a lot in a little space. It was not only interesting on its own but also as part of the surrounding chaos. Maybe someone will rescue that happy rabbit before the wrecking ball strikes.

Friday, June 1, 2007

337 Project: The “good” part three.


As I mentioned earlier, much of the art at the 337 Project was not labeled, making it difficult to give credit. So I’m calling this piece Untitled. And I have no idea who created it. But for a complete list of all participating artists, you can visit http://www.337project.org/artists.html. Trying to guess the artist might be fun. And feel free to choose your own title.

I liked Untitled because it seemed grounded in the past. The old floating boots acted as spirit guides to the building's previous inhabitants; remembrances of characters that wandered the rooms in their heyday. But now, just like the structure, they’re old and worn out.

Or, maybe floating boots are just cool.