Yep, ya read that right, kids. We're havin' one of those ultra spiffy, highfalutin shindigs called an art show this Friday, October 16, at CJ Clippers Barber Shop and every last one of ya--from nobrow to highbrow--is invited to come experience Fruition!
The exhibit will feature the works of five Milwaukee-based artists skilled in painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, and video: Philip Atilano, Mark Biermann, Caressa Givens, Kevin Dally-Muenzmaier, and Mary Dally-Muenzmaier--
c'est moi! Yes, I know I should be more humble, but if I don't toot the brass, who will, huh?
Here's some insight and intel on the artisans:
• Philip Atilano is a painter and mix media artist who works primarily with spray paint, marker, house paint, wood, and stencils. For Fruition, Philip decided to explore the possibilities of watercolor.
"This series of watercolors was extremely refreshing. I tried not to over think each piece and act on spontaneity, sensitivity, hardness, and intuition. The content was inspired by my closest relationships and my daily news obsessions."
Hmm... Sounds pretty intriguing, doesn't it? You bet!
• Drawing/collage artist and fab musician Mark Biermann--our good bud for many years--gains his inspiration from a deep sense of history as he examines urban decay through a muted palette and with the keen eye of an archaeologist.
"A Rust-Belt industrial ghost town disintegrating at the edges, slowly eroding and deconstructing the history and lives that built it. This is what I see as a citizen of the city of Milwaukee in the early twenty-first century... I aim to produce a graphic history of an internal and external geography felt through first hand experience."
Wow, now that's what we call a multilayered artist's statement, people.
• Caressa Givens is a printmaker and has had a number of sculptural installations in Milwaukee and Chicago in the past year. According to Caressa,
"[My] display for Fruition explores the venn diagram, a familiar tool in most academic settings with the intent to examine value. In these digital prints, [I] pair off images in the system of value, to question the significance of value through people, symbols, objects, and places."
Man, I cannot
wait to see those, and I tell no lie.
• Painter, photographer, sound artist/musician and my equal half Kevin Dally-Muenzmaier will present works from an amazing new series he's been hatchin' entitled Ins & Outs. Fusing bold, graphic color with a painterly style, Kevin rescues materials used in his sign making job--Must. Plug. Sign-A-Rama Milwaukee.--giving them a second chance and a new life. You can get a preview of his Ins & Outs series here.
• And finally, um, ya know, me. I'll be premiering a new work that combines everything I love--well, not everything, but pretty near--into one short video. It's writing + sound art + music + video + stuff I usually keep locked in my brain--though some of ya may argue as to the sturdiness of the lock I've been using--all on display for your eyes and ears! If you're interested in viewing a couple of my older works, slap on your headphones and click here and here--t'ain't nothin' without the sound. Gotta say though, this new vid is gonna make those two look like entries for a Price Is Right videography bidding contest--ooh, sorry, Martha, too high, but thanks for playing!
While our little show is not an "official" Gallery Night & Day event--that's a story for another time--we're überconfident that you're gonna walk outta there filled with artsy lovin' feelings and chatterin' away to each other with excitement. And if ya don't, well, that's okay, too, 'cause you're a free human being and we wouldn't want ya any other way.
Did I mention that we've got the hottest jazz duo on any side of the Mississippi booked for the show? That's right, Patrick Nelson & Don Linke are gonna play just for you--Whoot! If you're unawares, Patrick is a full-on guitar/bass genius and Don is a downright master of both. It's gonna be some kinda jazzy party!
Before I wrap up this post, I've got to give a hearty shout-out and thank you to Philip for pulling this all together and to Trez at CJ Clippers for hosting. Whoozzah, fellas!
Okay, so that's all ya need to know. We'll be lookin' for you on Friday night, October 16, at CJ Clippers, 1812 N. Farwell Avenue in Miltown, any time from 6-10PM. Let's go see some art!
