reviews
Is a Theme Necessary: Featuring work by Nektaria Asmargianaki, Heyd Fontenot, Dana Hargrove, Andrea Hornick, and Grant Miller
Studio 107
March 20 - April 30, 2004
Looking for something to do on a lonely, rainy day? Well, look no further! Go check out "Is a Theme Necessary?" at Studio 107! It features pretty okay work from the likes of Heyd Fontenot (whose work stands out from the rest in the show). Grant Miller (who is also pretty good) and a few other okay artists. There's nothing really wrong with this show, although maybe it could use a theme or something. All together, the show is okay - guaranteed to be something you could do if you felt like it.
The Whitney Biennial 2004
March 11 - May 30, 2004
The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York
When did mediocrity become so elevated? This year's Whitney Biennial, while admittedly an improvement over at least the last two outings, does not provide any real challenges or inspiration bringing into question the accolades it has been receiving. Curators Chrissie lies, Shamim Momim, and Debra Singer picked safely and conservatively bringing together a large number of artists (108). Perhaps this number is too high however, for the overcrowded spectacle that is the Biennial overwhelms the quiet and reflective nature of many of the works which are most successful when communicating through intimate encounters. Nevertheless, if in New York it is worth going to see the Biennial as there are a few standouts. Highlights include the work of artists Jeremy Blake, Craigie Horsfield, Emily Jacir, Yayoi Kusama, Eva Sussman and Julia Swartz. Also keep an eye out for Texans Robin O'Neil, Dario Robleto, and Erick Swenson, all of whom put forth strong work.
Michel Frangois, Oliver Herring and Michael Velliquette: lAIR 04.1
ArtPace
March 18 - May 9, 2004
This season's ArtPace residents -Michel Franqois, Oliver Herring and Michael Velliquette - seem to have conferred with each other before beginning their projects for this residency... but we know that doesn't happen. For some reason, in all three studios, an exploration of the 'theater' and theatricality takes center stage, so to speak. Since each artist explores aspects of staging, dramatizations, props, and directing, you'll find yourself comparing the different levels of sincerity between them. Best not to. (but if you can't help yourself darling San Antonian, Michael Velliquette comes away with the most sincere and heartfelt, Oliver Herring's piece still feels like a self-indulged work in progress, and Belgian artist, Michel Frangois' piece seems somewhat 'lost in translation').
events
Kristin Lucas: Broken Machine
Arthouse
April 1, 2004, 7pm
As part of Arthouse Presents ..., Kristin Lucas will present a multimedia presentation with video, slides and websites entitled Broken Machine. Based in Brooklyn, Lucas integrates performance, installation and video art into her work which often deals with technology and its disturbing effects on the human condition. Lucas is currently a Visiting Professor in the Department of Art and Art History, University of Texas at Austin. Arthouse Presents... is sponsored by The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation and the Austin Fairchild Art Foundation.
Lecture by Distinguished Artist Kerry James Marshall
Department of Art and Art History, The University of Texas at Austin
March 31, 2004, 5:00pm
We mentioned this in the last issue, but here's a little reminder about the Kerry James Marshall lecture tomorrow! Marshall is the winner of the College of Fine Arts Distinguished Artist Fellowship and Stillwater Foundation Grant. He is a Professor of Studio Art at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Hosted by the Department of Art and Art History, admission is free and open to the public-so no excuses!
