The Scope of New York 2006 Art Fair

“Things have gotten so bad, lately, that people are in revolt against life itself.” – Kurt Vonnegut

There is art, and then there is…
That is the overwhelming sentiment guiding the omnivorous visitor as he meanders, craving enlightenment, up and down the cluttered corridors of the Scope New York 2006 art exhibition.

A hairy, overstuffed goon stands guard in one of the first stalls, his faceless head a reminder of the content (or not) that lies beyond the graffiti festooned portals, his celebrity a result only of his creator’s name. The walls are draped in an uneven, oriental-looking cardboard tapestry (one of the better pieces, by the way) offset by a pile of photographs leaning against a flimsy, badly whitewashed partition. These technically competent offerings just might snag the interest of the virginal visitor who has never glimpsed the works of Diane Arbus. A progression of wide yellow stripes on the concrete fortification adjacent to this opening scene were actually painted by the work crew, the same one that will tear a hole in it once the crowds have fully dissipated – so I am told by security personnel as I stare intently at the cement in search of meaning.

Three menacing, punkily clad, life-sized and high-powered-weapon wielding papier-mâché figures (secular Iraqi insurgents, perchance?) occupy a stage that warns the unwitting voyager of what is yet to come. A glance to the right reveals the disproportionate oral sex series, artfully done but equally artful in its lack of substance – an internet porn site must have inspired the proficient sketcher. Painfully distorted, tear stained puerile faces take up yet another space in oversized photographic zeal that may have been more appropriate in a magazine titled: “How to Deal with Your Spoiled Brats,” perhaps a suggestive subtitle for the whole Scope affair, as well.

A few labored steps forward and voila! The masterpiece unveiled: A crude oil rendering of a certain Nazi Chancellor fornicating with a swine to which an astute observer behind me, certainly just barely legal for barroom admittance, remarked enthusiastically: “Awesome!” Astonishing, indeed, was the “artist’s” audacity to present this image as though it possessed a single iota of originality or, the vaguest resemblance of simple forethought.

Few and far between were works from which one might, in fact, catch a glimpse of artistic talent coupled with a search for substance. A series of drawings with abstract geometric and topological qualities (vaguely reminiscent of Klee), a sequence of non-figurative paintings on wood and an excellent collection of acrylics inspired, in equal measure, by orchids and ancient Chinese technique were especially noteworthy. Nevertheless, the outright violence and wanton hostility of the great majority of regurgitated junk culture supplied by the “exhibitionists” helped make the experience one of indelible disgust. But what can one expect from a mindset that looks to Fear Factor and South Park for cultural direction? What can one say when artistic endeavor is pulverized to the obscene ogling of wretched lives alongside the elevation of hopelessness and topped with the idle pursuit of momentary gratification?

The old adage garbage in, garbage out seems to fit as snuggly as a lambskin glove the hands of these tots of trivia. Were there reason and rhyme for the outbursts of gratuitous cruelty disguised as art, then one might even be left to ponder. There are countless examples of art employing carnage as a mere medium to put forth a broader and more significant message. However, the absolute want of rationale seems to be exactly the point: “we are doing this because we can” is proffered in the true spirit of the spoiled adolescent who thinks he is entitled to something other than a swift kick in the rump.

Talent is never enough. Talent without core is a waste of time, space and energy for both spectators and artists. One would hardly praise Graham Greene for writing brilliantly tailored laundry lists. The hackneyed approach to pointless violence is neither a social statement nor a cultural observation; it is an excuse not to think for oneself; it is the scatterbrained copycatting of a devil-may-care, pseudo anti-intellectual pose popularized by the irresponsibly frivolous, make-believe world of the affluent strata. Random brutality exists in our society and it is the duty of art, as an ultimately human manifestation, to speak out against it, deterrent that it is to the evolution of our species, but never to trivialize and glorify it, so as to wind up co-opted by the same system that they, the self-proclaimed artists, pretend to despise.

The Must See British Independent Film <i>Sixteen Years of Alcohol</i>

Sixteen Years of Alcohol is a British Film depicting an alcoholic's struggle to come to terms with the two conflicting sides of himself:  the violent addict and the passionate idealist.  It’s shot in Edinburgh, Scottland with absolutely beautiful cinematography and begins with the middle Aged Frankie Mac (Kevin McKidd) being beaten and kicked in an alley.  The rest of the movie takes places in a dream like state with Frankie looking back on his life.  The Director/Writer Richard Jobson based this movie off him and his brother’s real lives.  This gives the poetry and story a really personal realism that I think is it’s richest attraction.

Kevin McKidd ,who plays Frankie Mac, does an outstanding job and the movie as a whole is not very predictable, which is very refreshing.  The non-chronological unfolding of the story in the retrospective (looking back) point of view helps increase this effect.  The beginning is a little slow, but will keep you interested as you will instantly be able to empathize with the young childhood Frankie. There are three main stages of the film which consist of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. 

I don’t want to spoil the plot line for those of you who haven’t seen it yet, but in short an idealistic boy is exposed to the hard reality of his father’s true character.  This disillusionment continues into adolescent where Frankie becomes a violent gang leading alcoholic.  He finds love and tries to come out of his past, but his self destructive tendencies keep pulling him back. 

Frankie’s narration is bit simply and repetitive, but the shear charisma and dualism of the main character as he struggles with the two different sides of himself make him an extremely interesting multi-dimensional character.  The main attraction to this piece is the strong character driven development of the relationships Frankie Mac has and how they change throughout the different parts of his life. 

It’s extremely microscopic, or concerning the inner struggles of the main character.  Although, he is physically beaten up a few times, the real conflict is within himself and the POV never leaves Frankie.  I love movies in this perspective.  Most Hollywood films involve a third person point of view and mainly macroscopic or outward plots.

A few critics have said that it plays into the standard self destruction drug addict loathing formula, but I would highly disagree.  The concepts have been played out before and it’s true that some of the violence seems invented and lacks realism, but the movie pulls it off beautiful in a more poetic and thought provoking way then other films of this nature.  The alcoholism is a little too much on the tame side.  In the portrayal of a self destructive violent alcoholic, I expected to see him wake up and take a drink, or black out and wake up in his own vomit or some other signs of extreme drinking.  Instead you are simply given a few stumbling home scenes, but nothing very shocking

A couple of scenes are purposefully remnant of A Clockwork Orange, which is externalized referenced in the movie itself by Frankie’s bedroom poster of A Clockwork Orange.  Unfortunately some of the violent A Clockwork Orange flash backs lack direction, so they come off a bit confusing.  The transitions and the overload of symbols and metaphors were a little too much at times and made you ask yourself is this a dream sequence or really happening or what?  This created some confusion and took away a little from the films effect. 

This movie has been released on DVD and you can currently find it at any major video store or rental chain.  I definitely recommended this film to anyone who enjoys a serious non-predictable movie with beautiful cinematography, strong acting, and a rich poetic unfolding of a personal story.

It was nominated for in the 2003 British Independent Film Awards for Best Independent Film and Susan Lynch won the Best Supporting Actress category.  In the USA the reviews have been mixed, but on the positive side.  This is definitively a must see and may possibly become a cult classic.

Art Centers to Visit in Southern Maryland

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Mattawoman Art Center sits on the scenic Mattawoman Creek in Smallwood Park, where water skiing and fishing is available as well. Wildlife abounds in this setting. I saw a bald eagle soaring in the sky. This hidden jewel of Southern Maryland is a showcase for local artists and members of the art center. The current exhibition is of Charles Reiher and Matt Borchelt and will be exhibited till March 12, 2006. Mr. Reiher is a photographer and Matt Borchelt is a modern artist. This exhibition combines modern art and photography of nature. There are always a reception on Sundays when a new show opens. Plenty of food is available and the art is present for you to enjoy.

I attended the previous art show that showcased works from high school artists, who were the best in their class. The turnout was great. There was a wide variety of art in different mediums. For example the “The Three Amigos”, three plaster objects done in bronze were exhibited.

All pictures in the exhibit are for sale. There is a gift shop where you can buy art carvings, silk scarves and painting that have been produced by members of the  Mattawoman Art Center. Handmade earrings are available at the docent’s desk the prices range from $5 to $15. Art classes are given at the art center. For more information call (301) 743-5159. The address of the art center is PO Box 258, Marbury, MD 20658.

Montpelier Arts Center is located on 9652 Muirkirk Road in Laurel MD. It is very historic because it’s located near the Monpelier Mansion. Performances such as Jazz, classical and folk as well as blues music take place in the main gallery. Meetings can gather there as well. The artist gallery presents works of artists who create art at the center. The gallery is open to the public from 10 a.m to 5.p.m. Classes and workshops are available to the public as well. The phone number is (301) 953-1993 or email the staff at Montpelier .arts@pgparks.com. Monuments of sculpture is the current exhibit available for viewing. It is up during the month of Febuary and features works in Bronze which are inspired by African Masks.

Harmony Hall which is located on 10701 Livingston Road is a former elementary school that plays host to performances, exhibitions and art surveys. This is a great place to celebrate the performing arts and theatre. The 2006 Harmony Hall Brochure will give you more information about performances, exhibitions, art surveys and has directions to Harmony Hall Regional Center. Call the Center about how to receive the brochure at (301) 203-6040.

March 15, 2006 at 10:30, Harmony Hall will play host to Kids’ Day Out performed by Billy B., who is a show and dance man, who performs and dances about swamps, biodiversity energy and rain forests, geology and natural wonders.

March 15 an afternoon tea is offered at 2 p.m. A Harpist, Park Stickney performs. Admission is only 10:00. Check the website for more information at http://www.pgparks.com/places/artsfac/hhrc.html.

Why Not Let Your Baby Cry

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New moms and dads seem to feel that they have to keep their baby from crying. Every time their little one cries they come running. But in my own personal opinion it is perfectly ok to let your baby cry a little. Of course you do not want to let them cry all day long. Crying themselves to sleep is perfectly normal and ok. I have tried this with my children and it has really worked out well, especially at bedtime. What I do is follow my usual bedtime routine. 

Give them their bath and then one final bottle or nurse them one last time for the night. Them I put them in their crib and let them cry just for a while. Every 15 min or so you will want to go and comfort them. It is important that if you are going to let your baby cry themselves to sleep that they are given comfort. I would also recommend covering their little hands so that they do not scratch themselves. They sell little mittens for infants or the shirts with the little hand covers attached. It is also a good deterrent if your child is starting to suck their little fingers.

No one is quite sure why we exactly do cry. Did you know that there are actually two different kids of tears? One is the Basal or continuous tears that moisten the eye, and the other is reflex tears which are caused when your eyes are irritated by some type of object. Some researchers believe that emotional tears or crying actually relieves the body of harmful and excess substances, in the same way the kidneys, and the lungs do. They are not exactly sure of the reason but evidently the body produces a tear in response to emotion that is different from the kind in response to irritation. From the moment a baby is born they need tender care. Many people feel that if they respond to a crying baby they will be spoiling them. I am not sure, but I do know that no harm can come to them by just letting them cry. 

But you should keep in mind that when a child is hungry, uncomfortable or upset, the will begin to cry. You will want to make sure that you check all of these things before you let your baby cry themselves to sleep. Some researchers seem to believe that babies who are responded to quickly during the first 6-8 months of life actually cry less than babies who have been left to cry. Of course they cry less since they are constantly being picked up. There are times when just acknowledging their cry with your own voice will be sufficient. Just a simple touch can help to provide comfort.

Believe it or not it is a baby’s job to cry. At least that is what many of the parents that I have spoken to seem to thing. You do not want to let the baby cry all the time. For example I only allow my baby to cry at bedtime for an extended period. I believe this will help him to learn what bedtime means. When the baby is constantly being rocked to sleep, as they get older they will not understand why you will suddenly stop. And you will probably have a very difficult time putting your one year old baby to sleep. Keep in mind that crying is how babies communicate what they want. The bottom line is you need to help them understand when it is time to play and when it is time to sleep.