Spring Review: May 9, 2012

Artist Statement:

One definition for execution is “to produce in accordance with a plan or design.” For the past two semesters, I have been focusing my work on execution. For this work, I focused on mapping and connections, specifically between Troy Davis, Reggie Clemons, and myself. I used map lines as an element of design, rather than a directional tool.

This is the first time I am putting myself into my work in arts activism. I wanted to connect myself and my work with these cases, as well as connect them to each other.

Art Event: All School Show

This year, I participated in the All School Show. Art Education and Art History shared the Arnheim Gallery for a week long show that represented each department. I have always enjoyed seeing work from Art Ed and Art History, because of the wide variety of concepts and media choices. There was a range of paintings, prints, cut paper, ink, sculpture, glass, drawings, writing, masks, collage, plastic bag pods, etc. I had two pieces (from my For Troy show) in the show.

Art event: John Thompson at the Design Center

One art event I went to was a reception for John Thompson's work at the Boston Design Center. I have John as a professor for Intro to Printmaking this semester, and I went on MassArt's China trip with him last summer. I always love to see my professor's work, because they are working artists and educators. The Design Center was an interesting place for an art reception. The set up reminded me of a home design store, like Ikea. There was living room and lounge type settings all around the space. John's work was the framed pieces around the room. It was hard to see some of the prints at first, because my friends and I weren't sure if we could walk on the rugs. The set ups seemed almost too nice and expensive to walk on. We eventually realized we could an got a closer look. We were able to talk with John about his work at the show. I love the use of color, shape, and repetition within his work. I enjoy hearing about how he makes his work. He seems to not be afraid to make mistakes. He works with what he has, and if it doesn't work out, he'll recycle it or cover over it. He seems fearless in mark-making. This is something I would like to work on. As John often tells me, I'm too precious about my work. I need to take more risks and make more without worrying about messing it up. If I do make mistakes, as long as I learn from it and keep working, it is worth it.

For more of John Thompson' work, visit  http://johnthompsonart.com/