2010 Biennial poster by Charles Ray
Last night my art companion, Stacy, and I took refuge in the Whitney 2010 Biennial from the sudden change of temperature in NYC. Not having attended the Whitney’s late night on Fridays before, the mood was celebratory with live music transforming their cafe into a performance space.
My biggest surprise of the Biennial came from the large gallery space devoted to artist Charles Ray’s floral series. Posting an example on Sparked from MoMA’s contemporary drawing exhibition last year, Ray’s simple decorative graphic rendering grabbed my attention. Impressed by his reach from highly conceptual work, I enjoyed reading this LA Times interview with Ray explaining his florals are a result of relaxing and sharing the studies with family and friends.
Of course, there were plenty of political statements but surprising didn’t resonate to me personally. Maybe indoctrinated from the 24/7 news cycle works that captured organic textures, atmospheric experimenting in different mediums or humor, provided me some social relief.
The Whitney Biennial is on display until May 20th, 2010.
Pae white, Smoke Knows, 2009 Cotton and polyester, 114 x 258 in.
Scott Short, Untitled (White), 2008 Oil on canvas, 93 x 120 in.
Aurel Schimdt, Master on the Universe/Flex Master 3000, 2010 Graphite, colored pencil, arcylic, beer, dirt, and blood on paper. 89 x 52 in.
Charles Ray, Untitled, 2009, Ink on paper, 47 x 31 1/2 in.
Hi Geoffry!
Your notes focused in on just the works (barring one) Alexxa and I discussed after seeing the show. We so loved Charles Ray’s room of flowers – a worthwhile trip in itself. Sparked readers – I agree with Geoffry – it’s a should see.
Angela
Geoffry, it’s a privilege being your art companion — You’ve got such a great eye and a gift for capturing the true essence of creative genius!