It is Martin Luther King Day and this is the first opportunity I have sat down and written. It’s not like I haven’t had the time or interest. It’s what I think about every time I contemplate to write – what do I write about regarding art? I’ve attended some art related events: The Cleveland Museum of Art for instance – their monthly MIX events where there were hundreds of people jam packed into a gigantic atrium watching an elaborate fashion show. It was creative and inventive where designers were inspired by the newest exhibit, “Forbidden Games.” I didn’t see the exhibit until much later.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy “Forbidden Games” for I am not a surrealist fan. I took the chance that I might enjoy it. What I saw were these old, 1920s black and white photographs that were amazing – I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t be alarmed by the title, sometimes you’ll never know unless you go against what is comfortable. Experience something new and embrace the difference.
The Cleveland Museum of Art - "Forbidden Games"
These black and white photographs brought me back when I took my first photography class at Kent State University–film processing. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I loved photography but nervous if my compositions would be perceived as brilliant or just average. I shot rolls and rolls of film that summer – some images were great; some not so much. I was obsessed with the many different bridges in Cleveland so that was my final project – it turned out rather well if I must say.
I understand the relevance of digital pictures (I went to many photo-shoots when digital was in its infancy). It is wonderful when you can simply “delete” a photo when you shoot a crappy photo instead of shooting an entire roll of film, developing a contact sheet then finding out that there is one or two photos worth printing. For me, that is what was so wonderful about film, your contact sheet was always a surprise a dynamic shot you took or a mistake; How it was enlarged was also challenging – more light in, or less producing contrasting light and shadow. This was the creative process not done as well for digital. Many might not agree, and that is fine. I do miss it.
In the show there were “still life” images that I still remember several weeks later – empty men’s shoes on steps or a coffin factory where the viewers saw rows and rows of coffins neatly stacked. You don’t see the coffins right away but once you read the description, it’s easily identifiable.
These electronic images that are seen here were created via iPad at the museum, using a “layering technique” to produce different images. This might have been something unique to some museum goers, but for me this was not new. This process can be easily done using “Photoshop.” In the 1930s, however, creating images with depth by layering many images or double exposing them was probably a more challenging process without the aid of a computer. I admire these old photographs for that reason.
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| Created by Toni - The Cleveland Museum of Art -Dec. 2014 |
I can definitely discuss black and white photography for a very long time.
If you didn’t see “Forbidden Games,” it was worth a look; sorry it closed January 2015.
The Transformer Station has a wide range of unique photography solutions. Alison Rossiter who found “expired film papers” on eBay and developed them to see how it would work out.
Other tidbits:
December was filled with running from one local art fair to the next. There was the Screw Factory in Lakewood where I stood idle for a few minutes before I was able to move. Locally, that’s a good problem to have but for a shopper it was frustrating and intimidating. All the vendors had unusual products not seen in a “box store” but I just couldn’t get past the crowds. I wandered around not knowing what to buy, having a glazed look on my face – too many choices. What do I do? I end up buying stuff “just in case” I need a special gift down the road.
After I left the crazy crowd, I went up a flight of steps into an artists studio (Megan Frankenfield) and I found these contemporary paintings and/or photographs the filled the entire space. They were so unusual. The artist took photographs and cut them into squares then painted on top of them then transferred them onto canvas. Excitedly, I bought three at a bundled price.
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| One of the pieces I bought - iPhone photo (couldn't get rid of glare Photoshop) |
I ran into that problem at the Pilgrim Church in Tremont. I walked around with my head cut off trying to find “the perfect” gift. What happened? I bought a few bracelets for myself and now that I look at them, “Why did I buy them?” I haven’t worn them nor do I have anyone who wears bracelets. More money down the drain.
With The Cleveland Museum of Art, Tremont and Waterloo art walks, Third Fridays at 78th Street Studio plus local artists all around town, there is always something new to experience in Cleveland. Winter is cold but you can still see great art indoors.
Transformer Station’s new exhibition now open: February 8 until May 2, 2015
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