I escaped the house on Saturday after a week of nursing a terrible cold and visited the Phoenix Art Museum. Every time I go there is something new to see and admire. I happened upon an exhibit of the art of Patricia Sannit, the winner of the 2016 Arlene & Morton Scult Contemporary Forum Artist Award. (I've feature work of Patricia Sannit before here.)
Her art piece is called "Rise Fall Rise" and it's described this way: "The culmination of a process that began last year in which the artist began connecting her practice to unfolding political and cultural events." Ms. Sannit is an artist and instructor at Phoenix College who uses clay and other materials to explore connections within our shared humanity.
She created these head forms that contain oblique references to specific events.
I spent a lot of time studying the forms to try to see if I could decipher the meanings.
This one makes me think of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh.
This one definitely makes me think of the horrible acts of violence happing all over the world.
This one looks like someone willing to say anything to further his own agenda.
And this last one made me chuckle a bit. I think it looks like a certain leader of the free world when he gets caught in the wind.
I'm probably way off base on all my interpretations but, the important thing is, it makes me think.
The artist says that "Rise Fall Rise plays with notions of the 'anti-monument' and chance to exemplify a collective vulnerability in challenging times."
11 comments:
It does look a bit like old Egyptian artwork as you pointed out.
Wow! What an interesting exhibit. I see some Native American influences in the pieces. Definitely makes you think and I like it when art does that.
Absolutely fascinating Sharon.. I can see this installation creating a lot of discussion therefore making it a huge success ☺ so glad to hear that you're feeling much better, it's no fun being stuck in bed!
It made you think which is what art should do!
Well, it ain't my kind of art, but it is interesting for sure. It would be fun to get say 10 people to consider these forms for an hour or so and then have each of them discuss what they mean to them. I'd guess you'd get some fascinating answers! So glad you're feeling good enough to get out and about! And I'd guess it's a little cooler inside the museum than outside. Just stay as cool as you are! :)
Interesting! It's too bad there's not a "cheat sheet" of some kind to tell us what the artist was thinking. But maybe we're supposed to focus more on how they make US feel and respond.
I'm also reminded of Egypt.
A pamphlet would have been helpful. Then you could compare your guess with what the artist was thinking.
I agree with Lowell that it would be interesting to have a discussion with a bunch of people and share your interpretations of the different pieces. I like this exhibition, it does lead to discussion.
Glad you are feeling better Sharon.
Strange pieces, I find puzzling but then that just about sums up the world to me!
Glad you're better!
I agree with your interpretation of that last one!
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