Gilbert and George - Dynamic Duo or Geeks in Tweeds?

The two British artists, partners in both life and work, have been together for more than forty years, and in that time have been called everything from "brilliant" to "boring". Perhaps that is because so much of their art is both accessible and homoerotic, making their work very popular among the masses, yet a bit of a sin in the world of contemporary art. It is not that the art world does not like gay artists, rather more a protective reaction that overtly homoerotic subject matter makes the horsey set nervous and gives many galleries the vapors. Gay art as a result is usually ghettoized with only a few of the most outrageous (Mapplethorpe) and deeply closeted (you know who you are) making it into the mainstream world.

Rep. Barney Frank and Herb Moses were once lovers and are still friends.

We may have just elected a black President, but nobody mentions a same sex couple in the White House. We may have come a long way baby, but don't push your luck, guys.

Gilbert and George have an endless "World" of Ideas

There is a thriving gay art world nevertheless, and so when an exhibition of the work by the gruesome twosome opened at the Brooklyn Museum it was met with disdain by the New York Times and delight by the gay press. The exhibition of George Passmore and Gilbert Proesch originated at the Tate in London, and it combines both the fresh and lush appeal of fresh faced young men and the repulsive inclusion of blood, vomit and feces.

"Blooded" upon the innocent, or as baptism?

They have used these elements since the 19080's and it is clear to me that Andres Serrano took his cues from there, and was simply more perverse, invoking the gag response in many viewers of his latest work.

"Naked" and very perverse

There's a perceptive review in Berkshire Fine Arts talking about some of Serrano's latest work using crap. In terms of the pop-art approach to collages, there is also the riveting work of Miroslav Antic now at the Kidder Smith Gallery.

"Existers" might be a sociological statement.

Gilbert and George from the outset wanted to move beyond the stifling and precious confines of the art world and have practiced what they call "art for all" since their beginnings. Gilbert was born in Italy and George in Devon and they met at the St. Martins School of Art in London where they studied sculpture together.

Perhaps there is no there "There."

In 1969 they launched their career as The Singing Sculpture since they were both their art and makers of art. "Underneath the Arches" where they broke into vaudeville song and dance became their signature piece. They were known to perform this ditty over and over while on tour, sometimes for eight hours at a time. You can still find their performances on You Tube to get an idea as to their upbeat approach to both art and life.

"Wall" could refer to both physical and psychological barriers between people.

Their works are planned very carefully, and often are a series of two to four pieces on a theme. In Shitty Naked Human World (1994) the artists are once again the subject. There are a series videos on how they create their final products at the Tate Museum site. That they are more likely to use graph paper in planning out a canvas is no surprise, though their use of Photoshop to execute the final product might upset those who prefer brushes.

As you can see by the various images their work runs from the commonplace to the unexpected. They use iconic political and religious symbols, as well as views of the people and places they see on their way to and from home. Some even look like sexual advertisements, others like they might be the storyboard sketches of filmaker John Waters.

"Hope" could be a campaign poster for Obama.

"Fear" might be a political statement as well.

“Gilbert & George” is on exhibit until Jan. 11 at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, at Prospect Park, (718) 638-5000.

Brooklyn Museum link

It's time to vote!

One More Day!


Les Miz as Broadway for Barak


I think a vote for Obama is a vote for competence and decency to return to the White House. Whether you agree or not, it is time to decide.

Vote!

Obama and McCain differ greatly on the Arts

Americans for the Arts Action Fund compared the two presidential candidates on policies and funding for the arts. Both candidates met with members of the organization in April.

Since February, Democrat Barack Obama had been publishing what amounts to a comprehensive policy statement on the arts and arts education. Here in PDF form are Obama's arts policies. He also has outlined his position on funding the arts in speeches in Texas and Pennsylvania.
Obama has a clear set of priorities for the arts.

After several requests, Republican John McCain finally did state his position on the arts by publishing a short statement in the Salt Lake City Tribune earlier this month.

There was an even more interesting follow up story also by Julie Checkoway. The story, and embedded video, talks about how important the arts can be to our lives. I give kudos to McCain for recognizing his lack of knowledge in the area.

The Democratic Party platform includes a statement on the arts, but the Republican platform does not.

McCain has no use for the arts, nor any policy to support anything to do with creativity in this competitive world.

Perhaps most telling is the voting record of each of the presidential candidates. Obama sponsored the Artist-Museum Partnership Act. McCain has voted for cutting or terminating funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in several different Senate votes. More information is available at www.artsvote.org.

Nothing on the McCain-Pail website about the arts.

When it comes to the Vice Presidential candidates, Sarah Palin offers an interesting contrast. While Mayor of Wasilla she cut funding for the Dorothy G. Page Museum and summarily fired its director, John Cooper. As governor of Alaska, there was a miniscule increase to the state arts council funding - most likely to continue receiving Federal funds - but somehow it ran out of money before the grants could be adjudicated. This article at artNet pretty well summarizes her actions. If she behaves anything like McCain, she will not be in favor for continued funding of the NEA.

Massachusetts Ballot Question 1

THE MOHAWK THEATRE IN NORTH ADAMS now being restored.



Voters in Massachusetts will have a crucial decision to make at the polls in November - and it's not just the presidential election.

Once again, they'll be faced with a proposal to get rid of the state income tax - an initiative that's getting more attention this time around because of the economic crisis.

It's called Question 1 - a proposed repeal of the state income tax and of course, the capital gains tax. The greedy are never satisfied.

Supporters say it will take money out of the hands of Beacon Hill politicians who have done nothing but waste it for years. Ask someone making minimum wage in North Adams who gets fuel assistance, Or a senior who uses the Spitzer Center. Or any teacher.

We have a bridge to fix, a city that is already running on fumes, and don't need to see local aid take another hit.

I think it's a reckless idea.

"This is throwing a bomb into government," said Peter Meade, head of the Vote No on 1 Committee. "If you vote yes, you're voting to increase the tax on your home."

For more information about how this measure will affect your town or city, check out this interactive map and web site.

A Touching "To Kill a Mockingbird" at Barrington Stage

The stage set designed by Marion Williams is evocative of the South. All photos by Kevin Sprague.

Although I enjoy reviewing many Berkshire events for Berkshire Fine Arts, I don't always land the plum assignments, and so I had to reluctantly defer to Editor and Publisher Charles Giuliano to review this new production which you can read here. I went to see it anyway, and here's my twitter synopsis: To Kill a Mockingbird at Barrington Stage is wonderful. The in-depth BFA critique will appear in a day or two, but I wanted to alert you to this show - one of the most dramatic and moving dramas Barrington Stage has ever done. Julianne Boyd and her gifted cast certainly deserved the standing ovation they received on Opening Night. And my eyes were wet. Yes, this old cynic was moved to tears by what he saw, and this coming of age story set in the South should strike a chord deep within you, too.

Harper Lee's book, To Kill a Mockingbird has become a classic book, mandatory in High School classrooms, and a still popular motion picture for which Gregory Peck received an Oscar for his role of Atticus Finch. The staged version is not identical to either the book or the film. I found it even more powerful and spellbinding when performed live.

An understanding Miss Maudie (Debra Jo Rupp) helps Scout (Grace Sylvia) and Jem (Christian Meola) to understand their father.
Atticus (David Adkins) is threatened by a lynch mob.
The riveting trial of Tom Robinson (played by Jerome Spratling).
Atticus, played by David Adkins lets out a blood curdling scream when he discovers his children were harmed.
Scout (Grace Sylvia) learns a life lesson from Atticus (David Adkins)

Coming Up: This Wonderful Life, Carousel and Streetcar Named Desire

Barrington Stage has also announed a Christmas presentation of the one-man show, This Wonderful Life for December 3-20 on their Main Stage. It promises to be a wonderful twist on Frank Capra's timeless film, so full of hope and happiness, humor and and holiday cheer.

For the 2009 season, Boyd also plans to direct a fully staged Carousel by Rogers and Hammerstein, as well as the classic Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire. Still to be revealed: the third summer attraction, probably a comedy.

For tickets and information, you can always visit the Barington Stage website.

You can also hear Jullianne Boyd talk about Mockingbird on You Tube.