Art Gallery Visit #2 - Burchfield Penney Art Center

Step 1: The Exhibition

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit? 

I visited the Burchfield Penney Art Center for the first time on Thursday November 9th. The current exhibit in the East Gallery is Art In Craft Media 2017, which began on October 14, 2017 and continues until January 28, 2018. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is part of the SUNY Buffalo State campus, located at 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223. The Burchfield Penney Art Center (BPAC) is "(T)he Museum For Western New York Arts".



2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

The theme of the Art In Craft Media 2017 exhibit is "...the dedicat(ion) to the work of contemporary craft".  A beautifully photographed catalog of this exhibit is available at the BPAC gift shop for $25.00,

 

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:

1. What type of lighting is used?

The Art In Craft Media 2017 exhibit features what I would consider 'low lighting'. The ceiling in the gallery are extremely high, and has track lighting with many adjustable light fixtures that are adjustable.

High ceiling with track lighting

2. What colors are used on the walls?

Upon first entering the gallery, your eyes are drawn to the right, where there is an exhibit entitled: Wright, Roycroft, Stickley and Rohlfs: Defining the Buffalo School Arts & Crafts Aesthetic. The walls in this exhibit are painted in matte colors such as navy blue, olive green and ochre. To the left is the section of Charles E. Burchfield's paintings and sketches. The walls there are a medium-grey value. But as you proceed straight ahead, the Art In Craft Media 2017 enfolds with white walls, movable partitions, and slightly brighter lighting.

Entrance into the BPAC's gallery space

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?

The floor of the BPAC is a semi-glossy hardwood, perhaps pine or light-colored oak. As seen in the picture on the left, there is curved, grey, faux-concrete brick wall (inside is a round room featuring some of Burchfield's work). There is a high ceiling when you first enter the gallery space, and as you walk forward the ceiling becomes even higher, making the space feel very light and 'airy'.




 


  4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

The movable wall partitions subtly guide you through the exhibit. The Art In Craft Media 2017 exhibit is incredibly dynamic: art is on the floor, hanging from the ceiling, displayed on pedestals and hanging, even 'protruding' from the walls. Everywhere you look there is something unique, and the placement of the partitions prevents the exhibit from becoming overwhelming. You are able to enjoy the artists' work in different groupings; as you round each corner, something new awaits to tantalize your eyes. Below are five photographs that were taken as I entered each unique space of the exhibit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:

1. How are the artworks organized?            

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?

There are 151 works of art in this exhibit, yet despite the large quantity of pieces, the show has an

intimate feeling; as you weave in and out of each grouping you are able to appreciate approximately

six to ten works of art before you enter the next space. Also, this eclectic group of work is not

restricted to wall-hangings, there are also pedestals and sconces showcasing work, as well as work

hanging from the ceiling and spread out on the floor. There are also many comfortable seating areas

spaced throughout the BPAC, allowing you the opportunity to sit and contemplate the beautiful

creations.

 

2. How are the artworks similar?  3. How are the artworks different?

The artworks are all similar in that they are considered high-end 'crafts' by extremely gifted artisans.

But almost everything is created using a different material. Or if something is the same material, it is

used in a different way. There were so many textures, colors, designs; I was taught that whenever

walking through a gallery and you wish to take a closer look, you need to put your hands behind

your back so the guards do not worry that you are going to touch the art. I used this technique at the

gallery on Thursday, but the temptation to feel the many different surfaces was definitely there.

4. How are the artworks framed?

Below is one of the few works of art that is actually in a frame. Artist Hillary Fayle has two works in

the  Art In Craft Media 2017, and both are in simple white frames.

Hillary Fayle (b. 1987), Off Grid, 2015; hand cut Magnolia leaves, 12 x 12 inches; Courtesy of the artist

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

Below is an example of how the artworks are identified. The photograph on the left is an incredible

hand and machine pieced quilt which is hanging on a wall. To the right and below of the work is

pictured the identifying placard with the artist's name, the title and year, and media used.

 

Step 4: Art Criticism Exercise

Marvin Bjurlin. Top: Cobia, 2016, Bottom, l-r: Black Grouper, 2016, Chopper, 2016

. All wood fired ceramic.

Marvin Bjurlin. Detail - Top: Cobia, 2016, Bottom, Chopper, 2016.

The three ceramic fish pictured above caught my eye because the are literally coming out of the wall, as if they are bursting out of a waterfall. The bottom two fish were at my eye-level, and the detail and craftsmanship of the fish are extremely well-executed. The detail of the form, right down to the pointy teeth of the Chopper, are incredibly realistic. The placement of the fish on the white wall creates an interesting triangular composition, and the shadows cast by the sculpted fish add extra interest on the wall. Fish are a symbol in Christianity, three fish made me think of The Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, Matthew 4:18-20 reads as follows: As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow Me, Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men". And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

Perhaps the artist meant the grouping of three fish are a reference to Christianity, or perhaps he is an avid fisherman, and rather than represented his passion with taxidermy, he chose to recreate the beauty of the fish in ceramics.

David Derner. Dionysus Chess Set, 2016. Cast bronze, cast iron, steel and Brazilian granite.

David Derner. detail: Dionysus Chess Set, 2016. 

This incredible, multi-media chess set is an amazing creation. In Greek mythology, Dionysus is the Greek god of wine, theater, and he was well-known for his lascivious lifestyle. Each chess piece is incredibly detailed, perhaps the tall female nude standing between the two sides of the chess board is the Greek goddess Athena? The cool green tones of the Brazilian granite are an interesting contrast to the warm bronze and iron colors of the chess pieces. The Ancient Greeks were often at war with neighboring city states, so the facing chess pieces could actually be representative of a Greek war, with the solitary goddess figure ready to show favor to the side she wishes to win the game (war). Truly a work of art, this set could still fit in the home of a chess aficionado, it is just waiting for two combatants to pull up two chairs and begin the game.

Jack Edson. Self-Portrait, 2017. Cotton patchwork quilt, hand and machine pieced, hand quilted.

The self-portrait, above, is created by small fabric squares which serve as tactile color pixels. Artfully arranged, these tiny cotton squares create an impressively large portrait. I am passionate about sewing and quilting, and can truly appreciate the difficulty in not only piecing such tiny squares, but also in arranging the colors to create a such a terrific likeness. I have always felt that quilting is an overlooked art-form, and in the Art In Craft Media 2017 it was great to see several works that I would consider 'art-quilts'. The squares are multi-colored, when you take a close look at the quilt, you notice that there are also patterns on the fabric squares. To appreciate the way the colors blend, you need to take quite a few steps backwards to see the entire picture. Quilting and sewing are often (mistakenly) considered a woman's hobby. By creating this larger-than-life self-portrait, Jack Edson is maybe making the statement that yes, men can be fabric artists and he wants the world to be aware of this.

What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?

I enjoyed visiting the BPAC with a camera in tow and a project in mind. I took a look at more than just the artwork, I took notice of the interior space, colors, lighting; all things I would probably have taken for granted in the past. I've visited many different galleries in the U.S. and throughout Italy, and I was usually interested in seeing particular paintings in the collection. Thinking back, there was quite a diversity in the galleries I visited. Some were new and modern, some were old and classical. My eyes have been opened, on future gallery visits I will definitely be looking not only at the art, but also looking at the surrounding wall colors, light-fixtures, flooring, and ceilings.