Getting My Edge Back

Got the word today that I will be represented in the upcoming 2nd edition of the BAC Art on the Edge exhibition.  The first one was last August/September and proved very successful, so it was decided to have another one.  Like last time, there are differing opinions as to what the show is actually about.  The postcard announcement lists such options as street art, pop surrealism, graffiti, skateboard, surf, and low brow- all mediums.  Do I do any of that?  Hard to say, so I looked at relatively recent works that haven't yet been shown at the Boatworks, and decided that the above piece might come the closest.  Retro imagery is big right now in contemporary art (especially among this show's target demographic), and I guess the idea of potentially scary food products can be edgy.  (is mule meat any worse than pink slime?)

So I dropped it off last Saturday, and it was one of the accepted works.  The mixed media print is called A Modern Treat For You TV Viewers, a title that many assume is taken directly from a vintage source. It's not, but I had similar advertising slogans in mind when I came up with it.  The piece was created to be part of a group folio called Blatantly Kitsch, with the work to address the theme in subject and style, and make use of kitschy, craft type materials not normally associated with fine art.  I used woodgrain contact paper and printed scrapbooking paper as part of that.  However it got made, the juror liked it, so it's in the show.

The Art on the Edge exhibition opens with a reception at the Boatworks on Saturday May 12th from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.  Besides the art (about 70 pieces), there will be a couple of live bands, and perhaps some art demonstrations, all for free.  A separate live music show featuring acoustic guitarist Matt O'Ree will start at 8:30 pm and cost $5 at the door.  The exhibition will remain on display during regular gallery hours through June 1, 2012.