Lost in the Fun House

on a computer screen which ran a continual program of a couple kissing superimposed over a glowing digital doily. The heart was accompanied by steel knitting needles and when prodded with them, it glowed, or pulsed. If one hit just the right spot, the brick wall behind the heart suddenly began to bleed. This was the only piece that made me literally jump with surprise. OK, perhaps because the wall reminded me of the Amityville horror, but also because I was so impressed. It was so well crafted and had not only one idea behind it, but several (it related to both romantic and religious obsessions with the heart). Moreover, Culkin was the only artist who was able to SEE how the dull appearance of the standard casing of the computer screen distracted from her piece, and she effectively incorporated a sewn case for the screen into her work. Most of the other students took for granted the aesthetics of the computer, and didn’t bother to alter them one bit. However, I found out after the show that Culkin is a “real” artist -- she’s been in Artnews, PS1, and MOMA, so it’s unfair to compare her work to the other fledgling artists.

---

It’s also probably unjust to judge work as final when the artist him or herself doesn’t consider it so. Perhaps if the students got together in six months after being allowed to finish everything at their own pace, the ITP show would appear in a whole different, much more pleasing, light. However, this exhibit did open my eyes to many heretofore unseen, and most importantly, unfelt, possiblities. Touch is a sense that has yet to be fully exploited by the artistic community, and if this show is any prediction, it will soon be on the top of every one's list.

---

I’ve included some links that relate to ITP:

Jody Culkin.

A site about a professor in the ITP department and what she teaches.

A playroom designed by ITP students.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic