by Franco Tarsitano
Lemon Street Gallery’s 7th Annual Juried Exhibit represents artists from across Wisconsin, Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, Iowa and Indiana in this diverse show of professional artwork. Not only a variety of neighboring states but also a rich variety of media is represented in this exhibition. This year, Harry Wirth, a professor of art and design at Northern Illinois University, and had, what would be to us the daunting task of being the juror for this exhibit.
Just how much artwork did you have to review for this show?
I reviewed 129 artworks by 47 artists. 42 pieces were carefully selected representing 22 artists. There was a 33% chance of being included in this show.
I’ve noticed that one of the technical changes that is occurring with juried shows is that artists have different options to submit there work. Where it was once strictly slides; we now have emailed jpegs, CD’s, inkjet…how does this affect the quality of judging the work? What would give the best impression of the work for those entering juried shows?
It is only convenient for the artists. Many have digital cameras now and they can easily document their work—as long as they know how to capture a good clean image. Nothing can really take the place of a direct experience with the artwork in person.
Ever get any surprises where the artwork didn’t live up to the slide, etc.?
A work may look great from a slide or jpeg, then when seen in person the media is then evident and it sometimes either greatly enhances the piece or detracts from it. Craft issues–the way the media are applied cannot be readily seen in a reproduction or photo. It is like online dating—you may get a big surprise when you meet the person face-to-face, either stick around or run!
How do you start? What do you look for?
I was looking for strong compositions in the work as well as a strong meaning or concept. Coupled with this I looked for a high level of craft that would support the concept. Many people think a painting should look like a photograph—but that is not what art is all about.
Then what do think art is?
Art is also about interpreting the world through the unique vision of the artist which sometimes makes the artworks not as easy to understand.
Overall, what will the viewer get from seeing this show?
Among the selected artworks are two-dimensional pieces done in acrylics, oil, pencil, lithographs, digital images, inkjet, prismacolor, watercolor, dry point engraving, collage, wax, and wood. Some works are narrative in nature while many others are abstractions of reality through the artist’s eye. The high level of craft and mark making is evident as well as the meaning, ideas and concepts that lie beneath the pieces. The visitor of this show will also experience a high level of creativity and originality.
Harry’s website:
www.harrywirth.com
“7th Annual Juried Exhibit”
April 4 - April 27, 2008
Reception Fri April 4 6-9 pm Click HERE to learn more about the show
1 comment so far ↓
Thanks so much, Harry! We enjoyed working with you and look forward to your talk on Friday evening at 7pm at Lemon Street (4601 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha.)
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