Artist Kim Beck is featured at Julio Fine Arts Gallery
Alexa Gagliardi
Issue date: 9/29/09 Section: Arts & Society
This same notion of the beginning and ending of homes/spaces is paralleled in "Everything Must Go", a collection of gouache, pastel, and charcoal signs on paper. This piece uses eye-catching colors typical of window signs posted in consumer establishments in order to capture viewersí attention. Though these signs are commonplace, Beck moves viewers by underlining the heartbreaking nature of a store closing.
As mentioned during the gallery reception, she envisioned a young woman, who recently joined the work force, ìmaking her own obituary.î After this fictional character has just begun her job, she is forced to create the sign that signifies the end of her employment. Thus, Beck exposes the true loss that is concurrent with the liquidation of a business.
Additionally, the materials Beck uses to create "Everything Must Go" are messy, much like the situation she alludes to through the signage. The pastels and charcoal smudge and create blurred letters and edges, creating a clouded scene. This parallels the idea that there are both exciting aspects to the sale of a store/business as well as disappointing aspects.
Beck's observation of the trivial features in life allows viewers to reassess the environment around them and contemplate different viewpoints. In this show, she has successfully blended elements of architecture and landscape to present thoughtful works of art that resonate with viewers even after they have left the gallery.
Due to the contemporary nature of her subject matter, the show is not only for art lovers. It really brings to life the reality of the economic crisis and artistically renders the effects felt by victims of the credit crunch. If you are interested in viewing Ownership Society, it will be on display in the Julio Fine Arts Gallery until October 4th.
As mentioned during the gallery reception, she envisioned a young woman, who recently joined the work force, ìmaking her own obituary.î After this fictional character has just begun her job, she is forced to create the sign that signifies the end of her employment. Thus, Beck exposes the true loss that is concurrent with the liquidation of a business.
Additionally, the materials Beck uses to create "Everything Must Go" are messy, much like the situation she alludes to through the signage. The pastels and charcoal smudge and create blurred letters and edges, creating a clouded scene. This parallels the idea that there are both exciting aspects to the sale of a store/business as well as disappointing aspects.
Beck's observation of the trivial features in life allows viewers to reassess the environment around them and contemplate different viewpoints. In this show, she has successfully blended elements of architecture and landscape to present thoughtful works of art that resonate with viewers even after they have left the gallery.
Due to the contemporary nature of her subject matter, the show is not only for art lovers. It really brings to life the reality of the economic crisis and artistically renders the effects felt by victims of the credit crunch. If you are interested in viewing Ownership Society, it will be on display in the Julio Fine Arts Gallery until October 4th.
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