“This show has a lot to do with failure and potential, accident and intention, and time at its most minute and most infinite. It’s about how powerful a single simple gesture can be.”
–Dan Colen
A new exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery explores the role of chance in art. Artist Dan Colen uses unconventional methods to create his artwork, and uses simple materials such as confetti, chewing gum, grass, and bike ramps. I found this really interesting because it shows how simple, everyday materials can be used to create beautiful pieces of art. For example, one of Colen’s pieces is a canvas covered with different pieces of chewing gum. This made me think of the other posts on this blog that question whether certain paintings should actually be considered art. Although Colen’s pieces may not be as complex as a piece by Da Vinci or Van Gogh, they are still aesthetically pleasing. If the observer enjoys looking at a piece and it stimulates thought, then there is no question of its status as art.
Dan Colen’s artwork will be shown at the Gagosian Gallery through October 16.
One of Colen's pieces, made by dragging grass across a canvas
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I find that his art highlights the more common sights of NYC, such as the blackened gum engraved in sidewalks, and falling confetti during the New Year in Times Square. He is indeed showing innovation with his materials, but I believe that he is indirectly displaying an appreciation for the city as well.
Also, I completely agree with your statement: “If the observer enjoys looking at a piece and it stimulates thought, then there is no question of its status as art.” A work could be a piece of junk to one person, but a beautiful artistic creation to another. It’s only a matter of preference and perspective. Art is not created to intentionally please an audience – it is born from an artist’s passion.
Very interesting artist, but not the only one using chewing gum as a medium http://www.gumart.com/statement.htm
Also, the grass on canvas piece reminded me of another large installation that took place in the Armory in New York in 2007 by Aaron Young. He used Motorcycles to make “art” on nearly 300 pieces of pre-painted plywood:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2007/09/16/arts/20070917_ARMORY_SLIDESHOW_index.html
Another artist, named Cai Guo-Qiang uses gunpowder to create works of art.
http://singkek.blogspot.com/2008/04/now-playing.html