Art is Busting Out All Over in the Big Apple

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

New York City is the epicenter of the art world and not just the famous, prominent, important museums but a plethora of galleries tucked into neighborhoods like The Lower East Side (who would have expected such magnificent art around the corner from the Bowery Mission, where you will also find the New Museum of Contemporary Art), Tribeca, Chelsea and the Meat Packing district under the High Line, and East and West Village. You get to experience the works of artists who should be displayed in the major museums, and perhaps will be.

Pure joy and engagement is what I felt at David Barnett’s “Collectomania” now on view by appointment at Ivy Brown Gallery (around the corner from the Whitney Museum a short walk from the High Line and Hudson River Greenway) through June 6 (the artist will be at the gallery for an artist talk on June 6, from 6 to 8 pm).

Barnett, a surrealist artist, incorporates discarded mechanical objects, gadgets, and various and sundry other collaged material into his artwork. His work is characterized by its unique and eclectic mix of materials, which range from bottle caps, feathers, x-rays, machine parts, maps, doll parts, old clocks and typewriters. Barnett’s use of these discarded items not only adds texture and depth to his work, but it also serves as a commentary on consumer culture and the disposability of modern technology.

In addition to his use of mechanical objects, Barnett’s work often incorporates elements of humor and absurdity. Many of his pieces feature whimsical or fantastical creatures and scenes, such as a mechanical bird with flying machines, humans or parts of humans, a cityscape made entirely out of discarded electronics, old magazines, books, and various found objects. (I can easily imagine these becoming characters in an animated feature.)

“My objective is to integrate these found elements with those fashioned after my own hand to convey a sense of conflict that resonates with the viewer. My work speaks to a recurring theme--the battle between society and automation for man’s soul,” Barnett says.

“I incorporate Victorian era botanical imagery, ancient anatomical diagrams, and vintage mechanical components along with natural materials. Whether it’s a rusty piece of metal, branches from an oak tree, or tiny turquoise-tipped rooster feathers, the right juxtaposition reveals itself to me—the more absurd, the better. A character is born and a narrative begins to unravel. The theme of flight is recurrent, as is the conflation of anatomy and mechanics. The result is a menagerie of ethereal winged creatures, human and animal hybrids, and fanciful flying machines. In this era of mass-production and instant gratification, it’s my hope that these intimate and meticulously crafted works will also evoke a sense of rarity, delight, and mystery.” (See www.davidbarnettworks.com)

The range of his artistic talent is just stunning: painting, drawing, collage, sculpting, constructing complex figures as if he were an engineer or inventor. Some of the mobiles have electric motors. The intricate detail is astonishing, and makes you want to look deeper, search more. The works are as thoughtful as they are artful.

Many are playful, historical, nostalgic (lots of Victoriana), but some explore darker subjects.

Ivy Brown Gallery, 675 Hudson St #4N; Gallery hours; by appointment, phone: 212925-1111, Email: ivybrowngallery@gmail. com, www.ivybrowngallery.org