THE ARTS MAGAZINE OF THE ART STUDIO, INC.
FEBRUARY 2017
SURREAL VISIONS FILL TASI PAGE 8
INSIDE: PARTY-CIPATION, RAIN, BOOMTOWN FESTIVAL, AND MORE
Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to the Surrealist Ball
Regina Rogers Rob Clark Jane Roberts Consulting Finder's Fayre Katherine & Co LogOn Cafe
ISSUE Vol. 23, No. 5 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Art Studio, Inc.
A View From The Top Greg Busceme, TASI Director Happy new year everyone. I hope you all had an eventful and enjoyable holiday season. It is a time to reconnect and refresh ideas and commitments, establish old ties and create new ones. Here at The Studio, we seemed to do all those things in a very short period of little more than a month — some good, some not so good. we lost a very dear friend and fellow artist, Byron o’Quinn. Byron passed away from a heart infection at the early age of 32. as a younger man he, Heather eager, Tim postlewait and others were my apprentices who helped with all sorts of activities at The Studio when they were young teens. Later he became a potter at Lamar University and became proficient at his craft. He was open and good and gregarious, and had many people who loved him. He died way too soon. our condolences to his family and friends, he will be remembered. Christmas night saw a gathering of what is
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Coughlan Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephan Malick Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . . . Elena Ivanova, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephan Malick Contributing Photographers . . . Stephan Malick . . . . . . . . . . John Fulbright, Elena Ivanova Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olivia Malick The Art Studio, Inc. Board of Directors Corporate President . . . . . . . . . . Greg Busceme Corporate Vice-President . . . . . Angela Scheibel Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Winston Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Armitage Members at Large: . . . . . . . . . Sheila Busceme, . . . . . . . . . Olivia Busceme, John Fulbright, . . . . . . . . . Stephan Malick, Tim Postlewait . . . . . . . . . . . John Roberts, Caitlin Duerler Tenant Representative . . . . . Elizabeth Fontenot Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth French
The Art Studio, Inc. 720 Franklin Beaumont, TX 77701 409-838-5393 www.artstudio.org info@artstudio.org The ISSUE is a monthly publication of The Art Studio, Inc. Its mission is to publicize The Art Studio and its tenants, and to promote the growth of the arts in Southeast Texas. ISSUE is also charged with informing TASI members of projects, progress, achievements and setbacks in TASI’s well-being. Further, ISSUE strives to promote and distribute the writings of local authors in its “Thoughtcrime” feature. ISSUE is provided free of charge to members of TASI and is also available, free of charge, at more than 30 locations in Southeast Texas. Regular features include local artists of note and reputation who are not currently exhibiting at TASI; artists currently or soon to be exhibiting at TASI; Instructional articles for artists; news stories regarding the state of TASI’s organization; and arts news features dealing with general philosophical issues of interest to artists.
Contents
Cover photo of the Surrealist Ball by John Fulbright
See VIEW on page 14
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT THE ART STUDIO
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Party-cipation DIY Art Project For All Ages Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 4
Photography Show (Recent work created in the TASI darkroom) Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 4
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ART STUDIO
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Membership in The Art Studio, Inc., provides invitations to all exhibitions and one year of ISSUE, the monthly arts magazine of The Art Studio. It also gives free eligibility for members to enter the annual membership art exhibition (TASIMJAE) and participate in various exhibitions throughout the year.
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“Party-cipation 2.0” DIY Art Show . . . Page 4 “Rain” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Boomtown Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Surrealist Ball in Pictures . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Murphy, Aylsworth at AMSET . . . . . . Page 11 Hale at High Street Gallery. . . . . . . Page 12 Around & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Thoughtcrime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
now a tradition at The Studio — our annual Band nite and Studio reunion. after the gifts and the meals of the holidays, people young and old gather at The Studio to meet and greet with old friends and make new ones. Folks from out of town get to find their cronies and find out what’s new, have a drink, hug — I love being there, seeing kids that have grown, finding out how they learned to negotiate this world that they feared in their youth. realizing their success has in some small way been assisted by The Studio’s existence. I watch as the new generation takes hold and willfully guide The Studio in directions that are familiar but take a new path. This is the way of the world. If we do things right, each generation will take the helm and make this ship theirs. I sit among the talk and the laughter and the love and smile.
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Collaborative, 4 • ISSUE February 2017
Volume 23, No. 5
‘parTy-CIpaTIon’ TeamS TaSI, STark mUSeUm For DIy arTS evenT
IF yoU’ve ever DreameD of having your artwork hang in an honest-to-goodness gallery, now’s the time for your dream to come true. Beaumont’s The art Studio, Inc., in collaboration with art educators from the Stark museum of art in orange, will host “party-cipation 2.0,” a free do-it-yourself art event, Feb. 4. party-cipants will create work that will form The Studio’s gallery exhibition for February with a reception to be held 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. that evening. “Have fun, make art, stick it on the wall,” organizer Terri Fox, Stark museum exhibition designer and manager and a Studio member for 25 years, said. “write a word, a line, write a story about your work, about the work you experience. Stick your writing on the wall so that others can enjoy your interpretation.” There will be tons of recycled, repurposed supplies for people to choose as their medium. “The point is to bring the community of Southeast Texas together to play, exchange ideas, express themselves and enjoy the creative moment,” Fox said.” all it takes is an idea and a will to create. annmarie ventura, Stark museum studio outreach educator, said “party-cipation” is all about creative fun. “If you’re there, you’re completely involved,” she said. “From the creation of the art, to the way it’s displayed, to the text that lives beside it, this exhibition allows artists to control the space together. The fun is in the making, but also in exploring the avenues of conversation that emerge between the work as the exhibition develops, shifts, and makes itself new with every new artist who contributes.” The event is a sequel to an event held in 2012, which attracted a large crowd, Fox said. “The big difference this year is we are bringing in the art educators from the Stark museum of art because it’s important to collaborate with other institutions,” she said. “They need to know our members and our members need to know them — and orange isn’t that far.” while doing research in washington D.C. recently, Fox said she became involved in a conversation about bringing groups together, and she thought about how the two different organizations could come together. “one group is contemporary art and one is historical art,
Story and photos by Andy Coughlan
Amanda Hamilton Burkhart, left, Terri Fox and Annmarie Ventura practice for “Party-cipation,” a free DIY arts event set for Feb. 4.
Creative
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and sometime the audiences don’t cross over,” she said. “I think it’s really important for the people in orange to see our art educators working with a bigger Southeast Texas community, and I also think it’s important to see The art Studio — just bringing everyone together in an environment that’s creative and open. “we can’t get as messy at the museum as I’d like to see sometimes.” participants will be free to be as creative as they want, but Fox said she decided to give a little direction for this show by offering four themes on which people can reflect. “one is ‘Love’ — people can make images, cut out words, do painting or whatever to fill one wall that is about love,” she said. “one wall will be about ‘Hate,’ one wall will be ‘environment,’ and another will be ‘Community.’ “So those are just four words that start to create a dialogue with the audience and the participant. It just gives a little direction — not telling you what to do with that, it just gives a space to have your own dialogue with the rest of us.” Fox, who graduated with a studio art degree from Lamar, said she wants participants, including visitor’s to the reception, to comment on other people’s works. paper
and notes will be provided to encourage the dialogue. people can even write poetry. “I have often used a lot of words in my art pieces, so someone that doesn’t necessarily feel comfortable picking up scissors or glue or paintbrushes might feel more comfortable reflecting on a piece,” she said. “That’s part of the storytelling environment in creating the exhibit.” The participants may want to write their feelings about the artwork in the show, whether they created it themselves or just what they see. “I want to include collage work, where you can cut out words out of paper and stick them on the wall to go with the pieces or that you just want to stick on the wall,” she said. participants during the day will also be able to vote on different aspects of the walls, and in the evening, the entryway will be a “people’s Choice” wall. Fox said that participants will receive name tags and when they are done at whatever level they choose to participate, they can put their nametags on the wall to create a piece of communal art that represents their participation in the event. “They put their names on the wall, like these are the
February 2017 ISSUE • 5
artists in the show — taking full credit right up front that they have work in the show,” she said. visitors to the reception in the evening will also have the option to comment on the work. “The people’s choice will already be established and the walls filed, but I hope people will continue to comment on the work and Facebook it, Instagram, share it and take pictures of the work on the wall, that sort of thing,” Fox said. “It’s a really great opportunity to interact on a lot of different levels.” Fox said that everything will be recycled material or environmentally friendly material. as well as the Stark museum educators, Fox expects artists from The Studio and the community will be on hand, as well as printmaker neal pitak and members of Lamar University’s office of Sustainability. “This event is all about art that is alive,” amanda Hamilton Burkhart, Stark museum education intern, said. “you get to create and curate your own exhibit. you get to decide where and how your work will be displayed. It’s a day to create, connect, and play.” Fox said she is interested in the philosophy of “Collaborative Impact.” “as an exhibit design professional, I interact with people across the United States on a regular basis, having these discussions about community involvement and how to bring the arts to the community in as many different ways as we can,” she said. “I’m trying to get away from the idea of separation. The Golden Triangle is my home and I’m trying to create that arts environment. It’s been my mission and my goal for 25 years. “we’re bigger together than we are separate.” The art Studio is located at 720 Franklin in downtown Beaumont. For more information, call 409-838-5393 or visit www.artstudio.org.
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Volume 23, No. 5
Sound and Fury at
the Houston Cistern
Experiencing Magdalena Fernández’s ‘Rain’ “Rain,” Magdalena Fernández’s 2iPM009 at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Photo by Peter Molick, courtesy of the artist and Sicardi Gallery.
“Just as pure abstract art is not dogmatic, neither is it decorative.” Story by Elena Ivanova
and then the lights go out and the magic begins. you hear the staccato of raindrops as vertical and horizontal lines start dancing on the columns. The gentle patter — Piet Mondrian reaches a crescendo and soon the whole space is resonating with the roar of a powerful storm syncopated by THe CoLD BreaTH oF the earth on your face, bursts of thunder. The performance of this celestial orchestra is overwhelming and stirs some primordial fears you follow a descending tunnel into the deep in one’s psyche. Flashes of lightning illuminate the deeper underground. Finally, the space unfolds and you find yourself standing on dark interior and reveal, for a split second, the majestic a balcony running along the perimeter of a beauty of the strange place. This is not a long-lost architectural wonder of the angiant hall. Slender columns uphold the vaulted ceiling evoking the image of an an- cient world discovered by tenacious archaeologists. we are looking at the former underground drinking water cient temple.
reservoir of the city of Houston known today as the Cistern. Built in 1926, this colossal structure — the size of 1.5 football fields — used to hold 15 million gallons of water. The vast space, modulated by 221 25-foot concrete columns, resembles the roman cisterns under Istanbul. This similarity was first pointed out by landscape architect kevin Shanley who coined the name “Cistern” for the Houston water reservoir. Decommissioned in 2007, the Cistern was slated for
See RAIN on page 13
Volume 23, No. 5
February 2017 ISSUE • 7
Scenes & Sounds
FILm anD mUSIC FeSTIvaL STILL ‘Boom’InG aFTer DeCaDe
wITH an eye on cultivating local networks of enthusiasts, fans and professionals, the Boomtown Film Festival is entering its tenth year of existence and has earned credibility among area events to literally “see” art in motion. The humble beginnings of a few like-minded folks who got a small group together to watch and discuss movies 10 years ago has developed into a three-day event that focuses on local and Texas talent. It has spread out to several locales around the city to showcase and judge work that may not always be seen anywhere else. “what we want, and what has always been our focus, is the appreciation of filmmaking,” Chase kiker, director of the festival, says. “not just in the sense of watching — but appreciating the craft and work that goes into making a film, regardless if it’s a feature length or short film production.” The event is sponsored by the Texas Film Commission and the Houston Film Commission along with local business and individual donors. while many people think of the large blockbusters appearing at the local cinemaplex, kiker says it is the day-to-day work that sustains the industry on a professional level, especially locally. “The day to day work of commercial production – what I call blue-collar artists— sustains and provides the foundation for what most local filmmakers do around the country,” he says. “This event serves to provide exposure to like-minded people so they can see what others just like them are doing and hopefully provide a chance for them to connect — Poster by Lance LaRue “Creating an authentic experience with people who want to share their wealth of knowledge with people Saturday, Feb. 24 and winner recaps on Sunday, Feb. who want to learn and know and create art is one of 25 at Tradewinds inside the mCm eleganté Hotel. Spethe main purposes of the event.” cial events are also planned at the Dishman Gallery at kiker says the festival is an opportunity for people Lamar University, with music events hosted in downto get feedback on their projects and to promote local town Beaumont. art and art groups. “we want to be the people’s art festival, the place to The main event of the festival is the screenings and go to see the things they like and are familiar with, as the festival contest. The festival has a panel of 10 well as be exposed to the weird new things they could judges to award prizes in several categories with each really like,” Julie rodriguez, film committee chairperwinning film being screened at select times and locason says. “This year, we have tried to diversify with our tions around Beaumont. Some of the venues for the music and our programing. we have new things we festival include the opening of events at Spindletop haven’t done before, including a staged reading on Gladys City on Friday, Feb. 23, screenings at the JefThursday.” ferson Theatre and art museum of Southeast Texas on
Story by Stephan Malick
Leading up to the main event weekend the organizers hosted a series of smaller contests and fundraisers — a 48-hour film race held Jan. 13-15 and a music video competition to be held Feb. 3 in which contestants have about one week’s time to complete their project before submitting. a special “Small & Creepy” film contest similar to the 48-hour contest was held oct. 28 and judged by Screenwriter Caroline Thompson. Thompson wrote and produced the screenplays for classics such as “edward Scissorhands,” “The nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride,” among others. “Films are chosen based on how well they are scored by the film committee, how the films fit together to form blocks, and how we expect them to play in our community,” Danielle Husband, film programmer says. “when I’m creating the program, I agonize over which films to select. There are always more great films than available time slots. Because I’m passionate about film, I want to share all of the truly fantastic films that are submitted to us with the festival goers, but I know that I have to choose the best lineup to fit our schedule.” The main film competition submission deadline ended Dec. 1, and awards will be given to the First, Second and Third place winners in the following categories: narrative (feature), narrative (short), Documentary, experimental/music video, Student and one grand prize for “Best in Show.” First place in each category and best in show will be awarded the coveted Boomtown”Gusher” trophy. Screenplay awards will be given to Best Short and Feature Screenplay. winners will also get a script consultation and sponsor related prizes. Both rodriguez and Husband say that no matter which block they choose, attendees will experience great cinema. The festival brings some of the best current indie films to Beaumont and showcases the art of filmmaking with a goal of celebrating independent film and “making it accessible to southeast Texans in their own backyard.” Tickets can be purchased for day passes, all venue passes or a vIp pass. For tickets and updates on schedules and locations visit the Boomtown Film Festival on the web at www.boomtownfestival.com or on Facebook, youTube, Twitter and Instagram @ #boomfestx.
Weirdness
8 • ISSUE February 2017
Volume 23, No. 5
abounds Volume 23, No. 5
more THan 100 peopLe took part in The art Studio, Inc.’s Surrealist Ball, Jan. 21. The event raised more than $8,000 for The Studio’s coffers. many of the guests entered into the spirit of the event and wore extravagant outfits. a costume runway parade showed off the vision of various designers. The Studio was decorated for the event with an assortment
of random animals and kick-knacks, in keeping with the Surrealist tradition. The monies raised will go toward education and outreach, a continuation of The Studio’s mission for more than 30 years. Start working on a costume for next year’s ball which promises to be bigger and better — and weirder.
February 2017 ISSUE • 9
10 • ISSUE February 2017
Volume 23, No. 5 Photos by Stephan Malick, John Fulbright and Andy Coughlan
February 2017 ISSUE • 11
Volume 23, No. 5
balancing acts
murphy, ayslworth exhibits challenge viewer perceptions at amSeT
wITH SweepInG LIneS anD curves, and a song or two, a pair of artists challenge perceptions of space and balance at the art museum of Southeast Texas through Feb. 26. Steve murphy’s “It’s all Come Down to This,” and David ayslworth’s “either/and,” play off each other perfectly. murphy’s sculptures and aylsworth’s paintings complement each other, not least in the sense of play evident in the works — and the fact that each man draws from song lyrics for the titles. Groves-native murphy was originally a painter and studied at Lamar University — mainly to avoid the draft, he said. when he was given a high draft number he dropped out. He later returned to Lamar to study art with Jerry newman before attending the University of Houston where he was mentored by John alexander and took a class with richard Stout, graduating as an abstract painter featuring color field paintings with hash marks. He worked for a company making scale models of ships and buildings. Using those skills, he began building models of visual puns — “people didn’t get it.” eventually, he moved to sculptures based on geometry, in which he tries to change the proportion and twist the normal view of the piece. Ironically, he originally planned to study engineering but switched to art to avoid the math. now he said he uses math regularly in his creations. He draws a shape he likes on the computer in two dimensions, then translates it to a three-dimensional model. The pieces are seemingly static, but they push the line of balance — like they are either about to move or have just finished moving, and look as if they are on the verge of falling over. The cluster of three vertical wooden sculptures — “It’s not Going to Stop,” “what you expected?” and “as real as The Dream” — rise from the ground like stalagmites, while the curves of oxidized steel pieces such as “willful Suspension of Disbelief,” are inviting with their warm red hues. murphy said draws his inspiration from magazines, but not by simply browsing the images. He will look through them upside down saying that once gravity goes away, the shapes reveal themselves. The titles relate to song lyrics which have multiple lev-
Review and photos by Andy Coughlan
Sculptor Steve Murphy and painter David Aylsworth are featured in a pair of exhibitions at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas through Feb. 26. els or meanings, which he draws from a file he keeps. There is a lyrical quality to the works with their seeping curves, yet there is also a slight tension in the balance. murphy said he likes for people to bring their own ideas as to the meaning of the piece — and the more poetic the object, the more people bring to it. Ideally, he said, the objects are familiar and easy to look at, but are intriguing at the same time. David aylsworth’s “either/and” features thickly textured paintings features lines and shapes that are suggestive both literally — in that they seem familiar — and figuratively — they are suggestive in their sensuality. “Undulating Hips” is reminiscent of robert motherwell’s “elegy for the Spanish republic,” but the colors are softer than the stark blacks of motherwell’s masterpiece. while aylsworth eschews links abstract expressionism, the similarities are evident in the signature piece of
the exhibition, “Catholicism, pasta, and pornography.” The image is large with broad strokes and drips. reflecting the sensuality of his work, it is reminiscent of a reclining figure. The title, as with much of his work, is taken from a song lyric, in this case from the musical “nine.” aylsworth said he is a big fan of Broadway musicals. “aflame with Gay anticipation,” named for andy williams’ song “Sherry,” echoes late-career Franz kline, with large brush strokes and swaths of color built in layers. aylsworth’s work is carefully built layer upon layer to convey depth. The curves of “Invisible Like Gravity” resemble a collage of cut up feminine figures reclining, while “Totally Invisible” is like a mark rothko with clean edges suggest-
See AMSET on page 12
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AMSET from page 11 ing a desert horizon. There is a sense of fun and whimsy in play in the exhibit. During the gallery talk, aylsworth said that sex and body parts occupy his brain, but that he is drawn to
David Aylsworth’s “Either/And” and Steve Murphy’s “It’s All Come Down to This” are on display through Feb. 26.
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landscapes. The works reflect the push and pull of those influences, with the figurative being both in and of the landscapes. Through the underpainting and scraping, the paintings reveal their history and it is important that the viewer see what is going on, aylsworth said. The works are a visual feast of color, richly textured with depth that entices the viewer into the image. Like murphy, aylsworth pushes the forms to their limits, often seeming “off balance.” He said the paintings walk the line between being graphic but also off kilter. The work needs to be natural and spontaneous without appearing to be so. In many of aylsworth’s works, the floating, shifting shapes defy gravity, which makes his paintings the perfect companion exhibition for murphy’s sculptures. The two shows are a perfect complementary pair. The artists echo each other in some of the shapes they use, but they also represent a slightly skewed view of the way we see things. “Steve murphy: It’s all Come Down to This” and “David aylsworth: either/and” are on display through Feb. 26. amSeT is located at 500 main in downtown Beaumont. For more information, visit www.amset.org.
VIEW from page 3 By the time you get this ISSUe the annual Beaux arts Ball will already have happened. as I write, we are near the eve of that delightful day, and anticipate the successful outcome of long, diligent planning and arduous work to make this event a memorable occasion. as Surrealism is our theme, we hope that people learn about this interesting and eerie genre that is born from the science of modern psychology and the theory of relativity. new revelations into the real world always affects artist and their work, and we hope people find this a new vista in the
HSG to host Chance Hall show HIGH STreeT GaLLery wILL host an exhibition of artwork by Chance Hall, 7-10 p.m., Feb. 18. The gallery is located in victoria House, 2110 victoria St. in Beaumont. The exhibition includes acrylic paintings, drawings, and collages on canvas, paper and masonite. Hall describes his work as "psychedelic, abstract, dark and colorful, high contrast." entry is free and the work will be for sale. refreshments will be available at the event. Beaumont-native Hall lives in austin now, but studied art at Lamar port arthur under Grace megnet. The artist said he pulls inspiration from instruc-
art experience. Look for the photos starting on page 8. we don’t do many fundraisers. most of our events are free or nearly so. we have monthly or weekly events that serve the artistic community and the general public, and all come at a rapid pace demanding well-timed precision to have each come off right. I need to recognize the assistance of our board of directors, but if you will indulge me I would like to especially recognize the chair of this event. my love my daughter olivia Grace Busceme. She unwillingly took this task on and as you have seen by now did an amazing job of coordinating all the events that have transpired that night. Speaking in the future using a past tense is crazy, but I know she will pull this off because she has
tors and peers, as well as Instagram, movies, and most of all music. The exhibition does not have an official title. "I'm really bad at naming things, but the best I can come up with is 'metal jelly'," Hall said. "I want people to understand what it's like to be a metal jelly. really I just like people to be in a state of confusion and delight. Sometimes I just wish aliens would put me in an intergalactic zoo where I can paint and eat whatever it is aliens eat." For more information, email victoriahousetx@gmail.com, or visit the High Street Gallery Facebook page.
so many people working with her who respect her ability as I do. For 11 years she singlehandedly put together 9-10 band nights a year, each coming off without a hitch. any unforeseen mistake handled and resolved. Her determination inspires me and everyone around her. She made secure inroads to the next generation to be a part of The Studio and we welcome that happy event. I also want to thank all the creative actors of this event ,the clothing designer and the models, actors and DJs, performers and avatars. each has put their heart and soul to make this the great event I know it will be. Thank you everyone for taking your precious time. without it we would be only a building.
February 2017 ISSUE • 13
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RAIN from page 6 demolition, but was saved by the Buffalo Bayou partnership (BBp). after an extensive restoration, the former water reservoir welcomed its first visitors in may of 2016. not surprisingly, the new attraction became instantly popular with Houstonians and city guests: more than 19,000 people have visited the Cistern since the day of its opening. now there is another, even more compelling reason to see this magnificent structure. For the next five months, the Cistern will be the site of the video installation “rain” by renowned venezuelan artist magdalena Fernández. recently purchased by mFaH, this work was featured in the last year’s exhibition “Contingent Beauty.” However, the scale and the raw interior of the new location take it to a completely different level of experience. magdalena Fernández draws inspiration from the masters of geometric abstraction and transforms their works into virtual installations that involve light, sound and movement. In “rain” (original title “2ipm009,” which stands for “second installation-piet mondrian2009”), she started with a basic geometric unit that references “Composition in Line,” dated 1917, by piet mondrian from his “pier and ocean” series. while mondrian was breaking the image of the visible world into a
series of basic geometric shapes, Fernández reverted the process and re-united the abstract patterns with nature, having created an illusion of a rain-soaked night. The image originates with a dot on the plane which metamorphoses and moves in space. The resulting unit, which runs on a 1-minute and 56-second loop, is then multiplied through the exponential projection on the walls of the exhibition space. In the dark and mysterious interior of the Cistern, the imagery reaches cosmic proportions as the flickering lines appear and disappear on the columns and cast reflections in the shallow pool of water deep down at the bottom of the abyss. The virtual experience of being caught in a storm is further enhanced by the soundtrack. However, there is a trick. although we are convinced that we hear rain and thunder, the sound actually comes from people. This amazing illusion is produced by the members of the Slovenian choir perpetuum Jazzile who are snapping their fingers, slapping their palms against their legs and stamping their heels on wooden surfaces. The artist skilfully edited the recording of the performance to create a soundscape that adds a human dimension to this complex and multi-layered work. amplified by a 17-second echo, the sound seems to be emanating from the walls, the ceiling and the columns, as if the giant Cistern were a living thing caught in a frenzy of a universal chaos. Contemporary art often strives for an immersive experience. “rain” by magdalena Fernández offers a rare opportunity to transport oneself to a dream-like reality where we can neither rely on our spatial awareness nor trust our senses. we are floating in the darkness, exposed to the sound and fury of the universe, surrounded
Piet Mondrian, Composition in Line, above, 1916-1917, Oil on canvas, Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller, Otterlo, The Netherlands Magdalena Fernández, right, at the opening of “Rain” at the Cistern. ISSUE photo by Elena Ivanova.
by the flickering lights and the unending song of the rain. The installation“rain: magdalena Fernández at the Houston Cistern” is organized jointly by BBp and the museum of Fine arts Houston and will be on view through June 4. Follow on Instagram and Twitter with #Cisternrain. The Houston Cistern is located in Buffalo Bayou park at 105 Sabine Street, Houston. Hours are wednesdays through Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tours every 30 minutes. admission is $10 a person; $8 for seniors (65+ with ID), youth (9-17), and students (18+ with ID). admission is free on Thursdays. Children under the age of nine are not permitted . Timed tickets can be purchased at www.buffalo bayou.org.
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Around & About
If you come across any interesting exhibitions, museums or other places on your travels, share them with us. Call 409-838-5393, or contact us through our web site at www.artstudio.org. Be sure to include the location and dates of the subject, as well as any costs. Southeast Texas artist MARK NESMITH will exhibits his vibrant and expressive depictions of the landscape as February’s featured artist at FINDER’S FAYRE ANTIQUES. Inspired by the bayous, beaches and woods he roamed growing up in Beaumont, nesmith’s richly textured paintings combine observation, memory, and imagination. part of the ongoing C.L.a.S.S. series featuring local artists, the show opens with a “First Thursday at the mildred” reception, Feb. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will be on view through march 3rd. Finder’s Fayre is located at 1485 Calder ave. in Beaumont. For more information, call 409-8337000.
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In commemoration of Black History month, the BEAUMONT ART LEAGUE will host a community exhibit of unity and expression, crossing cultural barriers
through art. UNITED WE STAND: THE ARTISTS PERSPECTIVE promises to be a powerful exhibit of artwork by our diverse network of talented artists that celebrates the contributions of africanamericans in art, history, and culture, Bridget m. Johnson, BaL board president, stated in a release. The exhibit will open Feb. 4 and run through march 11. “we anticipate the exhibit to feature compelling works of art that depicts messages of love, empowerment, acceptance, freedom, strength, hope, understanding and unity through the eyes of our community artists,” Johnson said. “we look forward to providing the community with a wonderful exhibit featuring even more talented artists from our community.” The League will screen a film titled, “Jean michel Basquiat Documentary — The radiant Child,’ Feb. 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. BaL is located at 2675 Gulf St. in Beaumont. For more information, call 409-8334179 or visit www.beaumontartleague.org. _____________ The SOUTHEAST TEXAS ARTS COUNCIL will host HEARTS FOR THE ARTS 2017, a valentine's reception Celebrating excellence in the arts & Humanities, Feb. 12 at Beau reve in port arthur, where SeTaC will present awards to various arts organizations and individuals. Tickets are $50, and the event will feature hors d'oeuvres, wine, desserts and Coffee. For tickets, call 409-835-2787 or email director@setxac.org. Beau reve restaurant is located at 4400 atlantic rd in port arthur. For more information, visit www.setxac.org. _____________ The ART MUSEUM OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS invites children and their families to join in a stimulating art adventure at “EITHER/AND” FAMILY ARTS
NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS
Individual
monica arias mary e. Dupree Dot moore maria Quijada kenneth wallon
Family/Group:
Sylvia Clubb avril, michelle & paul Falgout Johana & russell mercer Steven r. moore Cynthia & Dale parrish Carole Seabrooke Friend/Business:
Finder’s Fayre - Dexter augier kathy Boudreaux Gather Café - Jodi Hebert meredith “Butch” Jack Sustaining:
Giglio Distributing Co. Jim milner DAY, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11. This free event is held in conjunction with the current exhibitions, “David aylsworh: either/and” and “Steve murphy: It’s all Come Down to This.” Children are encouraged to create freedom hats for Black History month, woven hearts for valentine’s Day, feather masks for mardi Gras, and decorate a cookie for president’s Day. rounding out the fun will be live musical entertainment throughout the day. also adding to the enjoyment will be face painting and a snack bar. For more information, call (409) 8323432 or visit www.amset.org.
Mission Statement Founded in 1983, The Art Studio, Inc. is devoted to: providing opportunities for interaction between the public and the Southeast Texas community of artists; furnishing affordable studio space to originating artists of every medium; promoting cultural growth and diversity of all art forms in Southeast Texas; and providing art educational opportunities to everyone, of every age, regardless of income level, race, national origin, sex or religion. PURPOSE The purpose of The Art Studio, Inc. is to (1) provide educational opportunities between the general public and the community of artists and (2) to offer sustained support for the artist by operating a nonprofit cooperative to provide studio space and exhibition space to working artists and crafts people, and to provide an area for group work sessions for those artists and crafts people to jointly offer their labor, ideas, and enthusiasm to each other. GOALS 1. To present public exhibitions 2. To provide educational opportunities 3. To provide accessible equipment for artists 4. To provide peer feedback through association with other artists and crafts people OBJECTIVES 1. To present nine art exhibitions per year 2. To maintain equipment for artists in a safe working environment 3. To provide better access to artists for the public 4. To offer regularly scheduled adult and children’s classes 5. To develop and maintain public activities with all sectors of the community 6. To develop and maintain equipment to aid artists in their work 7. To provide a display retail outlet for artists 8. To expand programming and activities with increased facility space
Volume 23, No. 5
Thoughtcrime Gruene, Texas
Submission Guidelines and Disclaimer ISSUE solicits and publishes the work of local authors. Poetry, short fiction, scholarly works and opinion pieces may be submitted for review. All works must be typed and may be sent to TASI by email or by messaging the ISSUE Facebook page. The opinions expressed in “Thoughtcrime” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TASI, its Board of Directors, ISSUE’s editorial staff, or donors to TASI. Send typed works to: ISSUE, 720 Franklin, Beaumont, TX 77701 or e-mail info@artstudio.org Authors must submit a daytime telephone number and email along with all submissions. Pen names are acceptable, but authors must supply real names for verification. All printed works are protected by copyright. The author retains rights to any published work. ISSUE does not notify of rejection by mail or telephone.
It was fun She went psychotic at least there's no need for anti-biotic
Her mother taught her a lady to be But not how to handle all the fishes in the sea.
one love she's had and knows no other now she's glad to have Gained a brother.
Fishes are fast and she's too slow but willing to give fishing another go. So here's to the fishes so sleek and shiny She will give them a chance and never feel tiny. DonnaRae Wisor
Gruene reminds me of a&m when you haven’t wiped good enough. visitors act like pet coons — what they can’t tear up they shit on. It’s a beautiful ol’ tourist trap that reminds people of a bygone era — a lot of small rooms, carbs and cheese. That night — Delbert mcClinton at the hall. me: Delbert, you’re the cat with the cream. Delbert: I know! with a smile and a tone as if I should have already known. Dancing wildly — women were physically assaulting me to get my attention. Two ladies from Houston never heard of Delbert mcClinton. me: It’s the reason I like Delbert, Conway, or al Green — they sing about fucking in a nice and clever way. one clutched her neck cross and I apologetically caressed her other hand. It didn’t take long for Houston to understand and agree. Three girls from aspin — who were the least offensive — hung close. Later we smoked a J as one of them tried to gain the upper hand by teasing me about my accent. me: you be nice to me. aspin: How about a hot cream finger sandwich. me: That does sound good. But I’m afraid we have hit the high water mark and I gotta get back to my momma and dad. The next night we ate at Japanese-style restaurant. while driving back to our cottage my mother and I encountered road rage. Someone had wiped in front of us — I didn’t think too much about it. The man got out of his car and walked the vehicle to his right. I thought he was having car trouble. He was then headed our way. I rolled down the window. me: what’s the matter? road rage: Get out of the fucking car! It took a few seconds to understand. me: you bet! I put it in park to kick his teeth out — my mother grabbed my arm — I was still trying to get out with her attached. She was not letting go. So now I have to fight off road rage with one arm and this little wagon burner on the other. I thought whose side are you on. a red sweater from road rage’s car ran over. red Sweater: He has pTSD! me: Get him out of here! He is still trying to fight behind her. She is trying to justify his actions. me: If it’s his life that ails him I can cure it. They drive off and my mother still has a hold of me. we call the police and give a statement. I said some things out of anger to her that I didn’t mean. me: you could have got me killed. wagon Burner: you could have got me killed. She was shook up and her body hurt. I forget people —
February 2017 ISSUE • 15
mainly right-brained humans — don’t naturally live in that reality and it’s not normal. Back at the cottage I comfort her and put her hurt back and neck to bed. Hour later back at the Hall — Texas Tornados are warming up. I wait around for someone to sell me their ticket. Sneaking around back to take a piss I noticed the town rolled up around 10pm. as soon as I get in I run into augie meyers — keyboard. He said he was hanging in there. I don’t stay long — I know my mother is worried I was out. I had already let it go by the time I talked to the police — she held it for days and I’m sorry it happened. Gruene has nothing else to offer us so we leave the next day. people flock to the rivers because of the contrast of the slow dry and the fast wet. The kinetic energy draws life forms to its nourishment. water is life. energy can neither be formed nor destroyed — it just is. However, it can be directed for beauty or ugly. I pray someday people of Texas and visitors can learn to gather the nourishment and pick up their damn beer can when they leave. Nathaniel Welch
What’s up with this weather
The unorthodox heat of this Texas climate Is nothing new to me. Shorts and tee shirt at Christmas time Is a giving… normally. But when I board a commercial plane and travel to La my expectations are of clear blue skies and warm fair weather days.
I wasn’t prepared for what met me when I arrived at LaX. a sober wind pushed relentlessly my brain is now perplexed. am I not in sunny “C”? am I on the west coast? This mythical place where “it never rains” The inhabitants brag and boast. Did the airlines pull a fast one on me? Is this the Twilight Zone? I’m baffled…I don’t understand right now, my mind is blown. as I wait for my ride on that cold windy day Some serious thought became known I should have kept my a—-at home as I stood chilled to the bone. Dorothy Sells Clover
720 Franklin, Beaumont, Texas 77701
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INSIDE • ‘PARTY-CIPATION 2.0” • THOUGHTCRIME: MUSINGS FROM AREA POETS • SURREALIST BALL IN PICTURES • BOOMTOWN FILM FESTIVAL
When you support The Art Studio with your membership, you receive ISSUE, Southeast Texas’ and Southwest Louisiana’s alternative press, as well as class schedules, invitations to opening receptions and various Studio functions. Volunteers These people are the life blood of our organization. WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! To volunteer, drop by The Art Studio, Inc., or call 409-838-5393.
elizabeth Fontenot Bryan Castino Heather & adam Butler rhonda rodman Sue wright Cyndi Grimes rhonda mcnally andy Coughlan John roberts Beau Dumesnil karen Dumesnil Sheila Busceme kailee viator Caitlin Duerler Stephan malick Terri Fox avril Falgout michelle Falgout Stacey Haynes Joe winston John Fulbright mark Jacobson nathaniel welch Gina Garcia Hayley Hardin Jack Hays Tyler Hargraves aslinn Garcia Chase kiker paisley polk Zoe williams rana matthews michael Beard Brittany Tawater Juliet Goldstein Caroline Badon Jake Hollier Breanna workman David Granitz pat Grimes
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THIS MONTH:
ART EVENT FEBRUARY 4, 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. EVENING RECEPTION IS FEBRUARY 4, 7-10 P.M.
This project was funded in part by the B.a. & e.w. Steinhagen Benevolent Trust through the Southeast Texas arts Council.
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