Cultural Event 3

Where the Wild Things Art – Illiterate Art Gallery Opening Night 11/13/09

The opening night of the Illiterate art gallery featured a showcase of art inspired by the children’s book, and recently released movie, “Where the Wild Things Are”. The aptly named show entitled “Where the Wild Things Art” featured work from over 20 local artists including our very own TA Allie Pohl. Upon entering the Illiterate art space, the main floor was filled with contemporary/street art styled pieces and moving downstairs a few installation pieces were on display for gallery-goers to experience. The type of people who were attended the show was also interesting to note; everyone seemed to be fairly young individuals boasting indie fashion and swagger filled attitudes. Moreover, everyone seemed to being enjoying the art, as well as the company, and it was refreshing to experience accompanied by a somewhat clamorous atmosphere rather than a rigid and decorous one.

One piece in particular that caught my eye was a watercolor by Max Kauffman titled “And the Walls Became the World All Around”. The piece consists of a few images taken from the “Where the Wild Things Are” storybook illustrations, including representations of Carol and the bird character (Both “Wild Things” in the original story). It is also very much characteristic of his art style which tends to incorporate contemporary looking slender brush strokes, distorted figures and childlike representations of real-world objects. Kauffman’s artist statement mentioned that he tried to imagine Max’s (the main character in “Where the Wild Things Are” bedroom walls transforming into the wild while still maintaining elements of the real world, and the piece does so effectively. It feel dreamlike and captivating, so much so that you’re not sure if you’re entering a nice world or a dangerous one. Looking at Kauffman’s body of work could be described as going back through your drawer of childhood drawings whilst equipped with a pair of ‘awesome’ glasses; it is imaginative, whimsical and playful while at the same time radiates sophistication. His online flickr gallery can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/kauffmanartistry.

Another intriguing piece in the show was the pen and ink portrait of Carol by Deadly Daisy titled “What My Eyes See”. Ultimately I was just incredibly impressed by the craftsmanship of this piece, the stippling in the face that creates the illusion of fur is incredibly intricate and feels real in person. The line-work in Carol’s hair is also extremely fine and boasts an excellent range of black and white values.  The focal point that is Carol’s eye, however, drew me in most. The illusion that the eye is glossy makes the emotion feel real; it communicates morose and deeply saddening feelings flawlessly. This is the type of piece that makes me wish I had made it. The piece can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/deadlydaisy/4056765706.